Outcomes of a pilot evaluation of a group urotherapy programme for children with complex elimination disorders: An Australian experience.

Evidence-based interventions have continued to show positive effects on both reducing symptoms and helping children with elimination disorders achieve continence and manage troubling psychological distress. Despite this, there is a group of children who do not respond to standard treatments and are classified as having a complex elimination disorder. As a means of addressing the broader clinical challenge and implications of complex elimination disorders, a team of clinicians in Germany developed the Urinary and Faecal Incontinence Training Program for Children and Adolescents. A pilot investigation was undertaken to apply the Urinary and Faecal Incontinence Training Program for Children and Adolescents programme to children aged 6-12 years in an Australian context who met the complex elimination disorder diagnostic criteria, to determine if any subsequent change in the measures of life quality and general well-being was achieved. Findings suggest a reduction in the frequency of the child's symptoms and improvements in family quality of life measures. Qualitatively, children and parents perceived that their child's ability to now respond to stimuli and in so doing avert severe accidents was a major outcome of the programme and was able to increase a child's sense of acceptance of incontinence, improve levels of self-efficacy and increase self-awareness.

Prevalence of elimination disorders and comorbid psychiatric disorders in Iranian children and adolescents.

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.

[Elimination disorders - ICD-11 classification and definitions]. / Ausscheidungsstörungen ­ Klassifikation und Definition nach ICD-11.

Elimination disorders - ICD-11 classification and definitions Abstract. Elimination disorders are common in children and are can be divided into three main groups: nocturnal enuresis, daytime urinary incontinence, and encopresis or fecal incontinence. There are also many subgroups that can be diagnosed exactly. This review critically presents the definitions and the classification suggestions of the ICD-11. It compares the definitions of enuresis according to ICD-11 with those of nocturnal enuresis and daytime urinary incontinence of the ICCS. It also contrasts encopresis according to ICD-11 with functional constipation and nonretentive fecal incontinence by the Rome-IV criteria. It becomes apparent that the ICD-11 does not reflect current research findings; that it does not render specific diagnoses, which are prerequisites for effective treatment; and that it is not exact enough for research. In conclusion, the ICCS and Rome-IV definitions are the preferred classification systems in clinical practice and research.

Psychiatric comorbidities of children with elimination disorders.

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.

Absceso epidural espinal por Streptococcus agalactiae en un paciente inmunocompetente / Spinal epidural abscess caused by Streptococcus agalactiae in an immunocompetent patient

Introducción: Streptococcus agalactiae es un microorganismo causal infrecuente en el absceso epidural espinal (AEE) que generalmente afecta a pacientes con comorbilidades predisponentes y/o alguna potencial fuente de infección. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 53años, inmunocompetente y sin antecedentes médicos de interés, que desarrolló un cuadro de dolor lumbar, paraparesia y disfunción de esfínteres en el contexto de un síndrome febril sin foco conocido de una semana de evolución. La exploración neurológica mostró paraparesia flácida proximal, nivel sensitivo T10, esfínter anal atónico y reflejos osteotendinosos normales. La RM medular mostró un extenso AEE dorsal. Se realizó una laminectomía urgente con drenaje del absceso en menos de 24h y se inició antibioterapia empírica. El resultado del cultivo mostró Streptococcus agalactiae. Tras un estudio exhaustivo, no se encontró ninguna enfermedad predisponente ni fuente de la infección. Conclusiones: Describimos un caso infrecuente de AEE causado por Streptococcus agalactiae en un paciente sano sin factores predisponentes. Este caso subraya la importancia del diagnóstico precoz de esta entidad, dado que se puede asociar potencialmente con un mejor pronóstico

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae is an uncommon microorganism that causes spinal epidural abscess (SEA) and usually affects individuals with a predisposing condition or potential source of infection. Case description: We present the case of an immunocompetent 53-year-old patient with an unremarkable past medical history who developed progressive low extremity weakness, bowel and bladder dysfunction and genital sensory impairment. A neurological exam on admission revealed flaccid proximal paraparesis, T10 sensory level, atonic anal sphincter and normal myotatic reflexes. Urgent neuroimaging showed a large thoracic epidural spinal abscess. Laminectomy and abscess drainage were immediately performed and systemic antibiotic treatment was initiated. Abscess cultures revealed Streptococcus agalactiae. After an exhaustive workup no predisposing factors or local or systemic source for the infection were found. Conclusions: We report a singular case of spinal epidural abscess caused by Streptococcus agalactiae in a healthy patient with no predisposing factors. This case also highlights the importance of an early diagnosis and treatment to obtain a better neurological outcome

