Nocturia: The circadian voiding disorder

How should we assess the cardiovascular system in patients presenting with bothersome nocturia? ICI-RS 2023

AIMS

The link between nocturia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is frequently discussed in literature, yet the precise nature of this relationship remains poorly characterized. The existing literature was reviewed in order to address issues concerning the origin, diagnosis, management, and implications of the co-occurrence of CVD and nocturia.

METHODS

This review summarizes literature and recommendations regarding the link between CVD and nocturia discussed during a think-tank meeting held at the 2023 International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society.

RESULTS

Cardiovascular disorders are often underestimated contributors to nocturia, with various potential mechanisms influencing nighttime urination, such as impact on fluid retention, atrial natriuretic peptide, and glomerular filtration rate. The redistribution of fluid from leg edema in supine position can lead nocturnal polyuria (NP). Additionally, sleep disturbances due to nocturia in itself may lead to CVD through an increase in blood pressure, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Disrupted circadian rhythms (e.g., in sleep pattern and urine production) were identified as critical factors in most etiologies of nocturia, and their contribution is deemed imperative in future research and treatment approaches, particularly in the aging population. NP can be detected through a simple bladder diary and can even be used to distinguish cardiac from noncardiac causes of nocturia. For the treatment of NP, desmopressin can be effective in select patients, however, caution and close monitoring is warranted for those with CVD due to increased risk of side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Gaps were identified in the available evidence and clear cut recommendations were put forth for future research. It is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms linking nocturia and CVD to develop optimal management strategies.

Link between circadian rhythm and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urologic disease in aging males, affecting 50% of men over 50 and up to 80% of men over 80 years old. Its negative impact on health-related quality of life implores further investigation into its risk factors and strategies for effective management. Although the exact molecular mechanisms underlying pathophysiological onset of BPH are poorly defined, the current hypothesized contributors to BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) include aging, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and hormonal changes. These processes are indirectly influenced by circadian rhythm disruption. In this article, we review the recent evidence on the potential association of light changes/circadian rhythm disruption and the onset of BPH and impact on treatment.

METHODS

A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify supporting evidence. The articles referenced ranged from 1975 to 2023.

RESULTS

A clear relationship between BPH/LUTS and circadian rhythm disruption is yet to be established. However, common mediators influence both diseases, including proinflammatory states, metabolic syndrome, and hormonal regulation that can be asserted to circadian disruption. Some studies have identified a possible relationship between general LUTS and sleep disturbance, but little research has been done on the medical management of these diseases and how circadian rhythm disruption further affects treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence to implicate a relationship between BPH/LUTS and circadian rhythm disruptions. However, there is scarce literature on potential specific link in medical management of the disease and treatment outcomes with circadian rhythm disruption. Further study is warranted to provide BPH patients with insights into circadian rhythm directed appropriate interventions.

Thematic Daily Sleep Routine Analysis of Adults Not in Employment Living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Day-to-day variations in sleep timing have been associated with poorer glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus, although the factors that influence this sleep timing variability are poorly understood.

METHODS

Daily routines of sleep in a sample of seventeen adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were either retired or not currently working were examined qualitatively through the application of semi-structured interviews and a thematic analysis of the resulting transcripts.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified: "Consistent Sleeping Patterns", "Fluctuating Sleep Timing", "Night-Time Disruptions" and "Lasting Effort Needed with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus". The subthemes reflected that many participants had consistent sleep schedules across the seven-day week, but that a desire to maintain a sense of normality, household routines, television schedules and socializing were associated with different sleep timing on weekends. Active disease monitoring and timed medication taking were not identified as important factors in shaping sleep timing. Nocturia, stress and rumination were identified as important factors linked to disrupted sleep. Sleep was not reported as an issue discussed during routine clinical care.

CONCLUSION

Sleep timing in participants appears to be driven by interacting psychosocial and physiological factors, although active disease management does not emerge as a major influence on sleep schedules.

