The Effect of Imipramine in the Treatment of Childhood Primary Nocturnal Enuresis

Hwang, Jai Hoon; Koh, Sung Kun

Abstract

Since MacLean's observation of the possibility of imipramine hydrochloride usefulness in 1960, it has been widely used in the therapy of childhood enuresis. The authors observed 25 cases receiving imipramine therapy and urethral dilatation for primary nocturnal enuresis. Of the 25 patients, 18 boys and 7 girls 4 to 18 years old, in this study, 8 received urethral dilatation because of lower urinary tract stricture. 2 of 8 were no more bed-wetting during sleep. But the other 6were persistent enuretic. 23 cases, 17 without urinary tract disorder and the above 6, were taken imipramine hydrochloride 50mg or 75rag according to the body weight of patients for 28 days one hour before bedtime. During the therapy with imipramine, the effect was excellent in 11 cases, fair in 10 and no effect in 2. After the cessation of the drug, follow-up observation was done at least 1 month. The response was as followed; Complete response in 4 cases, good response in 10, transient response in 7 and no response in 2. Over-all results of complete and good response to the enuretic children through both the administration of imipramine and instrumental dilatation of urethral stricture were 16 case(64%), transient response in 7 cases(28%) and no effect in 2 cases(8%).