Search

Objective: To identify and describe the protocols and clinical outcomes of urotherapy interventions in children and adolescents with bladder bowel dysfunction. Method: Systematic review carried out in June 2018 on Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo databases. Clinical trials and quasi‐experimental studies carried out in the last ten years in children and/or adolescents with bladder and bowel symptoms and application of at least one component of urotherapy were included. Results: Thirteen clinical trials and one quasi‐experimental study were included, with moderate methodological quality. The heterogeneity of the samples and of the methodological design of the articles prevented the performance of a meta‐analysis. The descriptive analysis through simple percentages showed symptom reduction and improvement of uroflowmetry parameters. The identified urotherapy components were: educational guidance, water intake, caffeine reduction, adequate voiding position, pelvic floor training, programmed urination, and constipation control/management. Conclusion: This review indicates positive results in terms of symptom reduction and uroflowmetry parameter improvement with standard urotherapy as the first line of treatment for children and adolescents with bladder bowel dysfunction. It is recommended that future studies bring contributions regarding the frequency, number, and time of urotherapy consultations. Resumo: Objetivo: Identificar e descrever os protocolos e desfechos clínicos das intervenções de uroterapia em crianças e adolescentes com disfunção vesical e intestinal. Método: Revisão sistemática realizada em junho de 2018 nas bases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Cochrane Library e PsycInfo. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos e estudos quase‐experimentais dos últimos 10 anos, em crianças e/ou adolescentes com sintoma urinário e intestinal e aplicação de no mínimo um componente de uroterapia. Resultados: 13 ensaios clínicos e 1 estudo quase‐experimental foram incluídos, sendo a qualidade metodológica moderada. A heterogeneidade da amostra e de delineamento metodológico dos artigos impediu a realização de meta‐análise. A análise descritiva por meio de percentual simples demonstrou redução dos sintomas e melhora dos parâmetros de urofluxometria. Os componentes de uroterapia identificados foram: orientação educacional, ingestão hídrica, redução de cafeína, posicionamento adequado para eliminação, treinamento do assoalho pélvico, micção programada e controle/manejo da constipação. Conclusão: Esta revisão sinaliza resultados positivos em termos de redução de sintomas e melhora nos parâmetros de urofluxometria com aplicação de uroterapia padrão como primeira linha de tratamento nos casos de crianças e adolescentes com disfunção vesical e intestinal. Recomenda‐se que estudos futuros tragam contribuições no que tange a frequência, número e tempo para as consultas de uroterapia. Keywords: Bladder bowel dysfunction, Urotherapy, Behavior therapy, Dysfunctional elimination syndrome, Dysfunctional voiding, Child, Palavras‐chave: Disfunção vesical e intestinal, Uroterapia, Terapia comportamental, Síndrome de eliminação disfuncional, Micção disfuncional, Criança

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of bowel management on the quality of life in children with spina bifida with overactive bladder and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia.The research was carried out over the 2014-2017 period, during which 70 patients with spina bifida with overactive bladder and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia were observed. The first group (group 1) consisted of 35 patients who were administered bowel management combined with anticholinergic medication therapy and CIC. The second group (group 2) consisted of 35 patients who were treated only with anticholinergic medication therapy and CIC. Bowel management included daily enema, laxative application, and a special diet, with a view of treating constipation and fecal incontinence that was estimated on the basis of Roma III criteria, the echosonographically determined transversal rectal diameter, and encopresis frequency. The effects of the administered bowel management on urinary incontinence were estimated on the basis of the average dry interval between two CICs. Regarding the quality of life, a KINDL questionnaire was used for children and parents to determine the overall quality of life, but also the various aspects of the quality of children's life (physical well-being, emotional well-being, self-confidence, family, friends, school, disease). The test score ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 is the lowest and 100 denotes the highest quality of life. The follow-up period of every patient was one year.At baseline, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding demographic and clinical features (p 0.05). After one year, treatment by bowel management demonstrated significant improvement for both fecal constipation/incontinence and urinary incontinence (p 0.001). The bowel management group showed improved overall quality of life in contrast to the group without bowel management 88.9 ± 7.1 vs. 55.4 ± 11.4 (p 0.001, assessed by parents) and 84.5 ± 8.9 vs. 53.4 ± 12.5 (p 0.001, assessed by children), respectively. Moreover, the positive impact of bowel management on quality of life was confirmed for all domains of the quality of life (physical well-being, emotional well-being, self-confidence, family, friends, school, disease), (p 0.001 for all), both by the parents' and the children's assessment.Administering bowel management considerably alleviates the symptoms of fecal and urinary incontinence and considerably improves the quality of life. Bowel management should be considered as an integral part of treatment of children with spina bifida.

