Personal characteristics of enuretic children: an epidemiological study from South-East Europe.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the personal characteristics of enuretic children and investigated the risk factors of nocturnal enuresis among schoolchildren. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional and descriptive questionnaire study and 2,000 children were stratified according to school population, age and gender. The questionnaire was designed for parents to collect information about the prevalence and associated factors as well. RESULTS: Nocturnal enuresis was reported in 159 cases (9.8%). The parameters of bladder control after 2 years of age, urination more than 5 times a day, urinary infection history, history of psychological or physical trauma, siblings with health problems, large family size, lack of a private bedroom, and constipation were more frequent in enuretics (p < 0.05). The parameters of having fecal incontinence, parents and siblings with nocturnal enuresis, low educational level of the mother and poor school performance seem to be risk factors for nocturnal enuresis. However, the parental concern level was high, approximately half of the enuretic children did not visit a physician for management of the problem. CONCLUSION: Nocturnal enuresis could be a multifactorial problem originating from bladder dysfunction, deranged sleep patterns and psychological and hereditary predisposition. Hereditary disposition and having fecal incontinence may be important risk factors for enuresis.

Prevalence of cryptorchidism, retractile testis and orchiopexy in school children.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cryptorchidism, retractile testis and orchiopexy and investigate the effects of these clinical conditions on testicular volume among schoolchildren aged 7-12 years. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The participants were stratified by school population and age and 1,800 questionnaires were distributed. The inguino-scrotal examinations and the testicular volumes of the children were recorded. RESULTS: The parents of 1,500 children agreed to allow their children to be examined. The prevalence of cryptorchidism and orchiopexy was found to be 0.73 and 1.3%, respectively. Retractile testis was found in 3.9% of the children. The mean testicular volume of children having retractile testis (1.82 +/- 1.41 ml) was less than the ones who do not (2.38 +/- 1.40 ml, p < 0.05). The prevalence was 1.7%, and 4% in the participants who had inguinal hernia also had hernioplasty. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cryptorchidism and the mean age of orchidopexy are high among schoolchildren aged 7-12. Retractile testis might have some negative effects on the development of testicular volume in children. Parents and healthcare and education professionals should give special attention to inguino-scrotal diseases.

Factors associated with childhood constipation.

AIM: To evaluate factors associated with constipation, determine its risk factors and identify common methods of managing constipation among schoolchildren from ages 7-12 in Edirne, Turkey. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study and 1900 children were stratified by the school population, age and gender. The questionnaire collected information from parents about the prevalence of constipation and associated factors as well. It asked about bowel movements, socio-demographic data, personal and family stressors, parental concern about constipation, and treatment methods. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of constipation was 7.2%. It was 7.3% in boys and 7.2% in girls (P > 0.05). The parameters of siblings with health problems, constipation history in family members, abnormal oral habits, and little regular sporting activity were more common in constipated children than in non-constipated ones (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, never having used school toilets (OR: 5.9) and having problem to control their bowel after 2 years of age (OR: 3.1) were found to be major risk factors for constipation in schoolchildren ages 7-12 years. Constipated children had a lower consumption rate of fruits and vegetables and a higher consumption rate of milk-group foods, biscuits and macaroni than non-constipated children. Parental concern was at 90% and the rate of medical consultation was 23.2% for constipated children. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for childhood constipation may be genetic, psychological or organic. Bowel functions may be affected by dietary habits. Parents, health and education professionals should give special attention to childhood constipation.

Acute gastric volvulus due to deficiency of the gastrocolic ligament in a newborn.

UNLABELLED: Gastric volvulus is rare in the neonatal period. Only three cases of gastric volvulus due to deficiency of gastrocolic ligament have been reported until now in the literature. We describe a neonatal case due to absence of the gastrocolic ligament. Stamm gastrostomy was performed for fixation and there has been no recurrence of his symptoms during a 13-month post-operative period. CONCLUSION: Stamm gastrostomy is a viable treatment of gastric volvulus due to lack of the gastrocolic ligament.