Epidemiology of Psychiatric Disorders in Children and Adolescents in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran, 2017.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province of Iran. METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional study included 1038 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years from Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province selected by the multistage cluster sampling method. Samples were interviewed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children. Also, demographic data (gender, age, child education, parent education, and economic situation) were obtained. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 16.1% of participants were diagnosed to have psychiatric disorders. Total psychiatric disorders were significantly more prevalent in boys than in girls (P=0.025). Unemployment of fathers was significantly related to increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children (P=0.016). Other demographic variables had no significant correlation with prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children. Anxiety disorders were highly comorbid with behavioral problems (16.4%). Behavioral disorders also had high comorbidity with elimination disorders (16.7%) and substance use disorders (10%). Enuresis was the most frequent psychiatric disorder (5.8%), followed by epilepsy (3.5%), tobacco use (3.4%), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (3%). Total anxiety disorders were the most prevalent group of psychiatric disorders in the sample (21.9%), followed by behavioral disorders (16.3%), elimination disorders (8.2%), and neurodevelopmental disorders (4.5%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that psychiatric disorders affect a significant number of children and adolescents. Prevalence estimates and identification of sources of heterogeneity have important implications to service providers and modifications are needed in mental health services in the community.

Entrenamiento anorrectal domiciliario como tratamiento de la encopresis y disinergia esfinteriana / Home anorectal training, as a treatment of faecal incontinence and sphincter dyssynergia

Objetivo. Los trastornos de la defecación representan el 3% de las consultas en pediatría. Nuestro objetivo fue demostrar la eficacia y eficiencia de la reeducación en la maniobra defecatoria mediante el entrenamiento domiciliario en los pacientes con encopresis y disinergia esfinteriana. Material y métodos. Estudio de los pacientes con encopresis tratados mediante entrenamiento domiciliario en nuestro centro entre 2014-2015. Se realizó manometría anorrectal y fue valorada la maniobra defecatoria mediante la expulsión o no de la sonda rectal con o sin balón. Se realizaron sesiones diarias de forma domiciliaria empleando una sonda de Foley (18-20 Fr.) con llenado progresivo del balón, máximo 20 cc. Se evaluó la respuesta al tratamiento en función de la presencia de manchado. Resultados. Se incluyeron 7 pacientes (6 varones y 1 mujer) con edad media de 9.7 años (rango, 5-15); dos con antecedente de malformación anorrectal, una enfermedad de Hirschsprung, 1 teratoma sacrococcígeo y 3 encopresis funcionales. Tres pacientes presentaban manchado diario y 4 de forma frecuente. La media de presión basal del canal fue de 32,34 mmHg (rango, 11,74-50,75) con maniobra defecatoria negativa en 2 casos, deficiente en 3 y disinérgica en 2. La media de tiempo realizando el entrenamiento intestinal hasta lograr estar asintomáticos fue 5.14 meses (rango, 2-11), con un seguimiento medio de 16,14 meses (rango, 3-24), manteniéndose limpios actualmente los 7 pacientes. Conclusiones. El presente estudio sugiere que la reeducación de la maniobra defecatoria mediante entrenamiento domiciliario parece ser una terapia eficaz y eficiente, logrando excelentes resultados a medio plazo (AU)

