Ján Švihra, Ján Kliment, Ján Breza, Jozef Marenčák, Ladislav Valanský
Introduction: To review prevalence and pathophysiology of nocturia and nocturnal polyuria with respect to the modern management. Materials and methods: This paper outlines actual knowledge about prevalence of nocturia and multifactorial etiology. Review is focused on new diagnostic procedures and treatment with anticholinergics or desmopresin. Results: Pathophysiology of nocturia is based on three conditions: polyuria, nocturnal polyuria and dysfunction of the lower urinary tract. Polyuria is defined as urine production more than 2500 ml during 24-hour period, nocturnal polyuria is defined as increased nighttime urine production, dysfunction of the lower urinary tract means lost of normal voiding and storage function. Management of nocturia and nocturnal polyuria reveals other causes of disease, causal treatment of nocturnal polyuria is administration of desmopresin. Conclusion: Systematic approach is a key to the successful management of nocturia and nocturnal polyuria.