II. Indications
- Nocturnal Enuresis (Bed wetting) especially in child under age 7 years
III. Devices
- Bell, light, vibrator, or buzzer and Pad (Alarm)
- Alarms when device becomes wet
IV. Efficacy
- Higher success rate (75%) than medications
- Least relapse rate after therapy is stopped (41%)
V. Advantages
- Best efficacy of any method in Nocturnal Enuresis (better than Desmopressin and Imipramine)
- Low initial cost ($100) compared with medications
- Alarm may be covered by insurance
- Vibratory alarms are available for hearing impaired
VI. Disadvantages
- Requires use often for up to 15 weeks
- Parents and children must be motivated for success
- Parents often need to sleep in same room with child initially to assist awakening to the alarm
- High drop-out rate (10-30%)
- Bed wetting should be at least 1-2 nights weekly to be warranted
VII. Preparations: Devices
- Bed alarms that wake the child (instead of the parent) are most effective
- Children prefer body-worn bed alarms over bed pads
- Do not use electric shock alarms
