Sacral nerve stimulation leads to long-term improvement in fecal incontinence and quality of life for children with functional and organic defecation disorders.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to evaluate long-term outcomes of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for children with functional and organic defecation disorders. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of children <21 years of age who started SNS treatment between 2012 and 2018. We recorded demographics, medical history, and diagnostic testing. We obtained measures of symptom severity and quality of life at baseline and follow up at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and ≥60 months. Successful response was defined as bowel movements >2 times/week and fecal incontinence (FI) <1 time/week. Families were contacted to administer the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory and to evaluate patient satisfaction. KEY RESULTS: We included 65 patients (59% female, median age at SNS 14 years, range 9-21) with median follow-up of 32 months. Thirty patients had functional constipation (FC), 15 had non-retentive FI (NRFI), and 16 had an anorectal malformation (ARM). The percentage with FI <1 time/week improved from 30% at baseline to 64% at 1 year (p < 0.001) and 77% at most recent follow-up (p < 0.001). Patients with FC, NRFI, and ARM had sustained improvement in FI (p = 0.02, p < 0.001, p = 0.02). Patients also reported fewer hard stools (p = 0.001). Bowel movement frequency did not improve after SNS. At most recent follow-up, 77% of patients with a functional disorder and 50% with an organic disorder had responded (p = 0.03). Nearly all families reported benefit. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: SNS led to sustained improvement in FI regardless of underlying etiology, but children with functional disorders were more likely to respond than those with organic disorders.

Significance of retrograde flow with antegrade continence enemas in children with fecal incontinence and constipation.

BACKGROUND: For children with constipation and fecal incontinence treated with antegrade continence enemas (ACE), a fluoroscopic study with contrast administered via appendicostomy/cecostomy can define the anatomy of the colon and simulate the flush to investigate associated symptoms or inadequate response. These studies can at times show retrograde flow into the small intestine. Our objective was to investigate the significance of this finding. METHODS: We reviewed studies at our institution with contrast administered via appendicostomy/cecostomy in children treated with ACE, identifying those demonstrating retrograde flow of contrast. We recorded demographics, medical history, interventions, and outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 162 studies (52% male, median age 10.7 years) with contrast via appendicostomy (76%) or cecostomy (24%). Diagnoses included anorectal malformation (38%), spinal cord anomaly (26%), functional constipation (24%), colonic dysmotility (18%), and Hirschsprung disease (12%). Fifty-nine (36%) studies showed retrograde flow: 28/59 children (48%) were not responding adequately and 21/59 (36%) had symptoms with ACE. Children with retrograde flow were more likely to have symptoms with ACE than those without (36% vs. 15%, p < 0.01). Fourteen children underwent interventions for this finding, including administering flushes more distally (4/8 responded), changing positioning of the child during flush administration, (1/2 responded), and slowing administration (1/1 responded). Retrograde flow was associated with younger age (p < 0.01), not sex or underlying diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Identifying retrograde flow during studies with contrast administered via appendicostomy/cecostomy can be useful for children with a poor response or symptoms associated with ACE, as adjustments to the mechanics of the flush can alleviate those symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level III.

Current practice in the care of children with functional constipation: What is the hold up?

OBJECTIVES: For children with intractable functional constipation (FC), there are no evidence-based guidelines for subsequent evaluation and treatment. Our objective was to assess the practice patterns of a large, international cohort of pediatric gastroenterologists. METHODS: We administered a survey to physicians who attended the 2nd World Congress of Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility held in Columbus, Ohio (USA) in September 2023. The survey included 29 questions on diagnostic testing, nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatment, and surgical options for children with intractable FC. RESULTS: Ninety physicians from 18 countries completed the survey. For children with intractable FC, anorectal manometry was the most commonly used diagnostic test. North American responders were more likely than Europeans to use stimulant laxatives (97% vs. 77%, p = 0.032), prosecretory medications (69% vs. 8%, p < 0.001), and antegrade continence enemas (ACE; 83% vs. 46%, p = 0.009) for management. Europeans were more likely than North Americans to require colonic transit testing before surgery (85% vs. 30%, p < 0.001). We found major differences in management practices between Americans and the rest of the world, including use of prosecretory drugs (73% vs. 7%, p < 0.001), anal botulinum toxin injections (81% vs. 58%, p = 0.018), ACE (81% vs. 58% p = 0.018), diverting ileostomies (56% vs. 26%, p = 0.006), and colonic resections (42% vs. 16%, p = 0.012). No differences were found when respondents were compared by years of experience. CONCLUSIONS: Practice patterns in the evaluation and treatment of children with intractable FC differ widely among pediatric gastroenterologists from around the world. A clinical guideline regarding diagnostic testing and surgical decision-making is needed.

