Ephedrine hydrochloride: novel use in the management of resistant non-neurogenic daytime urinary incontinence in children.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether the adrenoceptor agonist, ephedrine hydrochloride, is an effective treatment for resistant non-neurogenic daytime urinary incontinence in children.

METHODS:

From 2000 to 2010, eighteen children with resistant non-neurogenic daytime urinary incontinence were treated with oral ephedrine hydrochloride at our institution. Sixteen were female and two were male. Median age at treatment was 12 years (range 5-15 years). Two children had spina bifida occulta. There were no other co-morbidities. Multiple anticholinergics were prescribed and dose maximized to support a bladder and bowel training programme, without achieving continence in this resistant group of children. Pre-treatment urodynamics were normal in 10, but revealed an open bladder neck in 8 patients. None showed detrusor over-activity. Oral ephedrine hydrochloride was started at 7.5 mg or 15 mg twice daily and titrated up to a maximum of 30 mg four times daily according to response.

RESULTS:

Median follow-up was 7 years (range 6-8 years). Seventeen children (94%) reported improvement in symptoms and six (33%) achieved complete urinary continence. All patients maintained compliant bladders on post-treatment urodynamics. Seven of the 8 previously open bladder necks were closed. No patients reported any significant side effects. Patients with open bladder necks on pre-treatment urodynamics were more likely to show a full response to ephedrine (odds ratio 15; 95% CI 1.2-185.2).

CONCLUSIONS:

Oral ephedrine hydrochloride is an effective treatment for carefully selected children with resistant non-neurogenic daytime urinary incontinence.

• Authors: Neil Featherstone, Joanna Stanwell, Susan Affleck, Kate Wang, Feilim Murphy, Su-Anna Boddy
• Journal: Journal of pediatric urology (J Pediatr Urol) Vol. 9 Issue 6 Pt A Pg. 915-8 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 1873-4898 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23332206 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Adrenergic Agents
• Ephedrine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adrenergic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Diurnal Enuresis (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Ephedrine (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Radiography
• Spinal Dysraphism (surgery)
• Toilet Training
• Treatment Outcome
• Urinary Bladder (drug effects)
• Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction (surgery)
• Urodynamics (drug effects)