Association of nocturia with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality: a prospective cohort study with up to 31 years of follow-up

Background

Nocturia is a highly prevalent and under-considered condition and impacts the quality of life for many individuals. The long-term impact of nocturnal voiding on mortality, especially mortality from cardiovascular disease, remains unknown. The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship of nocturnal voiding episodes with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among adults in the United States.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of 13,862 U.S. adults aged 20 years or older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-1994). Nighttime urination frequency was reported during an in-house interview. All-cause and cause-specific mortality were ascertained by linking to National Death Index mortality data through December 31, 2019. The associations of nocturia with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were estimated using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Throughout a median follow-up of 26.7 years, 5,029 deaths were reported, comprising 1,720 deaths from cardiovascular disease. In the fully adjusted model, participants who reported once, twice, and three or more times nocturnal voiding episodes have a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR1, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.997-1.49], HR2, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.13-1.91], and HR ≥ 3, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.52-2.53]) as well as all-cause mortality (HR1, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.90-1.39], HR2, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.23-1.93], and HR ≥ 3, 2.48 [95% CI, 1.81-3.40]), compared to those without nocturia, and heart disease-specific mortality (HR1, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.08-1.64], HR2, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.25-2.10], and HR≥3, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.61-2.67]). Nevertheless, there was no significant relationship between the number of nocturia episode changes and stroke-specific mortality.

Conclusion

Nocturia was associated with a significantly augmented risk of overall and heart disease-specific mortality in a dosage-dependent manner. Early recognition and taking precautions may benefit individuals with nocturia by promoting quality of life and cardiac health.

'Nocturomics': transition to omics-driven biomarkers of nocturia, a systematic review and future prospects

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review studies that investigated different biomarkers of nocturia, including omics-driven biomarkers or 'Nocturomics'.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed® , Scopus® , and Embase® were searched systematically in May 2022 for research papers on biomarkers in physiological fluids and tissues from patients with nocturia. A distinction was made between biomarkers or candidates discovered by omics techniques, referred to as omics-driven biomarkers, and classical biomarkers, measured by standard laboratory techniques and mostly thought from pathophysiological hypothesis.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies with 18 881 patients in total were included, eight of which focused on classical biomarkers including: atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), aldosterone, and melatonin. Five were 'Nocturomics', including one that assessed the microbiome and identified 27 faecal and eight urinary bacteria correlated with nocturia; and four studies that identified candidate metabolomic biomarkers, including fatty acid metabolites, serotonin, glycerol, lauric acid, thiaproline, and imidazolelactic acid among others. To date, no biomarker is recommended in clinical practice. Nocturomics are in an embryonic phase of conception but are developing quickly. Although candidate biomarkers are being identified, none of them are yet validated on a large sample, although some preclinical studies have shown a probable role of fatty acid metabolites as a possible biomarker of circadian rhythm and chronotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Further research is needed to validate biomarkers for nocturia within the framework of a diagnostic and therapeutic precision medicine perspective. We hope this study provides a summary of the current biomarker discoveries associated with nocturia and details future prospects for omics-driven biomarkers.

Circadian disruption and sleep disorders in neurodegeneration

Disruptions of circadian rhythms and sleep cycles are common among neurodegenerative diseases and can occur at multiple levels. Accumulating evidence reveals a bidirectional relationship between disruptions of circadian rhythms and sleep cycles and neurodegenerative diseases. Circadian disruption and sleep disorders aggravate neurodegeneration and neurodegenerative diseases can in turn disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep. Importantly, circadian disruption and various sleep disorders can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, harnessing the circadian biology findings from preclinical and translational research in neurodegenerative diseases is of importance for reducing risk of neurodegeneration and improving symptoms and quality of life of individuals with neurodegenerative disorders via approaches that normalize circadian in the context of precision medicine. In this review, we discuss the implications of circadian disruption and sleep disorders in neurodegenerative diseases by summarizing evidence from both human and animal studies, focusing on the bidirectional links of sleep and circadian rhythms with prevalent forms of neurodegeneration. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and suggest a promising role of circadian-based interventions.

