Childhood nocturnal enuresis: factors associated with outcome of treatment with an enuresis alarm.

A study was carried out to assess the factors that may affect the outcome of a single course of treatment for childhood nocturnal enuresis by use of an enuresis alarm. 113 children were treated and followed up; those showing failure of initial arrest of wetting, relapse and longterm successful outcome were analysed separately. Emphasis is placed on the need for the adoption of clear criteria regarding the definition of these three groups, and for an adequate follow-up of treated cases. Unsatisfactory housing conditions and circumstances giving rise to family difficulties were significantly associated with a less favourable rate of initial arrest. In the long term, family difficulties again were found to be significantly related to poor outcome. Behavioural deviance, as revealed by a teacher's behavioural questionnaire also adversely affected long-term success, although less significantly so. Family difficulties emerged as the most important predictor for outcome of treatment and adversely influenced the rate of initial arrest of wetting, the relapse rate and the long-term success rate.