Nocturnal polyuria: Literature review of definition, pathophysiology, investigations and treatment

Abstract

Nocturnal polyuria (NP) is characterised by increased urine production overnight in comparison to daytime. It has significant adverse events in adults including reduced quality of life, increased risk of falls and increased mortality. Although NP can be a manifestation of other significant conditions like heart failure and sleep apnoea, there are lots of unanswered questions about NP. What is the underlying pathophysiology? Is NP a physiological manifestation of ageing? Is the circadian change of vasopressin release the primary pathology? Or is it a secondary phenomenon to a low diurnal production of urine? Is the primary pathology at the kidney level or is there another humoral, cardiac, or endovascular element? In this article, we summarise the available English-language literature on the subject of NP, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.