A recent Japanese study presented at the European Association of Urology 2020 virtual congress revealed a link between moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increased nocturia in men.*

What they did

Nocturia is defined as waking up during the night to urinate. Of the 530 Japanese men who participated in the study: 

• 70% had CKD stage 1 to 2
• 21% had stage 3A (eGFR 45-59)
• 5% had stage 3B (eGFR 30-44)
• 3% had stage 4 to 5

What they found 

Of these, severe nocturia—defined as three or more nightly voids—was found in:

• 44% of those with CKD stage 1 to 2,
• 47% of those with stage 3A,
• 76% of those with stage 3B, and
• 73% of those with stage 4 to 5.

What it means

In summary, 75% of men with CKD stage 3B or higher are likely to experience severe nocturia versus 45% of those in lower stages of CKD. 

While the Japan study is the first study to associate higher stage CKD and increased nocturia in men, earlier statistics showed a general link between higher stage CKD and severe nocturia.

According to the 2013-2014 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, of 9,813 adult respondents experiencing nocturia: 

• 24.3% had no CKD,
• 38.7% had CKD stage 1 or 2, and
• 39.4% had CKD stage 3 or 4.

While the range of the survey statistics was not as dramatic as that of the Japan study, the findings were nevertheless significant and paved the way for further research.

*Persaud, N. (2020, July 28). Severe Nocturia Linked to CKD in Men. Renal and Urology News.      https://www.renalandurologynews.com/home/conference-highlights/eau-congress/certain-men-chronic-kidney-disease-at-risk-excessive-urination-at-night/