Management of the child with refractory constipation.

BACKGROUND: Caring for children with constipation refractory to conventional treatment can be challenging and management practices vary widely. AIMS: To review recent advances in the evaluation and treatment of children with refractory constipation and to propose an algorithm that incorporates the latest evidence and our institutional experience. METHODS: We performed a literature review on diagnostic tests and treatment options for children with refractory constipation. RESULTS: Evaluation of a child with refractory constipation seeks to better understand factors contributing to an individual child's presentation. Anorectal manometry evaluating for a rectal evacuation disorder and colonic manometry evaluating for colonic dysmotility can guide subsequent treatment. For the child who has not responded to conventional treatment, a trial of newer medications like linaclotide can be helpful. Transanal irrigation offers a safe and effective alternative for families able to administer daily rectal treatment. Despite mixed evidence in children, pelvic floor biofeedback therapy can help some children with pelvic floor dyssynergia. For younger children unable to cooperate with pelvic floor therapy, or older children with refractory symptoms, internal anal sphincter botulinum toxin injection can be beneficial. Antegrade continence enema treatment can be effective for children with either normal colonic motility or segmental dysmotility. Sacral nerve stimulation is generally reserved for symptoms that persist despite antegrade continence enemas, particularly if faecal incontinence is prominent. In more severe cases, temporary or permanent colonic diversion and segmental colonic resection may be needed. CONCLUSIONS: Recent advances offer hope for children with refractory constipation.

Early childhood-onset rumination syndrome is clinically distinct from adolescent-onset rumination syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Rumination syndrome (RS) beginning in early childhood or infancy is understudied and challenging to treat. Our objective is to compare the characteristics and outcomes of early-onset (EO) and adolescent-onset (AO) patients with RS. METHODS: We conducted an ambidirectional cohort study of children diagnosed with RS at our institution. Patients were included in two groups: EO (RS symptom onset ≤5 years and diagnosis ≤12 years) and AO (onset >12 years). Patient characteristics, severity, and outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: We included 49 EO and 52 AO RS patients. The median ages of symptom onset and diagnosis in EO were 3.5 and 6 years, respectively; AO, 14.5 and 15 years. EO RS had a slight male predominance while AO was predominantly female (p = 0.016). EO patients were more likely to have developmental delay (24% vs. 8%, p = 0.029) and less likely to have depression (0% vs. 23%, p < 0.001) or anxiety (14% vs. 40%, p = 0.004). At baseline, EO RS was less severe than AO RS: EO RS had greater regurgitation frequency (p < 0.001) but lower vomiting frequency (p = 0.001), resulting in less meal skipping (p < 0.001), reliance on tube feeding or parenteral nutrition (p < 0.001), and weight loss (p = 0.035). EO RS symptoms improved over time: at follow-up, patients had lower regurgitation (p < 0.001) and vomiting frequency (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: EO RS is clinically distinct from AO RS, with differences in sex distribution, comorbid conditions, and severity of initial presentation. The pathogenesis and natural history of EO RS may be distinct from that of AO RS.

Using social media for patient care, research, and professional development: A North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition position paper.

The advent of social media has changed numerous aspects of modern life, with users developing and maintaining personal and professional relationships, following and sharing breaking news and importantly, searching for and disseminating health information and medical research. In the present paper, we reviewed available literature to outline the potential uses, pitfalls and impacts of social media for providers, scientists and institutions involved in digestive health in the domains of patient care, research and professional development. We recommend that these groups become more active participants on social media platforms to combat misinformation, advocate for patients, and curate and disseminate valuable research and educational materials. We also recommend that societies such as NASPGHAN assist its members in accessing training on effective social media use and the creation and maintenance of public-facing profiles and that academic institutions incorporate substantive social media contributions into academic promotion processes.

