Primary Nocturnal Enuresis and Intelligence Levels in Children: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

TL;DR

This study finds a small but not significant link between primary nocturnal enuresis and lower IQ scores in children.

Contribution

A meta-analysis of 10 studies reveals a minimal, non-significant association between PNE and cognitive function in children.

Findings

Children with PNE had an average IQ 2.44 points lower than controls, but the difference was not statistically significant.

The pooled standard deviation of 13.91 indicates high variability in cognitive scores across studies.

The study suggests a need to explore specific cognitive domains and neurodevelopmental mechanisms related to PNE.

Abstract

Background: Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) has been hypothesized to be associated with cognitive impairments, particularly in intelligence and working memory. However, the extent and significance of this relationship remain unclear. This meta-analysis aims to systematically examine the association between PNE and cognitive functioning. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, including 10 studies with a total of 9987 participants (primary nocturnal enuresis = 1758; control = 8229). Cognitive performance, particularly intelligence quotient scores, was analyzed using pooled statistical methods to determine potential differences between groups. Results: Children with PNE exhibited a mean intelligence quotient score 2.44 points lower than control participants. However, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.261), and the overall effect size was minimal (t = −1.165). The pooled standard deviation was 13.91, indicating substantial variability across studies. Conclusions: While children with PNE tend to have slightly lower intelligence quotient scores than their peers, the results do not suggest a statistically significant impact on global intelligence. However, the consistent trend observed across studies highlights the need for further research to investigate specific cognitive domains that may be affected by enuresis. Future studies should focus on neurodevelopmental mechanisms and explore potential intervention strategies to address any cognitive vulnerabilities associated with this condition.

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