PURPOSE: We evaluated the combination of alarm and desmopressin versus alarm monotherapy for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blind, placebo controlled study of alarm therapy combined with desmopressin for children with nocturnal enuresis is described. Of 93 patients 47 were randomized to receive alarm therapy and 40 microg. intranasal desmopressin for 3 weeks followed by 20 microg. desmopressin for 3 weeks (group 1) and 46 received alarm therapy and placebo (group 2). After 6 weeks on alarm therapy and medication or placebo, both groups received an additional 3 weeks of alarm monotherapy. A specialized nurse practitioner advised patients and families of the treatment to be given at home and in the outpatient department. Bed-wetting frequency was evaluated before during and 2 weeks and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: A significantly greater reduction in the number of wet nights was observed after the first 3 weeks of treatment in group 1. However, after long-term followup no significant differences in bed-wetting frequency were noted. CONCLUSIONS: There is a temporary, positive effect on enuresis using desmopressin combined with alarm therapy. However, both treatment modalities have a low long-term success rate of 36% to 37%.

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