Genetic factors as predictors for desmopressin treatment success

The significance of a positive family history in predicting responsiveness to desmopressin (DDAVP(R)) treatment was evaluated in 71 children with nocturnal enuresis. A good response to treatment was recorded in 91% of those children with a positive family history compared with only 7% of those with a negative family history. A review of the published literature further supports the predictive value of a positive family history and also confirms the importance of a broad definition for family history-including persistent nocturia. The importance of defining the family history is also discussed in terms of response to some other therapies for nocturnal enuresis.