Vitamin B12 and folate levels in children with primary nocturnal enuresis

Abstract

Aims:Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is associated with the maturation of the central nervous system in children. Vitamin B12 and folate are involved in the metabolism, development, and maturation of the nervous system. We examined vitamin B12, folate, and ferritin levels in children with PNE.Methods:This retrospective study included children with and without PNE from a tertiary pediatric nephrology clinic. PNE was defined as nighttime bedwetting (≥2 nights per week) in children aged >5 years. Children with chronic diseases or neurological, psychiatric or urological abnormalities were excluded. Vitamin B12, folate, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and ferritin levels were obtained from medical health records.Results:The study included 86 patients with PNE and 90 age- and sex-matched controls. The PNE group had lower vitamin B12 (229 vs. 264 pg/mL; p=0.001) and folate (7.9 vs. 12.4 ng/mL; p=0.001) levels than the control group. Vitamin B12 deficiency was more common in children with PNE than in controls (40.7% vs. 25.6%; p=0.037). None of the children with PNE or controls had folate deficiency. The hemoglobin, hematocrit, and ferritin levels were similar between the two groups.Conclusions:Compared with controls, children with PNE had lower vitamin B12 and folate levels and a higher prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Further studies are needed to determine whether vitamin B12 and folate supplementation can improve PNE symptoms.

Keywords

• primary nocturnal enuresis
• vitamin b12
• folate
• ferritin