Long-Term Outcomes of Antegrade Continence Enemas to Treat Constipation and Fecal Incontinence in Children.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate long-term outcomes of antegrade continence enema (ACE) treatment in children with constipation or fecal incontinence. METHODS: Prospective cohort study including pediatric patients with organic or functional defecation disorders who started ACE treatment. Data were collected at baseline and at follow-up (FU) from 6 weeks until 60 months. We assessed parent and patient-reported gastrointestinal health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Gastrointestinal Symptoms Module (PedsQL-GI), gastrointestinal symptoms, adverse events, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Thirty-eight children were included (61% male, median age 7.7 years, interquartile range 5.5-12.2). Twenty-two children (58%) were diagnosed with functional constipation (FC), 10 (26%) with an anorectal malformation, and 6 (16%) with Hirschsprung disease. FU questionnaires were completed by 22 children (58%) at 6 months, 16 children (42%) at 12 months, 20 children (53%) at 24 months, and 10 children (26%) at 36 months. PedsQL-GI scores improved overall with a significant increase at 12- and 24-month FU for children with FC and a significant increase in parent reported PedsQL-GI score at 36-month FU for children with organic causes. Minor adverse events, such as granulation tissue, were reported in one-third of children, and 10% of children needed a surgical revision of their ACE. The majority of all parents and children reported that they would "probably" or "definitely" choose ACE again. CONCLUSION: ACE treatment is perceived positively by patients and parents and can lead to long-term improvement in gastrointestinal HRQoL in children with organic or functional defecation disorders.

Accuracy of Anorectal Manometry to Detect the Rectoanal Inhibitory Reflex in Children: Awake Versus Under General Anesthesia.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to investigate if there is a difference in the detection of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) when an anorectal manometry (ARM) is performed awake or under general anesthesia. METHODS: A retrospective review of ARM studies was performed to identify children who had undergone ARMs both while awake and under general anesthesia. We compared ARM outcomes including the detection of the RAIR and anal canal resting pressure. RESULTS: Thirty-four children had received ARMs both while awake and under general anesthesia (53% female, median age at first ARM 7.5 years [range 3-18 years]). In 9 of 34 (26%) children the RAIR was solely identified during ARM under general anesthesia and not during ARM while awake. In 6 of 9 (66%) this was unrelated to the balloon volumes used during balloon inflations. In 4 of 34 (12%) children, assessment of the RAIR was inconclusive during ARM under general anesthesia due to too low, or loss of anal canal pressure. In 2 of those children, ARMs while awake showed presence of a RAIR. Anal canal resting pressures were higher during ARM while awake versus ARM under general anesthesia (median 70 [interquartile range, IQR 59-85] vs 46 mmHg [IQR 36-65] respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: General anesthesia may affect the detection of a RAIR in 2 ways. On the one hand, it may facilitate better visualization in children in whom a RAIR could not be visualized while awake. On the other hand, it may cause a loss of anal canal pressure resulting in an inconclusive test result.

A Retrospective Review of Baclofen Treatment for Children with Rumination Syndrome at a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: Baclofen can decrease rumination frequency in adults with rumination syndrome. Outcomes of baclofen treatment in children with rumination syndrome have not been described. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of baclofen in children with rumination syndrome in combination with behavioral therapy at a single center. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of children aged 0-18 years with rumination syndrome based on Rome criteria and prescribed baclofen by a pediatric gastroenterologist at the Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA, between 2012 and 2019. Children without follow-up data or who were prescribed baclofen for other symptoms were excluded. RESULTS: We identified 44 children with rumination syndrome who were prescribed baclofen by a pediatric gastroenterologist. Seventeen either did not have follow-up data or never started the medication. We included 27 patients in the study: 22 (81.5%) female, median age 14.5 years (range 10-18 years) and 100% Caucasian. Twenty patients (74%) received baclofen 5 mg and seven patients (26%) received baclofen 10 mg three times daily. Most patients received behavioral therapy and baclofen simultaneously. Thirteen patients (48%) reported improvement in symptoms, primarily a decrease in rumination frequency, at their first follow-up visit. Regurgitation frequency per week decreased after starting baclofen (p < 0.05). One patient experienced dizziness. No other side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of our patients with rumination syndrome improved after baclofen. It was well tolerated with minimal side effects. This suggests that baclofen in addition to behavioral therapy can improve symptoms of rumination syndrome. Prospective, controlled studies in a larger cohort of children with rumination syndrome are needed to confirm these findings.

