Impact of desmopressin on nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria in men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH)

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of desmopressin on nocturia, quality of sleep (QoS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) and nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria (NP) as the predominant symptom. Methods A German observational, multicenter, post-marketing surveillance study including men with LUTS/BPH and nocturia due to NP starting 3 months of desmopressin treatment. Results In total, 137 patients with a mean of 3.8 nocturnal voids (range 2–7) were included. Desmopressin significantly reduced the mean number of nocturnal voids by 53 %, mean IPSS nocturia question by 50 %, and the mean ratio of night/24-h urine volume by 39 % from baseline to endpoint. The hours of undisturbed sleep significantly increased by 74 %; 71 % of men reported about undisturbed sleep of ≥4 h at study end. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire score, indicating a clinically relevant QoS improvement. This was associated with an improved HRQoL, as shown by a significant improvement in both the mean IPSS-QoL question by 43 % and mean ICIQ-N nocturia problem question by 53 %. Concomitant alpha-blocker use had no effect on the efficacy of desmopressin. The incidence of adverse events was low (2.2 %). Hyponatremia was not observed in any patient. The majority of patients and physicians rated the efficacy and tolerability of desmopressin as good/very good. Conclusions Desmopressin is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for nocturia due to NP in patients with LUTS/BPH in daily practice under routine conditions.