Introduction: Constipation has classically been considered as a risk factor of enuresis, although there are increasingly more publications that report a similar prevalence of constipation in both enuretics and non-enuretics.Objective: To determine the influence of constipation in monosymptomatic and non-monosymptomatic enuresis, and to find out the prevalence of the three disorders, as well the lower urinary tract dysfunction and bladder-bowel dysfunction in the population.Material and method: A cross-sectional observational prevalence study on a representative population sample of 5 to 9 year-old school boys and girls of Galicia, Spain. A questionnaire was completed in the schools on urinary and bowel habits, which included questions from the Paediatric Lower Urinary Tract Scoring System (PLUTSS) diagnostic questionnaire and grading of the lower urinary tract dysfunctions. The enuresis was diagnosed using the International Children's Continence Society (ICSS), and if it was also associated with diurnal symptoms, it was also classified as non-monosymptomatic enuresis. The constipation was evaluated using the Rome III criteria and the adapted Bristol stool scale.Results: A total of 772 questionnaires were included in the study. The prevalence of constipation was 20% and that of enuresis was 9.1% (62.9% monosymptomatic enuresis and 37.1% non-monosymptomatic), with the prevalence of bladder-bowel dysfunction being 5.2%. It was observed that constipation had no influence on the presence of monosymptomatic enuresis, but it did have an influence on non-monosymptomatic enuresis and lower urinary tract dysfunctions, where it was a significant risk factor.Conclusions: The differential diagnosis between monosymptomatic and non-monosymptomatic enuresis is essential in the initial evaluation of the patient with enuresis, since the therapeutic management and the characteristics of both disorders are different, with constipation only being a risk factor in cases of non-monosymptomatic enuresis. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. on behalf of Asociacion Espanola de Pediatria.

Fecal incontinence, known as encopresis, is the repetitive, intentional or unintentional passage of stool in inappropriate places in children who are developmentally four years old or older. Incontinence can have a chronic course and is associated with emotional distress and a substantial negative impact on quality of life. We review how a medical and behavioral health multidisciplinary approach provides the optimal clinical care for this condition, and we discuss how the unique skill set of the child psychiatrist may address the complex family dynamics and psychiatric comorbidities which may be preventing remission from this condition. Identifying and understanding these factors is essential in developing a comprehensive and effective treatment plan.

У статті показано ефективність застосування внутрішньосфінктерної електростимуляції при функціональних енкопрезах у дітей за допомогою спеціального електрода. Відзначено значно більшу ефективність її застосування при істинному енкопрезі порівняно з несправжнім енкопрезом.

