Differences in characteristics of nocturnal enuresis between children and adolescents: a critical appraisal from a large epidemiological study.

Objective: To evaluate any differences in the characteristics of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) between younger enuretic children and adolescents.

Subjects And Methods: In all, 21 000 questionnaires designed to determine the presence or absence of bed-wetting, diurnal incontinence, frequency of wetting, systemic illness, and family history, were sent to children aged 5-19 years from 67 kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools randomly selected by a computer from different areas in Hong Kong. In addition, questions were asked to evaluate when and how the parents became aware that bed-wetting is a significant medical problem deserving attention in children after the age of 5 years.