Circadian rhythms in neurodegenerative disorders

Endogenous biological clocks, orchestrated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, time the circadian rhythms that synchronize physiological and behavioural functions in humans. The circadian system influences most physiological processes, including sleep, alertness and cognitive performance. Disruption of circadian homeostasis has deleterious effects on human health. Neurodegenerative disorders involve a wide range of symptoms, many of which exhibit diurnal variations in frequency and intensity. These disorders also disrupt circadian homeostasis, which in turn has negative effects on symptoms and quality of life. Emerging evidence points to a bidirectional relationship between circadian homeostasis and neurodegeneration, suggesting that circadian function might have an important role in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the circadian system has become an attractive target for research and clinical care innovations. Studying circadian disruption in neurodegenerative disorders could expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration and facilitate the development of novel, circadian-based interventions for these disabling disorders. In this Review, we discuss the alterations to the circadian system that occur in movement (Parkinson disease and Huntington disease) and cognitive (Alzheimer disease and frontotemporal dementia) neurodegenerative disorders and provide directions for future investigations in this field.

New insights in treatment of monosymptomatic enuresis

OBJECTIVE

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is defined as uncontrollable bed-wetting for at least three consecutive months in children over 5 years. Sleep could be dramatically altered in children with primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE); consequently, this helps to confirm the assumption that PNE appears to modify sleep structure, or it might be the result of an irregular sleep structure itself.

METHOD

This study conducted on 180 patients with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. Their age was ranged from 6 to 18 years, and they were still having nocturnal enuresis episodes. We record two main points: first, if the child is a regular sleeper or not. The second point if the child is a regular bed wetter or not. This work fully compliant with the STROCCS criteria (Agha et al., 2019).

RESULT

A total of 180 children were included (Male 122, 67.8%, Female 58, 32.2%). The mean age was 8.9 (±2.4). This study showed that children aged 7-10 years are significantly more inclined to be reported as specific time bed-wetter's, whereas those aged between 11 and 13 are significantly less likely to wet their bed at a specific time (p = 0.001). Children who tend to sleep more often near a specific time each night are 6.74 times more prone to bed-wet around a particular time during their sleep (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study can be considered as hypothesis-generating that shed light on the possible correlation between the adherence to sleep at a specific time and its effect on the time of enuresis and the number of bedwetting.

Association of nocturia and cardiovascular disease: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

AIMS

To investigate the association of nocturia with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.

METHODS

Among the 40 790 individuals who participated in NHANES from 2005 to 2012, 14 114 adults were analyzed in this study. A participant was considered to have nocturia if they have two or more voiding episodes nightly. In addition, participants with nocturia more than four times in a day were considered to have severe nocturia. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for confounding variables, including age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol consumption, sleeping time, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus was performed with 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM).

RESULTS

Nocturia occurred in 4610 individuals (32.7%). The prevalence of CVD was significantly higher in men, older individuals, those with higher BMI, smokers, and those with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. There was also a significantly higher prevalence of nocturia in the participants with CVD. Multivariate analysis showed that odds ratios (ORs) of mild and severe nocturia for CVD were 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.39) and 1.74 (95% CI: 1.39-2.17), respectively. After 1:1 PSM, the ORs of mild and severe nocturia were 1.27 (95% CI: 1.10-1.48) and 1.73 (95% CI: 1.33-2.26), respectively, showing statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Data from the NHANES indicate that CVD was significantly associated with the prevalence of nocturia, after taking major confounding factors into account. Furthermore, the risk for CVD increases with increasing nocturia severity.

Exploratory pilot study of exogenous sustained-release melatonin on nocturia in Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Nocturia is one of the commonest non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Nocturia has evolved from being understood as a symptom of urological disorders or neurogenic bladder dysfunction to being considered as a form of circadian dysregulation. Exogenous melatonin is known to help circadian function and can be an effective strategy for nocturia in PD.

METHODS

In this open-label, single-site, exploratory, phase 2 pilot study, adults with PD and nocturia underwent assessments using standardized questionnaires, urodynamics studies and a bladder scan. This was followed by completion of a frequency volume chart (FVC) and 2-week sleep diary. Sustained-release melatonin 2 mg was then administered once-nightly for 6 weeks. A repeat assessment using questionnaires, the FVC and sleep diary was performed whilst on treatment with melatonin. Companion or bed partners filled in sleep questionnaires to assess their sleep during the intervention.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (12 males; mean age 68.2 [SD = 7.8] years; mean PD duration 8.0 [±5.5] years) with PD reporting nocturia were included. Administration of melatonin was associated with a significant reduction in the primary outcome bother related to nocturia measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia (ICIQ-N) (p = 0.01), number of episodes of nocturia per night (p = 0.013) and average urine volume voided at night (p = 0.013). No serious adverse events were reported. No significant improvement was noted in bed partner sleep scores.

