Efficacy and safety of desmopressin for treatment of nocturia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blinded trials

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of desmopressin for the treatment of nocturia. Methods Databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI web of knowledge, the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register of Controlled Trials and Chinese Biological Medical Database were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that referred to the efficacy and safety of desmopressin for the treatment of nocturia. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Results Five studies involving 619 participants were included for the meta-analysis, and 8 RCTs of cross-over design were also identified for the systematic review. The analysis revealed that desmopressin might significantly decrease the frequency of nocturnal voids, nocturnal urine volume and nocturnal diuresis, potentially resulting in an extended duration of the first sleep period and improved sleep quality. The adverse effects of desmopressin were similar to those observed in the placebo group. Conclusions Administered desmopressin was an effective and well-tolerated treatment for nocturia. © Springer Science+Business Media, B.V. 2011.