Objective. the defecation disorders represents the 3% of consultations in pediatrics patients. Our goal was to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the reeducation of the defecation maneuver through home training in patients with encopresis and sphincter dyssynergia. Material and methods. Study of patients with fecal incontinence treated with home training at our center between 2014-2015. Anorectal manometry was performed and was valued defecation maneuver by expulsion of rectal probe with or without the ball. Daily sessions were performed using a Foley catheter (18-20Fr.) with progressive filling of the balloon, maximum 20cc. The response to the treatment was assessed in terms of episodes of soiling. Results. Seven patients (6 males and 1 female) with a mean age of 9.7 years (range, 5-15) were included; two patients with anorectal malformation history, 1 Hirschsprung disease, 1 sacrococcygeal teratoma and 3 functional encopresis. Three patients had soiling episodes daily and 4 patients frequently. The mean basal pressure of anal channel was 32.34mmHg (range, 11.74-50.75) with negative defecation maneuver in 2 cases, deficient in 3 and dyssynergic in 2 patients. The mean time of biofeedback therapy to be asymptomatic was 5.14 months (range, 2-11), with a mean of 16.14 months (range, 3-24), with the 7 patients currently maintained clean. Conclusions. The present study suggests that re-education of defecation maneuver through home training, seems to be an effective and efficient therapy, achieving excellent results in medium term (AU)

Development and Validation of a Simplified Falls Assessment Tool in an Acute Care Setting.

An easy-to-use assessment tool, which contains reversible risk factors, might influence the success of a falls prevention program. A 2-phase study was undertaken to develop and validate a simplified falls assessment tool. Risk factors of confusion, dizziness, altered elimination, and difficulty with mobility were found to be significantly associated with fall status. The simplified falls assessment tool that contains these 4 risk factors yielded a comparable predictive value to Hendrich II Falls Risk Model.

Association between elimination disorders and abusive maternal attitudes.

OBJECTIVE: Enuresis and encopresis, both conditions are very distressful to children and their family members and it is responsible for significant social and psychological consequences in children and adolescents. The present study aims to determine the rate of abusive maternal attitudes towards children and adolescents with elimination disorders (EDs) and to investigate the maternal psychological and socio-cultural factors associated with abusive parenting attitudes. METHOD: N = 180 children with ED were included in the study. Family Assessment Device (FAD), and Symptom Check List (SCL-90-R) were administered to mothers. RESULTS: Our results indicated that prevalence of abusive maternal attitudes in our sample was 73.8%. Children and adolescents with ED who live with low-educated parents (p = 0.008), low socio economic status (p = 0.014), and in cases with living in a large or divorced family (p = 0.014), disorganized or chaotic families can be considered a population at risk (p < 0.05), since it is more likely that they suffer more severe abusive maternal attitudes. CONCLUSION: Present study showed high rates of abusive parenting attitudes in cases of EDs in a sample of Turkish children and adolescents. Further research on the etiological and therapeutic importance of the family in the case of ED referred to a psychiatry clinic should be carried out.

A pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of group vs individual urotherapy in decreasing symptoms associated with bladder-bowel dysfunction.

PURPOSE: We determined the feasibility of a definitive trial comparing the effectiveness of group vs individual urotherapy for children with bladder-bowel dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children 6 to 10 years old with bladder-bowel dysfunction were recruited during the course of 1 year. Feasibility data on screening, eligibility, recruitment and protocol compliance rates were collected. Patients with high grade hydronephrosis, vesicoureteral reflux or learning disabilities and those who had previously undergone urotherapy were excluded. Patients were randomized to 1-hour group urotherapy or 15-minute individual urotherapy. Symptoms and quality of life were measured using the Vancouver Nonneurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome Questionnaire and the Pediatric Incontinence Questionnaire at baseline and at 3 to 6 months of followup. Within/between group comparisons were conducted using t-tests. RESULTS: Of 455 screened children 79 were eligible and 60 were recruited to participate. A total of 24 patients randomized to group urotherapy and 25 randomized to individual urotherapy completed the pilot trial (6 undergoing group and 5 undergoing individual urotherapy withdrew from the study). Symptomology scores between group and individual urotherapy were not different at followup (mean ± SD 14.7 ± 7.9 vs 13.4 ± 6.3, p = 0.54, 95% CI -5.4-2.8). Quality of life scores between patients undergoing group and individual urotherapy at baseline differed (mean ± SD 21.1 ± 10.8 vs 31.0 ± 14.3, p < 0.01, 95% CI 2.7-7.3) but became similar at followup (21.0 ± 14.2 vs 20.1 ± 15.3, p = 0.84, 95% CI -9.4-7.6). Within group analyses demonstrated improvement in symptomology from baseline to followup in patients undergoing group (mean ± SD 3.6 ± 7.6, p = 0.03, 95% CI 0.4-6.8) and individual urotherapy (6.0 ± 5.4, p < 0.01, 95% CI 3.8-8.3). Within group quality of life analyses revealed improvement in Pediatric Incontinence Questionnaire scores from baseline to followup in patients undergoing individual urotherapy (p < 0.01, 95% CI 5.0-16.9) only. CONCLUSIONS: Urotherapy, regardless of modality, effectively improved bladder-bowel dysfunction symptoms. A definitive randomized controlled trial is feasible, considering that a high recruitment rate (76%) for this population has been established.

