Study: Age is only significant predictor of nocturia

While many characteristics and conditions are associated with nocturia, patient age is the only factor that can significantly be linked with its development, Dutch researchers report.

First author Boris Van Doorn, MD, of University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands, and colleagues analyzed the database of a population-based cohort that included 1,688 men aged 50 to 78 years. Men without nocturia at baseline and no exclusion criteria (radical prostatectomy, transurethral surgery, or bladder or prostate cancer) were selected.

Data were obtained using frequency-volume charts, from which the nocturnal voiding frequency was determined. Nocturia was defined as a nocturnal voiding frequency ≥2. Conditions and characteristics were determined via a medical exam and a 113-item questionnaire. Inclusion criteria included albuminuria, obesity, hypertension, nocturnal maximum voided volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac symptoms, smoking, and alcohol intake (>2 units daily).

Of the 395 men ultimately included in the study (median age, 59.8 years), univariable and multivariable analysis of their baseline characteristics showed no significant differences. Variables with an association (pp

"The univariable and multivariable logistic regression models revealed that only age and alcohol intake were significantly related to the development of nocturia," observed Dr. Van Doorn, who worked on the study with J. L. H. Ruud Bosch, MD, PhD, and colleagues. "Interestingly, alcohol intake had a protective effect against nocturia development."

The study was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.

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