Multidisciplinary Tiered Care Is Effective for Children and Adolescents With Rumination Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Rumination syndrome (RS) can be challenging to treat and data on treatment outcomes in children are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes of children with RS treated with tailored outpatient and inpatient strategies. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of children <18 years old with RS evaluated at our institution from 2018 to 2020. At our institution, we use a multidisciplinary, tiered approach to treatment based on presentation severity. Children with RS either undergo outpatient treatment program (OP) or participate in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or an intensive inpatient program (IP). We reviewed baseline characteristics and assessed severity (including frequency of regurgitation/vomiting, route of nutrition, and weight loss) at baseline, at completion of treatment, and at a follow-up time point. RESULTS: We included 171 children with RS (64% female, median age 13 years, interquartile range (IQR) 10-15), 123 of whom had post-treatment data after completing OP, IOP, or IP. At baseline, 66% of patients were vomiting daily and 40% were losing weight. After treatment, 72% of OP, 95% of IOP, and 96% of IP patients reported that symptoms were better or fully resolved compared to baseline. In all 3 treatment groups, patients were vomiting, losing weight, and skipping meals significantly less after treatment compared to baseline. At follow-up (median 5.3 months), 86% of IOP and 66% of IP patients had symptoms that remained better or resolved. CONCLUSIONS: RS can cause severe symptoms, impacting nutritional status and school participation. However, multidisciplinary care in a tiered approach leads to significant symptomatic improvement.

Evaluation of Chronic Constipation in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic constipation occurs frequently in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary objective was to determine whether chronic constipation is associated with a higher rate of abnormal colonic motor activity in ASD children than in non-ASD children. A secondary goal was to determine if clinical variables could identify children with ASD at risk for possessing abnormal colonic motility. METHODS: A retrospective, propensity-matched, case-control study compared colonic manometry (CM) of an ASD cohort and non-ASD controls with chronic constipation. Clinical variables were evaluated as potential predictors for abnormal colonic motility. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients with ASD and 123 controls without the diagnosis of ASD who underwent CM were included. Propensity score resulted in 35 matched cohorts of ASD and controls. The rate of abnormal CM findings between ASD and matched controls (24% vs 20%, P = 0.78) did not differ significantly. A prediction model of abnormal CM that included ASD diagnosis, duration of constipation, and soiling achieved a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.65. The risk for abnormal colonic motility increased 11% for every 1-year increase in duration of constipation. Odds for abnormal motility were 30 times higher in ASD children with soiling than controls with soiling (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic constipation does not appear to be associated with a higher rate of abnormal colonic motility in children with ASD. Clinical information of disease duration and presence of soiling due to constipation show promise in identifying patients with ASD at a greater risk for abnormal colonic motility.