espanolResumen Introduccion: La encopresis es la incontinencia fecal repetitiva y espontanea en mayores de 4 anos, relacionada con estrenimiento cronico y disfuncion de la eliminacion del producto fecal, debido a anomalias neurologicas como la ausencia de neuronas entericas en el colon en la enfermedad de Hirschsprung; a causa de la impactacion fecal, el intestino grueso, aumenta tanto de tamano como de longitud, llamandose Dolico megacolon. El objetivo es presentar el caso clinico de un nino en etapa escolar con encopresis. Presentacion del caso: Nino de 7 anos, acude por incontinencia fecal repetitiva y espontanea asociada a estrenimiento cronico, es diagnosticado por medio de biopsia de la linea pectinea, se reporta presencia de 1-2 celulas ganglionares y es tratado por enfermedad de Hirschprung. El manejo clinico con dieta blanda, polietilenglicol, agua de zen e irrigaciones rectales, con adherencia deficiente; posteriormente, se realiza exeresis de colon descendente, sigma y recto con tecnica de Georgeson, en el postquirurgico se realizan dilataciones con Hegar 18 y se administra metronidazol 220mg/VO/STAT por complicacion postquirurgica. Tras el manejo clinico y quirurgico el paciente mejora evacuando 5 veces al dia. Conclusion: Se concluye que el tratamiento quirurgico fue exitoso, sin embargo, el paciente no acude a los controles postquirurgicos; presentandose nuevamente al servicio, por complicaciones como fisuras anales y rectorragia. EnglishAbstract: Introduction: Encopresis is repetitive and spontaneous fecal incontinence in people older than 4 years, related to chronic constipation and dysfunction of the elimination of the fecal product, due to neurological abnormalities such as the absence of enteric neurons in the colon, Hirschsprung's disease; due to fecal impaction, the large intestine increases both in size and in length, being called Dolico megacolon. The objective is to present the clinical case of a school-age child with encopresis. Case presentation: A 7-year-old boy presented for repetitive and spontaneous fecal incontinence associated with chronic constipation, was diagnosed by biopsy of the pectineal line, the presence of 1-2 ganglion cells was reported and treated for Hirschprung's disease. Clinical management with soft diet, polyethylene glycol, zen water, and rectal irrigations, with poor adherence; Subsequently, the descending colon, sigmoid, and rectum were excised with the Georgeson technique; postoperatively, dilations were performed with Hegar 18, and 220mg / PO / STAT metronidazole was administered due to postoperative complications. After clinical and surgical management, the patient improves by evacuating 5 times a day. Conclusion: It is concluded that the surgical treatment was successful, however, the patient does not attend post-surgical controls; he presented himself again for the service, due to complications such as anal fissures and rectorrhagia

Children who experience enuresis and encopresis can face many difficulties, including social isolation, shame, embarrassment, anxiety, and depression. Due to the prevalence of enuresis and encopresis, it is essential for mental health professionals to understand the common symptoms and available treatment options for enuresis and encopresis, particularly to assist parents struggling to help their children overcome these challenges. Despite this need, there is very little clinical literature that incorporates a systemic approach for families who have a child diagnosed with enuresis and encopresis. Furthermore, common treatment approaches may unwittingly reinforce children’s perception that these problems are rooted in their identity. In an effort to address these concerns, the present case study aims to illustrate how a narrative therapy approach was utilized to effectively treat a child with enuresis and encopresis. Narrative therapy can uniquely assist children and their parents by helping them externalize the problem, overcome the problem-saturated view of their lives, and create new experiences where the problem is nonexistent.

Purpose To describe the implementation and effectiveness of a multimodal therapeutic approach used to successfully treat a child with encopresis. Summary of key points The child demonstrated chronic constipation, poor pelvic floor muscle awareness, weakness, and incoordination during voiding. He participated in 8 sessions of physical therapy intervention including pelvic floor muscle awareness, strengthening and coordination exercises, behavioral adaptations, diet modification, and use of media, art, and interactive visualization activities. Conclusions The child improved pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination and became fully continent of bowel in home and community settings. What this case adds to evidence-based practice This case report demonstrates that pediatric age-appropriate educational and motivational tools (media, art, and interactive visualization activities) are readily available, economical, and effective when used in conjunction with current practice to decrease impairments and improve active participation and compliance during treatment of retentive encopresis in the pediatric population.

