The American experience with desmopressin.

Conclusive evidence of a polyuric etiology from a failure of vasopressin elevation led to a new pharmacologic approach to the treatment of childhood nocturnal enuresis. Desmopressin acetate, a vasopressin analogue, has been used successfully since 1978 to treat this condition. Desmopressin's efficacy at doses of 5 to 40 micrograms has been demonstrated in Europe and the United States. Similarly, its safety has been established, and it is a first-line choice for physicians worldwide.