Vitamin D and vitamin B₁₂ profiles in children with primary nocturnal enuresis, an analytical cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Urology

Background:

• Nocturnal enuresis affects a significant number of children, impacting their quality of life.
• The role of micronutrient deficiencies, specifically vitamin D and vitamin B12, in the pathophysiology of enuresis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies in children experiencing nocturnal enuresis.
• To investigate the correlation between these vitamin deficiencies and the clinical severity of enuresis.

Main Methods:

• An analytical descriptive study was conducted involving 288 children diagnosed with nocturnal enuresis.
• Sociodemographic, clinical data, and serum levels of vitamin D and vitamin B12 were assessed.
• Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression, were employed to correlate vitamin levels with enuresis severity.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D insufficiency was observed in 48.3% and deficiency in 31.3% of participants.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency was present in 25% of the children studied.
• Vitamin D demonstrated a stronger inverse correlation with enuresis frequency (-0.680) compared to vitamin B12 (-0.219). A vitamin D level below 13.7 ng/ml predicted failed dry nights.

Conclusions:

• Low levels of vitamin D and vitamin B12 are prevalent in children with primary nocturnal enuresis.
• These deficiencies may contribute to the clinical burden and severity of enuresis.
• Higher vitamin D levels and concurrent behavioral treatment are associated with successful management of enuresis.