Constipation is a common problem in children. Although most children respond to conventional treatment, symptoms persist in a minority. For children with refractory constipation, anorectal and colonic manometry testing can identify a rectal evacuation disorder or colonic motility disorder and guide subsequent management. Novel medications used in adults with constipation are beginning to be used in children, with promising results. Biofeedback therapy and anal sphincter botulinum toxin injection can be considered for children with a rectal evacuation disorder. Surgical management of constipation includes the use of antegrade continence enemas, sacral nerve stimulation, and colonic resection.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are defined by persistent deficits in reciprocal social interaction, communication, and language, as well as stereotyped and repetitive behavior. Functional incontinence, as well as ASD are common disorders in childhood. The aim of this systematic review was to give an overview of the co-occurrence of nocturnal enuresis (NE), daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), and fecal incontinence (FI) in ASD, and vice versa, of ASD in children with incontinence. A systematic literature search of the terms “incontinence”, “enuresis”, and “encopresis” in combination with “autism” or “Asperger” in four databases (Scopus, PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of science) was conducted. All studies that examined incontinence frequencies in samples with ASD, and studies that measured frequencies of ASD diagnoses or symptoms in samples with incontinence were included. Risk of bias and limitations of each study were described. After eligibility assessment, 33 publications were included in the review. The published literature implies a higher prevalence of incontinence in children with ASD compared to typically developing children. Limitations and biases as inappropriate diagnostic criteria for ASD and incontinence, selected samples, or lack of control groups are reported. Associations of incontinence in ASD with psychopathological symptoms were found. Vice versa, ASD symptoms are found in incontinent children, but no study included a non-ASD control sample. Incontinence symptoms are also reported as an adverse effect of medication in ASD. Due to methodological problems and definitional discrepancies in some publications, results have to be interpreted cautiously. Research in ASD and incontinence is scarce. More systematic research including state-of-the-art assessments is needed.

Background . The gastrointestinal polypeptide YY has an inhibitory effect on the colon motility, which can provoke constipation. The role of this peptide in the development of chronic constipation in children remains uninvestigated. Objective. Our aim was to determine the serum concentration of peptide YY in children with chronic constipation. Methods . A cross-sectional study included children aged 4–14 years with chronic constipation, who have been observed in the gastroenterology unit of the paediatric clinical hospital from March 2014 to September 2015. The control group was formed from healthy children. The diagnosis of chronic constipation was established based on the Rome criteria (2016). The blood serum level of peptide YY was determined by enzyme immunoassay after collecting serum samples from all study participants. Results . The study included 47 patients with chronic constipation (boys 62%; median age — 8 years) and 20 healthy children (boys 50%; median age — 7.5 years, compared with the main group p = 0.445). It has been found that children with chronic constipation had a lower blood serum concentration of peptide YY than healthy children: the median (25th; 75th percentile) was 0.68 (0.24; 1.43) and 2.34 (1.41; 3.35) ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.001). The level of peptide YY in the group of children with chronic constipation was not related to gender, age; the presence of colonoptosis, colonic/enteric reflux; the duration of chronic constipation, as well as to the occurrence of complications such as encopresis and colitis. Conclusion . Low blood serum levels of peptide YY were detected in children with chronic constipation.

Background Sexual victimisation is an important problem that affects millions of people around the world, especially those with some kind of disability. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-reported and documented sexual abuse in people with mild or moderate intellectual disability and to analyse the sequelae that such experiences can have on their psychosocial health. Methods The sample consisted of 360 adults (50% men and 50% women) between 18 and 55 years of age (M = 39.87; standard deviation = 10.55). Results The prevalence of sexual abuse is 6.10% when it is self-reported (9.4% in women and 2.8% in men) and 28.6% when it is reported by professionals (27.8% in women and 29.4% in men). People who self-report cases of abuse present poorer quality of life, more negative attitudes towards sex and a lower capacity to identify situations that entail a risk of sexual abuse. Individuals who have suffered documented cases of abuse are more likely to present encopresis, social isolation, self-harm and a higher number of suicide attempts. Conclusions Our results evidence the need to have access to all sources of information so as to be able to obtain prevalence figures that match the real situation and to perform a proper analysis of the sequelae.

