Introduction

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a common paediatric problem associated with hereditary factors significantly affecting the physical and psychosocial well-being of children and their families. The aim of this retrospective study was an analysis of the medical records of siblings diagnosed with NE at the Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Medical University of Lublin, from January 2013 to December 2023, focusing on clinical characteristics, type concordance, uroflowmetry patterns, and treatment outcomes.

Material and methods

Siblings aged ≥ 5 years with a diagnosis of NE according to the Polish Society of Paediatric Nephrology guidelines were included in the study. The cohort comprised 41 children (18 girls, 23 boys) from 20 families. Clinical data included age at first admission, NE type, lower urinary tract symptoms, uroflowmetry curves, and pharmacotherapy. Treatment response was assessed at follow-up. Descriptive and comparative statistics were applied.

Results

Participants at first admission were aged 5.25–12.67 years (mean 7.88). Monosymptomatic NE and non-monosymptomatic NE (NMNE) were identified in 19 and 22 children, respectively, with type concordance in 12 sibling pairs. Primary NE was diagnosed in 31 children and secondary NE in 7; data were unavailable for 3. Urgency was the predominant symptom among NMNE patients (77%). Uroflowmetry curves were physiological in 75.6% of children, and 77.8% of sibling pairs presented concordant patterns. Oxybutynin was the most commonly used therapeutic agent, both as monotherapy and in combination, with beneficial effects in the majority of patients. Concordant treatment and therapeutic response were observed in 60% of sibling pairs, including differing NE types.

Conclusions

The familial occurrence of NE highlights the role of genetic and shared environmental factors. Its manifestation among siblings warrants consideration of family patterns in understanding the patho- physiology and guiding management. Simultaneously, clinical similarities and differences highlight individual variability in NE phenotypic expression.