Why good placements matter: Pre-placement and placement risk factors associated with mental health disorders in pre-school children in foster care.

Pre-school children placed in local authority care show elevated rates of mental health disorders when compared to the general population. This study investigated risk factors for mental health disorders relating to the period prior to entering care and while in care. A representative sample of 43 children in care aged 0-72 months in an inner London borough underwent comprehensive multidimensional assessments. Presence of emotional, behavioural, attachment and adaptive disorders was ascertained. Exposure to two pre-placement risk factors and six placement risk factors was compared between children with and without a disorder. A total of 26 children (60.5%) had at least one mental health disorder. The two pre-placement risk factors, multiple types of maltreatment and entry into care after the age of 6 months, were both significantly associated with mental health disorders. The three placement risk factors of sudden placement moves, multiple placement moves and child-carer alienation showed a significant association with mental health disorders. There was a strong correlation between the number of risk factors and the number of co-morbid mental health disorders per child (r = .67, p < .001). In conclusion, this study identified five modifiable risk factors related to the quality of safeguarding and fostering services which showed a significant association with pre-school mental health.

Ingestión de sodio en pacientes litiásicos y su relación con variables demográficas y nutricionales / Sodium intake in lithiasic patients and its relationship to demographic and nutritional variables

Introducción: la medición de la excreción urinaria de sodio es importante en pacientes con litiasis urinaria, pues su excreción elevada predispone a hipercalciuria, el trastorno metabólico urinario más frecuente. Objetivo: determinar la ingestión (igual a excreción) de sodio e identificar su posible relación con variables demográficas y nutricionales, en pacientes con litiasis urinaria. Métodos: se desarrolló un estudio analítico, transversal, de los pacientes con litiasis urinaria que se hicieron estudio metabólico renal en el Instituto de Nefrología, entre enero 2011 y diciembre 2012. Se excluyeron los pacientes con factores que modifican la excreción de sodio. Las determinaciones de creatinina fueron realizadas por el método cinético de Jaffé, con espectrofotómetro Jenway®; las mediciones del sodio urinario, con analizador electrolítico marca Roche®. La información fue procesada de forma automatizada (SPSS versión 15.0). En cada categoría de las variables fueron calculadas media y desviación estándar de la excreción de sodio (mEq/d). Las comparaciones de los promedios se realizaron mediante la prueba t o mediante ANOVA. Resultados: de 1 985 pacientes estudiados, 1 363 fueron del sexo masculino (68,7 por ciento) y 622, del femenino (31,3 por ciento). La excreción urinaria media de sodio fue 235,29 mEq/d, globalmente, y resultó mayor en los hombres (252,69 mEq/d), al ser comparada con la de las mujeres (197,14 mEq/d) (p= 0,00). También se encontraron diferencias al comparar la excreción de sodio entre las categorías de valoración nutricional (p= 0,00) y de excreción de creatinina (p= 0,0). Conclusiones: la excreción urinaria de sodio es elevada en pacientes urolitiásicos, mayor en los hombres y en los sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad...