Background: Constipation is the most common childhood condition occurring in about 3% of children. Patients who have intractable idiopathic or functional constipation (FC) with pseudo encopresis that is unresponsive to bowel management program with no underlying organic cause constitutes a serious medicosocial problem in the pediatric age group. Objective: Evaluation of effectiveness of sigmoidectomy with partial proctectomy in solving the problem of intractable idiopathic constipation in children with megarectosigmoid. Patient and Methods: This was a Prospective case series study for evaluation of the effect of sigmoid resection with partial proctectomy in improving children with intractable idiopathic constipation with megarectosigmoid. The study was conducted on 20 patients. That was selected from more than 250 of idiopathic constipation children. All patients were operated at the Pediatric Surgery Department, Al-Azhar University Hospitals. The study was of 30 months duration(Feb 2018-July 2020). We used Rome III criteria and Pediatric Incontinence Constipation Score to evaluate constipation and incontinence pre and post operatively. Detailed history taking, clinical examination(including rectal examination) and investigations(including laboratory tests, radiologic examinations, rectal biopsy). Results: The study included 20 patients, 7 females and 13 males. Patients ages ranged from 4-13 years(mean=7.2). Constipation was the main complain in all patients followed by soiling. Sigmoidectomy with partial proctectomy recorded 90% success in improving constipation and consequently soiling; the results of Sigmoidectomy without partial proctectomy was disappointing. Conclusion: Rectosigmoidectomy is the best surgical management for the children suffering from intractable functional constipation with Megarectosigmoid, Partial removal of the rectum is very crucial in improving results.

PURPOSE: Currently, there is a paucity of studies on the prevalence of Elimination Disorders among Iranian children and adolescents. Due to the ongoing need to monitor the health status of these children and adolescents, the present study aims to investigate the prevalence of Elimination Disorders and comorbid disorders in Iranian children and adolescents. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 29,781 children and adolescents age 6 to 18 years old were selected and studied from all the provinces in Iran. The sampling was carried out by employing a multistage cluster sampling method, and several clinical psychologists using semi-structured interviews collected the data. Furthermore, clinical psychologists collected demographic information (including information about gender, age, place of residence, education level, and parental education level). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Generally, the prevalence of Elimination Disorders was found to be 5.4 covering both enuresis (p= 5.4, 95 CI = 5.1-5.7) and encopresis (p= 0.13, 95 CI = 0.09-0.2). The total prevalence of comorbid disorders was 38, and among the comorbid disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (p= 11, 95 CI = 9.5-12.7) and Separation Anxiety (p= 10.6, 95 CI = 9.1-12.2) were the most prevalent. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Elimination Disorders in Iranian children and adolescents is moderate compared to similar studies elsewhere. As for comorbid disorders, ADHD and Separation Anxiety were found to be the most prevalent disorders. Since Elimination Disorders coexist with psychiatric disorders in children, further studies of these comorbidities may give better insight into the treatment and prognosis of Elimination Disorders. © 2021 - IOS Press. All rights reserved.

Aims Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene with a broad spectrum of physical and psychological manifestations. The aim of the study was to examine incontinence, psychological problems, and adaptive behavior skills in patients with TSC. Methods Through a worldwide TSC support group, 26 children (4-17 years) and 15 adults (18-50 years) with TSC were recruited (38.1% male, mean age 16.4 years). Parents or care-givers completed the Developmental Behavior Checklist (DBC), the Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/urinary Incontinence, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (3rd edition). Results A total of 60.0% of the participants had nocturnal enuresis (NE), 51.3% daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) and 52.4% fecal incontinence (FI). 65.4% of children and 50.0% of adults had a clinically relevant DBC score. Psychological symptoms were associated with at least one subtype of incontinence. The mean adaptive behavior composite (ABC) score of the patients was 57.2 (SD = 26.1), with 38.1% in the average or below-average range (IQ >70), 26.2% with a mild, 11.9% with a moderate and 23.8% with a severe/profound intellectual disability. The incontinence rate was significantly higher in the groups with a lower ABC score. Conclusion A substantial proportion of patients with TSC are affected by incontinence and psychological symptoms. Incontinence was higher in persons with lower adaptive skills and those with at least one type of incontinence showed a significantly higher DBC score. As incontinence and psychological problems affect daily functioning and well-being, assessment, and treatment are recommended.

