J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol > Volume 16(1); 2012 > Article
J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2012;16(1): 9-14. doi: https://doi.org/10.3339/jkspn.2012.16.1.9
야뇨증의 병태생리: 뇌, 수면장애 그리고 정신적 효과
박관진
서울대학교 의과대학 비뇨기과학교실
Pathogenesis of Enuresis: Brain, Sleep Dysfunction and Psychological Effects
Kwan-Jin Park
Department of Urology, Seoul National University
Received: April 13, 2012;  Accepted: April 22, 2012.
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ABSTRACT
The relationship between central nervous system (CNS) and enuresis has not been sufficiently elucidated despite the presence of several circumstantial evidences. Contrary to common belief, polysomnographic sleep analysis revealed that the disturbance of arousal rather than deep sleep was responsible for enuresis. Subsequent studies confirmed depressed sympathetic tone and retarded brainstem reflex indicating abnormal arousal threshold in enuretics. In accordance with the bladder-brain dialogue, chronic stimulation of bladder may modify the brainstem function elevating arousal threshold. Epidemiological studies have suggested the association between enuresis and various psychosomatic disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which has shown the abnormal brainstem reflex similar to enuresis. Taken together, CNS is assumed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of enuresis. Psychological assessment is vital to understand the psychodynamic effect of enuresis. Studies have shown that the prevalence of psychological problems was higher in enuretic children and externalization of the symptoms was usually found. Several explanations have been brought up regarding the development of enuresis and psychological problems. Enuresis may cause psychological problems and vice versa. Otherwise, both may be associated with other variables, such as socioeconomic status (SES).
Key words: Central nervous system | Enuresis | Sleep
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