CONCLUSIONS

In this preliminary open-label study, administration of sustained-release melatonin 2 mg was found to be safe for clinical use and was associated with significant improvements in night-time frequency and nocturnal voided volumes in PD patients.

[Urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea: Systematic review]

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work was to make a review of urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction involved in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but also to study their physiopathology and potential treatments.

METHODS

We conducted a literature review in the Pubmed database using PRISMA guidelines and the MeSH terms: sleep apnea, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, sexuality. All French and English articles published up to 2020 were evaluated.

RESULTS

The initial evaluation identified 240 articles from which 30 were included. References lists review allowed the inclusion of 26 additional articles. Nocturia, overactive bladder (OAB) and erectile dysfunction (ED) were associated with OSA. Increased levels of natriuretic peptides are behind nocturia. Nocturia is associated with higher Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) (49±11 vs 24±8 episodes/hour with P=0.0001). The severity of nocturia is proportional to the severity of OSA with a positive predictive value of 71%. Intermittent nocturnal hypoxemia causes peripheral axonal damage with subsequent urgency incontinence. There is correlation between severity of OAB and the severity of OSA especially when the latter is moderate or severe. An odds ratio of 0.45 (CI95%: 0.18-0.71) is found for ED in patients who don't have OSA, associating the latter to an increased risk of ED. Intermittent nocturnal hypoxemia, the decrease in the levels of nitric oxide, and the increase in blood pressure and levels of endothelin 1 contribute to the development of ED. An early treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may allow a partial but significant control of urinary symptoms and erectile dysfunction associated with OSA.

CONCLUSION

OSA is associated with urinary tract symptoms (nocturia and OAB) and erectile dysfunction. The severity of associated symptoms is related to the severity of OSA. Urinary and sexual troubles are reversible after treatment of OSA by CPAP. OSA research is reasonable in case of pathologic nocturia or ED with loss of morning erections.

Nocturia: Prevalence and associated factors in community-dwelling subjects - a population- based study

OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of nocturia and identify factors associated with it in a community-dwelling population. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in subjects aged 45 years or more and registered with a Family Doctor Program. Information was collected about nocturia, other urinary symptoms, physical examination, co-morbidities, demographics, socio-economic, and lifestyle factors. Multiple logistics regression models were developed to analyze associated factors for nocturia according to gender and the number of nocturnal micturitions(≥1 and ≥2). RESULTS Out of the 661 individuals included in the study, 62.3% were women. Among the women, the prevalence rates for nocturia ≥1 time and ≥2 times were, respectively, 68.4% and 49%, whereas, among the men, they were 64.3% and 43.8%. Among the women, nocturia ≥1 time was associated with brown skin, a higher BMI, lower schooling, and calcium channel blockers(CCB) use, while nocturia ≥2 times showed association with higher BMI, lower schooling, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and the use of CCB. Among the men, nocturia ≥1 time was associated positively with age, alcohol intake, and OSA, and negatively with angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers use. Besides, nocturia ≥2 times was associated with age, not having health insurance, and OSA. CONCLUSIONS Nocturia is a condition highly prevalent in the studied population. For the female subjects, a higher BMI, lower schooling, and the use of CCB were associated with nocturia regardless of the definition used, whereas, among the men, that same association was found with age, not having health insurance, and OSA.

Nocturia in patients with cognitive dysfunction: a systematic review of the literature

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate current literature on the association between cognitive dysfunction and nocturia.

Methods

A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was conducted through MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases and completed in November 2019. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included if they assessed the association between cognitive dysfunction and nocturia in older participants with or without neurological diseases. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS).

Results

A total of 8 cross-sectional studies conducted in older patient populations met the criteria for inclusion. A statistically significant association was identified in 6 studies on univariate analysis, which persisted in 2 studies after controlling for confounding factors. The association between cognitive dysfunction and nocturia was positive for all 6 significant analyses. The overall risk of bias was unclear.

Conclusion

A significant positive association between cognitive dysfunction and nocturia was identified. However, research has been limited to cross-sectional studies, which precludes identification of causality between cognitive dysfunction and nocturia. Heightened awareness of the complex interplay between cognition and nocturia would allow professionals involved in the care of cognitively impaired patients with concomitant nocturia to more effectively manage these symptoms.

Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Nocturia and Nocturnal Polyuria: The Contribution of Cellular Function, the Urinary Bladder Urothelium, and Circadian Rhythm

Alterations to arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion, the urinary bladder urothelium (UT) and other components of the bladder, and the water homeostasis biosystem may be relevant to the pathophysiology of nocturia and nocturnal polyuria (NP). AVP is the primary hormone involved in water homeostasis. Disruption to the physiological release of AVP or its target effects may relate to several urinary disturbances. Circadian dysregulation and the effects of aging, for example, the development of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, may play a role in nocturia voiding symptoms. The urinary bladder UT not only acts as a highly efficient barrier that is maintained during the filling and voiding of the urinary bladder, but is also capable of sensory and transducer function through a network of functional receptors and ion channels that enable reciprocal communication between UT cells and neighboring elements of the bladder mucosa and wall. Functional components of the UT (eg, claudins and receptors or ion channels) play important roles in AVP-mediated water homeostasis. These components and functions involved in water homeostasis, as well as kidney function, may be affected by the aging process, including age-related mitochondrial dysfunction. The characteristics of NP are discussed and the association between NP and circadian rhythm is examined in light of reports that suggest that nocturia should be considered as a type of circadian dysfunction. Many possible pathologic mechanisms that underlie nocturia and NP have been identified. Future studies may provide further insight into pathophysiology with the hope of identifying new treatment modalities.

The Association Between Obesity and the Nocturia in the U.S. Population

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the association of obesity with nocturia using a nationally representative sample of adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2005 and 2012.

Methods

A total of 14,135 participants were included in this study. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to find the odds ratio (OR) of obesity for nocturia. Furthermore, the OR of BMI for nocturia was analyzed using restricted cubic splines (RCS) with five knots. We conducted subgroup analysis according to age, sex, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (DM) and further analysis with 1:1 matching data with propensity score.

Results

The participants who had body mass index (BMI) above 30 kg/m² had a significantly higher OR for nocturia (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.28–1.50) than those without obesity. RCS showed a dose-dependent relationship between BMI and OR for nocturia. Subgroup analysis by age, sex, hypertension, and DM showed similar results. Further analysis with 1:1 matching data showed a significant association of obesity with the prevalence of nocturia (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10–1.41).

Conclusions

This study reported that obesity was significant association with the prevalence of nocturia with dose-dependent manner, regardless of age, sex, hypertension, and DM after taking major confounding factors into account.

Tailoring pharmacotherapy for male lower urinary tract symptoms: A prospective, multicenter, observational trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of tailoring and efficacy of several types of pharmacotherapy in male LUTS.

METHODS

Prospectively 404 male subjects were included who were over 40 years old, had at least 3 months symptom duration, and 12 or higher international prostate symptom score (IPSS). Subjects were treated with several types of pharmacotherapy for 6 months and were evaluated with IPSS/QoL at every follow-up. Subjects were subdivided into storage (44%), nocturia (18.5%), and voiding symptom (37.5%) groups according to the most bothersome symptom.

RESULTS

At 6 months, 188 subjects (46.5%) completed the study. The mean age was 64.2±8.5 years, and symptom duration was 30.6±32.6 months. PSA was 2.98±7.96 ng/mL, and prostate size was 32.8±14.2 cc. IPSS continually decreased from baseline (18.7) to last follow-up (10.8). Combination therapy increased from 33.0% to 52.7% at last follow-up (P=.006). However, there was no difference of IPSS changes between combination and monotherapy groups (P>.05). Only antimuscarinic prescription significantly increased from 15.4% to 28.2% (P=.004). Mean number of visits to the clinic was 3.6±1.3 and the number of treatment changes was 0.31±0.47. The nocturia (0.47±0.51) group changed treatment more than voiding group (0.21±0.41, P=.003). However, the voiding group (-9.4) had significantly more improvement than e storage (-6.4) and nocturia (-7.8) groups (P=.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Male LUTS continually improved over 6 months with customised treatment. Pharmacotherapy for male LUTS should be tailored by symptom type and alteration of symptoms during treatment.