Encopresis is an arbitrary or involuntary passing of stool in inappropriate places or repeated passing of stool into clothing. Each child has an individual development of bowel control and therefore arbitrary passing of stool is not considered a medical problem in children up to four years of age. Spontaneous passing of stool or fecal soiling is usually involuntary in nature. Encopresis often occurs concurrently with enuresis and may be part of other organic or psychiatric disorders, including behavioral disorders. The first time a child patient with encopresis and their parents meet with health professionals is usually at the general practitioner for children and adolescents. Other cases are first diagnosed during admission to an inpatient facility, predominantly psychiatric care. The results of the research investigation show the nurses' lack of theoretical knowledge in recognizing encopresis in children; however, they have mastered the nursing process of these children due to their long-term practice. Nurses described the issues of nursing children with encopresis. The research investigation and case studies show that the most important roles of the nurse are to assist the child with encopresis in hygiene, psychological management of the disease and social inclusion of the child with encopresis. The role of the educator of the child, his parents, and relatives is indispensable, especially in the areas of setting the child's hygiene and dietary regime.

Hirschsprung disease (HD) is characterized by a variable amount of aganlionosis of the bowel. Enterocolitis both pre-and postoperative requires irrigation and treatment. Following an operation for HD, children should thrive. Recurrent episodes of obstruction require workup. Functional constipation is a common problem seen by pediatric surgeons following failure of medical management. Following workup, motility testing may help determine medical and surgical management.

Besides the well-known four categories of ADHD associated conditions, disruptive behavior disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, learning disorders and autism, there are a number of other less commonly emphasized conditions that are frequently seen and impact those with ADHD. These include sleep disorders, enuresis and encopresis, eating disorders and obesity, obsessive internet use, gaming and gambling, substance abuse and other risky behaviors. It is vital to include evaluation for all of these conditions as part of an assessment for ADHD, and to provide anticipatory guidance and treatment as part of the ADHD treatment regimen. It is also important to understand and recognize the different problems that may present at different stages of life. Each of these conditions comes with treatment measures that are effective, and so awareness and monitoring for problems as they arise can greatly improve outcomes.

Background: Non-neurogenic urinary and fecal incontinence (UI, FI) affects approximately 6% of North American children with 1% of cases becoming refractory (nonresponsive to standard therapies). Incontinence has major potential long-term physiological and psychological implications for patients and their families. While Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) and Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS) are alternative therapies available for the treatment of refractory UI/FI, these are not approved for use in children in Canada. The present study assessed participants' perception of current treatments, incontinence burden, and attitudes toward novel therapies in a single pediatric institution. Methods: Multiple validated questionnaires including Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS), Bristol Stool Chart (BSC), Pediatric Incontinence measurement (PinQ), and Time-Driven Activity Based Costing were used to perform a needs assessment for patients with non-neurogenic refractory incontinence, and to determine patients' and caregivers' attitudes toward alternative therapies. Results: 75% of patients and 89% of caregivers reported a moderate to severe impact of incontinence on QoL with diminished social interactions among the primary concerns. Caregivers were frustrated with current treatments and were open to trying alternative therapies (SNM and TENS), which, at least in the case of SNM, seems to be less expensive, possibly less burdensome and more effective than current surgical options. Conclusion: Pediatric refractory UI/FI has a large impact on patients' and caregivers' QoL and alternative therapies with the potential to improve QoL of patients and caregivers should be further investigated as a substitute for surgery.