Anal Botulinum Toxin in Children with Hirschsprung Disease and Functional Constipation: A Prospective Cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Anal sphincter botulinum toxin injections (BTIs) are used in the treatment of children with severe defecation disorders, including Hirschsprung disease (HD) and functional constipation (FC). Our objective was to evaluate the outcomes of BTI in these children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study of children undergoing BTI from July 2018 to December 2018. We recorded perceived effect of the BTI, including effectiveness ranging from 0 (not at all effective) to 4 (extremely effective). In addition, we recorded symptoms and the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score (CCCS). Data were collected at baseline and at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 4 months post-injection. RESULTS: Forty-two children (HD = 25, FC = 17) were included in the study (median age 4.3 years, IQR 2.4-7.2, 52% male). Twenty-two (88%) children with HD and eight (47%) children with FC had previously undergone a BTI. BTIs were perceived effective in 16 (76%) and 12 (71%) children with HD and eight (47%) and seven (47%) children with FC at 2-week and 2-month follow-up, respectively. Effectiveness was not rated differently between groups except at the 2-month follow-up, when patients with HD rated the BTI more effective compared to those with FC (median 2 [HD] vs. median 1 [FC], p = 0.022). Over the course of the study, 17/39 (44%) children reported self-limiting adverse effects such as fecal incontinence and pain at the injection site. CONCLUSION: Anal sphincter BTIs can be effective in the treatment of constipation in both HD and FC patients.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment of Pediatric Rumination Syndrome in the Era of Telemedicine.

OBJECTIVES: We have had success treating children with severe rumination syndrome using a multidisciplinary intensive outpatient program (IOP) involving multiple treatment sessions daily. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we temporarily transitioned care to telemedicine. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes of patients with rumination syndrome who completed IOP treatment in person versus by telemedicine. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with rumination syndrome who participated in IOP treatment from 2018 to 2020. Similar treatment sessions were performed involving medical and behavioral techniques provided by a multidisciplinary team during telemedicine visits. Families/patients were asked to complete a survey outlining their child's current rumination symptom severity and review the IOP. RESULTS: We included 34 patients (79% F, median age 15 years, range 7-19 years) who completed IOP treatment. Twenty-six patients (76%) were treated in person and 8 patients (24%) by telemedicine. For patients treated in person, 76% (19/25) had improvement in symptoms while 16% (4/25) had complete resolution of symptoms. For patients treated by telemedicine, 88% (7/8) had improvement in their symptoms. There were no significant differences between groups in likelihood of improvement. Overall, 78% (18/23) preferred in person therapy while 17% (4/23) did not have a preference. All 18 of the in-person cohort who completed follow-up surveys preferred in-person management. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary intensive outpatient treatment for children and adolescents with severe rumination syndrome is effective. Although telemedicine may be an alternative to in person therapy, majority of families prefer in person visits.

Providing a Constipation Action Plan to Families of Children With Constipation Decreases Health Care Utilization.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether providing a constipation action plan (CAP) to families of children with constipation at outpatient gastroenterology (GI) visits affects health care utilization of the GI department. METHODS: We created a CAP to be included in the after visit summary of children seen in our GI Clinic. We compared the number of patient telephone calls, electronic messages, and urgent care (UC) visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations within 3 months after the visit of patients who received the CAP compared to those who did not using inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis. For families who received the CAP at a follow-up visit, we compared these variables in the 3 months before and after the CAP was provided using paired t test and McNemar's test as appropriate. RESULTS: We included 336 patients who received the CAP and 2812 who did not. After IPTW adjustment, there were fewer patient telephone calls for patients who received the CAP (P = 0.0006). The difference in patient electronic messages was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). For the 45 patients who received the CAP at a follow-up visit, there were on average 1.8 more patient telephone calls made prior to receiving the CAP than after (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.8-2.8; P = 0.0007) and 2.3 more patient electronic messages received (95% CI = 0.1-4.5; P = 0.04). There were no differences in UC/emergency department visits or hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: We found that providing a CAP to families of children with constipation decreases health care utilization. Further studies are needed to determine whether this impacts patient outcomes.

Impact of Neurodevelopmental Disorders on Bowel Management Outcomes in Children with Functional Constipation.

