Effect of 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin on prepulse inhibition of startle supports a central etiology of primary monosymptomatic enuresis.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) has an effect on prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle in patients with primary monosymptomatic enuresis (PME), thus indicating a central effect.

Study Design: Patients with PME (n = 21, age 6 to 12 years) were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study. Startle reflexes and PPI were measured under dDAVP treatment versus placebo.