Functional constipation is a common childhood problem, with a prevalence of approximately 3% worldwide. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 and lactulose in the treatment of pediatric functional constipation. A total of 100 subjects with functional constipation were enrolled and centrally randomized to receive PEG 3350 (0.7–1.5 mg/kg/day) or lactulose (0.7–2.0 g/kg/day). There was a significant increase in median (min, max) stool frequency within 1 week in the PEG 3350 group as compared to the lactulose group (1 [0, 3] to 8 [3, 39] vs. 1 [0, 3] to 7 [1, 17]) (p-value < 0.01). The trend was maintained at week 2, week 3 (p-value < 0.01), and week 4 (p-value = 0.05) with the PEG 3350 group reporting higher weekly median stool frequency than the lactulose group. The PEG group reported significant reduction in painful bowel movements from 68.8% subjects at baseline to 43.8% at the end of first week, whereas the lactulose group reported an increase from 48.9% to 73.3% (p-value = 0.05). Other parameters of constipation, i.e. straining, large diameter stool, and large fecal mass as reported subjectively by parents, significantly decreased from baseline to the end of the study in the PEG 3350 arm compared to those in the lactulose arm. At the end of week 4, there was a statistically significant reduction in all the ROME IV–defined criteria between the two groups. This study proved that the PEG 3350 treatment group had early symptom relief and significant improvement compared to the lactulose group in pediatric functional constipation. Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI/2018/01/011061)

Enuresis and encopresis can be stressful for children and parents. We investigated the comorbid psychiatric disorders and the emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with elimination disorders. A total of 97 children and adolescents (aged 4-17 years) with an elimination disorder participated in this study. The elimination disorder group consisted of three subgroups: 50 subjects with enuresis nocturna, 26 with encopresis, and 21 subjects with enuresis+encopresis. The control group with no elimination disorder comprised 50 healthy subjects. All children were interviewed by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL). Parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The most common diagnosis was attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, followed by oppositional defiant disorder. The highest rate of psychiatric comorbidity was observed in the enuresis+encopresis subgroup, followed by the enuresis nocturna and encopresis subgroups. All the subgroups had higher total difficulties scores than the control group. Screening for psychiatric disorders should be performed for all children with incontinence.

This chapter describes appropriate developmental expectations for toileting based on normative child development. Recommendations for initiating toilet training are provided. Common problems associated with toileting (constipation, encopresis, and enuresis) are identified as the prevalence and etiology of these conditions. Evidence-based medical treatment and behavioral health intervention for these problems are discussed. Evidence-based strategies for the practicing clinician are provided. Psychiatric comorbidities and both short- and long-term outcomes are identified.

The endpoint of the alimentary process involves elimination of urine and feces and these processes represent a common developmental milestone for children; however, failure to achieve appropriate elimination by the expected age is a common pediatric complaint. Specifically, enuresis (urine) and encopresis (feces) are estimated to occur in approximately 25% of 6-year old children. It has been noted by several authors that the prevalence is higher in boys than girls and that rates decrease as a function of age (Friman, 2008; Shepard & Cox, 2017). These disorders usually occur independently but can co-occur. There is a broad range of medical conditions that can cause encopresis and enuresis, but these causes are rare. They are real, however, and need to be ruled out prior to going forward with behavioral assessment and treatment. The vast majority of cases are functional and their comprehensive assessment readily yields functionally relevant variables that can either be modified or manipulated through behavioral intervention to bring about modifications in behavior related to elimination.

Purpose A protocol to treat idiopathic constipation is presented. Methods A contrast enema is performed in every patient and, when indicated, patients are initially submitted to a "clean out" protocol. All patients are started on a Senna-based laxative. The initial dosage is empirically determined and adjusted daily, during a one week period, based on history and abdominal radiographs, until the amount of Senna that empties the colon is reached. The management is considered successful when patients empty their colon daily and stop soiling. If the laxatives dose provokes abdominal cramping, distension, and vomiting, without producing bowel movements, patients are considered nonmanageable. Results From 2005 to 2012, 215 patients were treated. 121 (56%) were males. The average age was 8.2years (range: 1–20). 160 patients (74%) presented encopresis. 67 patients (32%) needed a clean out. After one week, 181 patients (84%) achieved successful management, with an average Senna dose of 67mg (range: 5–175mg). In 34 patients (16%) the treatment was unsuccessful: 19 were nonmanageable, 3 noncompliant, and 12 continued soiling. At a later follow-up (median: 329days) the success rate for 174 patients was 81%. Conclusion We designed a successful protocol to manage idiopathic constipation. The key points are clean out before starting laxatives, individual adjustments of laxative, and radiological monitoring of colonic emptying. Treatment study Level IV.