OBJECTIVES: Patients experiencing functional constipation (FC) can participate in structured bowel management programs (BMPs) to manage constipation or fecal incontinence when standard management fails. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of BMPs for children with FC with and without neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of children with FC who participated in our BMP from 2014 to 2021. Stool/urinary continence, bowel regimen, surgical history, parent-reported outcomes measures (PROMs: Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score, Baylor Continence Scale, Vancouver Symptom Score for Dysfunctional Elimination), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were assessed pre- and at least 9 months post-BMP. RESULTS: The cohort included 156 patients with a median age of 9 years and follow-up of 627 days (IQR: 389-808 days). Two sub-cohorts included patients with FC only (69%) and FC plus a neurodevelopmental disorder (31%): 59% attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, 33% autism spectrum disorder, and 8% obsessive-compulsive disorder. Both groups had significantly improved follow-up bowel movement frequency and continence (39%-90% neurodevelopmental, 44%-82% FC only, P < 0.001) and urinary continence (65%-90% neurodevelopmental, 69%-91% FC only, P < 0.02). There was a significant improvement in most of the PROMs at follow-up. Both groups experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in overall PedsQL scores (pre- and postBMP difference of >4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with FC with and without a neurodevelopmental disorder had significant improvement in stool and urinary continence after undergoing a BMP. Further studies are needed to see if this improvement is durable over a longer period of time in this challenging cohort.

Antegrade continence enemas in children with functional constipation and dyssynergic defecation: Go or no go?

OBJECTIVE: To assess outcomes of children with functional constipation after antegrade continence enemas (ACEs) and determine if pre operative anorectal manometry (AMAN) findings, including dyssynergic defecation, are associated with outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of pediatric patients with functional constipation who received a Malone appendicostomy or cecostomy after failed medical management was conducted. Patients were included if they had AMAN data prior to their operation. Patients that underwent colonic resection were excluded. Demographics, clinical characteristics, manometry results, and post ACE outcomes were obtained. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were identified with median age at ACE of 8.9 years (IQR: 7.2-12.6) and median follow-up of 2.5 years (IQR: 1.8-3.2 years). Twenty patients (51%) were female and most (35, 92%) were White. All patients had severe constipation prior to ACE and 59% had fecal incontinence. Thirty-four patients (87%) received a Malone and 5 (13%) received a cecostomy. Post ACE, 35 (90%) were clean with daily flushes and 6 (15%) eventually successfully transitioned to laxatives only. Awake AMAN and balloon expulsion test were performed in 15 patients, with 14 (93%) displaying evidence of dyssynergic defecation. Twelve of 14 of patients (86%) with dyssynergia were clean with ACE at follow-up. because of the majority of patients being clean post ACE, there was limited power to detect predictors of poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: ACEs are successful treatment options for patients with severe constipation and fecal incontinence, including those with dyssynergic defecation. Larger studies are needed to identify factors predictive of poor outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Hypnosis to Reduce Distress in Children Undergoing Anorectal Manometry: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

Background/Aims: To assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a brief session of hypnosis to reduce distress in children with functional constipation undergoing anorectal manometry (ARM). Methods: A partially-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted in children 4-18 years old scheduled for ARM. Children were randomized to receive a brief session of hypnosis prior to ARM or standard care. Non-blinded and blinded observers rated the child's level of distress using the Observation Scale of Behavioral Distress and a 4-point-Likert scale, respectively. Differences between groups were analyzed using Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. Results: Data from 32 children (15 hypnosis and 17 standard care) were analyzed. Prior to insertion of the catheter, the observed mean levels of distress were lower in the hypnosis group according to both the non-blinded observer (median 0.0 [interquartile range {IQR} 0.0-0.3] vs 1.4 [IQR 0.3-2.4]; P = 0.009) and the blinded observer (median 0.0 [IQR 0.0-0.0] vs 0.5 [IQR 0.0-1.0]; P = 0.044). During ARM, observed and reported levels of distress did not differ significantly. In the hypnosis group, 92.9% of parents and children reported that hypnosis helped the child to relax. There were no significant differences in resting pressure, squeeze pressure, or duration of the procedure between both groups. Conclusion: A brief session of hypnosis for children before ARM is an easily incorporable intervention that lowers distress levels prior to the procedure and is positively perceived by children and parents.

