ENURESIS AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP-APNEA IN ADULTS

Adult enuresis is an unusual symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although it is described as a classic symptom off childhood OSA, enur esis is encountered infrequently in adult sleep medicine. Five adults with enuresis associated with sleep apnea presented to our Sleep Disor ders Center. In all five cases, the onset of enuresis was associated w ith the progression of sleep apnea symptoms. In each case, the enuresi s resolved with treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressu re. Current medical literature on the postulated mechanisms of nocturi a and enuresis in sleep apnea is reviewed. Based on the experience of the authors and review of the medical literature, one may; conclude th at severe OSA may lead to new-onset enuresis in adults and that effect ive treatment of OSA is associated with resolution of enuresis.