Primary Nocturnal Enuresis and Intelligence Levels in Children: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Carola Costanza1,2, Maria Maddalena Marrapodi3, Laura Amoroso4
1Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Children with primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) show a slight, but not statistically significant, trend towards lower intelligence quotient scores compared to controls. Further research is needed to explore specific cognitive domains affected by PNE.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is a condition with hypothesized links to cognitive deficits.
- Previous research suggests potential impairments in intelligence and working memory in children with PNE.
- The precise relationship and clinical significance of cognitive function in PNE remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the association between primary nocturnal enuresis and cognitive functioning.
- To conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the potential differences in cognitive performance between children with and without PNE.
- To clarify the extent and significance of cognitive impairments in PNE.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.
- Data from 10 studies involving 9987 participants (1758 with PNE, 8229 controls) were analyzed.
- Intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were the primary cognitive measure examined using pooled statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Children with PNE had a mean IQ score 2.44 points lower than control participants.
- This difference in IQ scores was not statistically significant (p = 0.261).
- The overall effect size was minimal, indicating a negligible impact on global intelligence.
Conclusions:
- The meta-analysis indicates no statistically significant association between PNE and global intelligence.
- A consistent trend suggests slightly lower IQ scores in children with PNE, warranting further investigation.
- Future research should explore specific cognitive domains and neurodevelopmental factors related to PNE.
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