Do we need an extra dimension? A pilot study on the use of three-dimensional anorectal manometry in children with functional constipation.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a new high-definition (or three-dimensional "3D") high-resolution anorectal manometry (3D-ARM) catheter has been introduced. This catheter allows for a more detailed visualization of the anal canal. However, its clinical utility and tolerability in children with constipation are unknown. Our primary objective was to evaluate the agreement between findings from solid-state high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) and 3D-ARM. Secondary objectives were to investigate if 3D-ARM has additional value over HR-ARM and to evaluate patient and provider experience. METHODS: Prospective pilot study including children (8-18 years of age) with functional constipation scheduled for anorectal manometry. Children underwent HR-ARM and 3D-ARM consecutively. We compared manometry results of both procedures and collected data on patient and provider experience via self-developed questionnaires. KEY RESULTS: Data of ten patients were analyzed (60% female, median age 14.9 years). In the majority of patients, ARMs were performed awake (n = 8, 80%). In two patients, the recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was visualized during HR-ARM but not during 3D-ARM. Anal canal resting pressures were significantly higher during 3D-ARM compared to HR-ARM (median 77 mmHg [IQR 59-94] vs. 69 mmHg [IQR 51-91], respectively, p = 0.037). No significant anatomical or muscular abnormalities were visualized during the 3D-ARM. The majority of children identified the 3D-ARM as the more unpleasant (5/7 [71%]) and more painful procedure (6/7 [86%]) and therefore preferred the HR-ARM (4/7 [57%]). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: In our patient sample, 3D-ARM was associated with more discomfort without providing more useful information and even resulted in an inconsistent visualization of the RAIR.

Gastric electrical stimulation improves symptoms and need for supplemental nutrition in children with severe nausea and vomiting: A ten-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is a promising therapy for children with severe nausea and vomiting, but information on long-term outcomes is limited. We sought to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of GES and to describe patient benefit and satisfaction. METHODS: Using a prospective registry, we identified patients aged <21 years treated with GES at our institution between 2009 and 2019. Encounters were selected at baseline prior to GES and at follow-up at 1 month, 12 months, and the most recent visit. We compared symptoms, route of nutrition, and medication usage at baseline to follow-up timepoints. Factors associated with improvement were evaluated. We recorded complications and need for battery replacement. We contacted families to administer the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) and a parent satisfaction questionnaire. KEY RESULTS: Eighty-five patients (68.2% female, median age 15.8 years) completed a trial of temporary GES due to severe nausea and vomiting. Seventy-seven (90.6%) had a positive response and underwent permanent stimulator placement. Use of tube feeding or parenteral nutrition (PN) decreased from 72.7% at baseline to 29.9% at the most recent follow-up (p < 0.001). Higher baseline vomiting severity was associated with the ability to stop supplemental nutrition by 1 month (p < 0.05). Fourteen patients (18.2%) had complications, primarily due to stimulator-associated discomfort, and 29 (37.7%) required battery replacement. Median GCBI was +52.1, indicating health-related benefit. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Children with severe nausea and vomiting treated with GES experienced significant and durable improvement in symptom severity and their ability to tolerate oral nutrition.

The Use of Linaclotide in Children with Functional Constipation or Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Retrospective Chart Review.

BACKGROUND: Linaclotide is a well-tolerated and effective agent for adults with functional constipation (FC) or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). However, data in children are lacking. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy and safety of linaclotide in children. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of children < 18 years old who started linaclotide at our institution (Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio). We excluded children already using linaclotide or whom had an organic cause of constipation or abdominal pain. We recorded information on patient characteristics, medical and surgical history, symptoms, clinical response, course of treatment, and adverse events at baseline, first follow-up, and after 1 year of linaclotide use. A positive clinical response was based on the physician's global assessment of symptoms at the time of the visit as documented. RESULTS: We included 93 children treated with linaclotide for FC (n = 60) or IBS-C (n = 33); 60% were female; median age was 14.7 years (IQR 13.2-16.6). Forty-five percent of patients with FC and 42% with IBS-C had a positive clinical response at first follow-up a median of 2.5 and 2.4 months after starting linaclotide, respectively. Approximately a third of patients experienced adverse events and eventually 27% stopped using linaclotide due to adverse events. The most common adverse events were diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of children with FC or IBS-C benefited from linaclotide, but adverse events were relatively common. Further prospective, controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from linaclotide.