Ferring study sheds light on impact of nocturia

Ferring has presented data from a recent study that aims to increase awareness of the considerable healthcare burden posed by nocturia.

According to findings showcased at the recent European Association of Urology congress, this condition – which involves waking up one or more times during the night to urinate – is associated with significant reductions in work productivity and leisure activity.

Fragmented sleep was noted as being the most problematic symptom of the condition, as this can negatively affect daytime performance and diminish productiveness at work by 25 percent, while older people also have problems with making their way through the house in the dark after waking up.

The quality-of-life impairments associated with the condition was likened to those caused by asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Dr Philip van Kerrebroeck from the University of Maastricht said: "Nocturia is a common problem affecting around one-third of adults, but its burden is underestimated and it is often dismissed as being less serious than other chronic conditions."

Ferring is the manufacturer of Minirin, the world's first treatment specifically licensed for nocturia, which increases the reabsorption of water in the kidneys to reduce the volume of urine produced.