A PHARMACODYNAMIC STUDY OF DESMOPRESSIN IN PATIENTS WITH NOCTURNAL ENURESIS

The pharmacokinetics Of desmopressin (1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopres sin) were investigated in 8 patients with nocturnal enuresis, of whom 4 were known to respond completely to desmopressin and 4 were nonrespo nders. A decrease in urine production was confirmed in responders afte r the administration of desmopressin while the drug did not cause anti diuresis in nonresponders. Absorption and excretion of desmopressin we re identical in each group. Results indicate at least 2 pathophysiolog ical mechanisms in nocturnal enuresis, including insufficient nocturna l production of arginine vasopressin and impaired renal sensitivity to arginine vasopressin and desmopressin. Each type results in high noct urnal urine production.