Introduction: measurement of urinary sodium excretion is important in patients with urolithiasis, for a high level of excretion leads to hypercalciuria, the most common urinary metabolic disorder. Objective: to determine sodium intake (equal to excretion) and identify its possible relationship to demographic and nutritional variables in patients with urinary lithiasis. Methods: an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in patientes with urinary lithiasis undergoing metabolic renal study at the Institute of Nephrology from January 2011 to December 2012. Patients with factors modifying sodium excretion were excluded. Creatinine determinations were made with Jaffé's kinetic method using a Jenway™ spectrophotometer. Urinary sodium was measured with a Roche™ electrolytic analyzer. Data was processed with the statistical software SPSS version 15.0. Variables for each category were estimated as mean and standard deviation of sodium excretion (mEq/d). Comparisons of averages were made with the t test or ANOVA. Results: of the 1 985 patients studied, 1 363 were male (68.7 percent) and 622 were female (31.3 percent). Global mean sodium urinary excretion was 235.29 mEq/d, greater in men (252.69 mEq/d) than in women (197.14 mEq/d) (p= 0.00). Differences were also found when sodium excretion was compared by nutritional assessment (p= 0.00) and creatinine excretion (p= 0.0). Conclusions: urinary sodium excretion is high in patients with urolithiasis. Values are higher in men, and in overweight and obese individuals...

Association between dysfunctional elimination syndrome and sensory processing disorder.

OBJECTIVE. We explored whether sensory processing disorder (SPD) is related to dysfunctional elimination syndrome (DES). METHOD. We used the Vancouver Nonneurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome Questionnaire and the Short Sensory Profile with participants who sought treatment of DES (n = 19) and healthy control participants (n = 55). RESULTS. Significantly more children with DES (53%) had SPD than was reported for the general population (p < .001; Ahn, Miller, Milberger, & McIntosh, 2004). Control participants did not have a greater rate of SPD (p = .333). We found a significant association between the occurrence of DES and SPD, χ²(1) = 20.869, p < .001, and a significant correlation between test scores (Spearman's ρ = -.493, Rs² = .243, p < .001). CONCLUSION. Many children with DES may also have SPD, suggesting that a child's sensory processing pattern would be an important aspect that could influence the plan of care.

Evaluación del esfínter anal interno mediante ecografía anal 3D / Internal anal sphincter evaluation using 3D anal ultrasound

No disponible

Two Sessions of Behavioral Urotherapy for Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction: Does It Get Any Better?

This study sets to determine the optimal duration of behavioral urotherapy necessary to achieve maximal improvement in the management of pediatric bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Elimination disorders and anxious-depressed symptoms in preschool children: a population-based study.

The prevalence rates of elimination disorders and anxious/depressed symptoms of a representative sample of young children and their associations were assessed. 2,079 children in a defined geographical area were examined at school-entry. A parental questionnaire with 4 questions referring to symptoms of incontinence and 14 items of the anxious/depressed scale of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was administered. 9.5 % of 6-year-old children wet at night, 2.7 % wet during day and 1.2 % had faecal incontinence. Significantly more boys wet at night (11.7 %) than girls (7.2 %; OR 0.58, 95 % CI 0.43-0.78). 12.7 % had clinically relevant anxious/depressed symptoms. Children with at least one elimination disorder had significantly higher T values of the 'anxious/depressed' CBCL than continent controls. Children with faecal incontinence had highest T values of the 'anxious/depressed' CBCL syndrome scale, significantly higher than those of children with other elimination disorders and controls. Elimination disorders, as well as anxious/depressed symptoms are common at a young age. Boys are more affected by elimination disorders than girls, but not by anxious/depressed symptoms. Children with faecal incontinence have the highest rate of anxious/depressed symptoms.

Inyección de la toxina botulínica en el esfínter urinario: experiencia y resultados / The use of botulinum toxin in urinary sphincter: Experience and outcomes

Objetivo. Presentamos la experiencia de nuestro centro con la inyección de la toxina botulínica tipo A (TB) en el esfínter urinario de los pacientes con disfunción de vaciado. Material y método. Se inyectó TB en el esfínter urinario a 20 pacientes entre diciembre de 2003 y agosto de 2011 para el tratamiento de distintas disfunciones de vaciado refractarias a tratamiento convencional. Se utilizaron 4 vías de inyección: transuretral, parameatal en mujeres, transrectal en varones y transvaginal. Las dosis utilizadas oscilaron entre 50 y 200U. Resultados. Obtuvimos resultados satisfactorios en 11 pacientes (55%) según criterios clínicos. La duración del efecto osciló entre los 3 y 7 meses. No registramos complicaciones significativas relacionadas con la inyección, y la tolerancia al dolor fue buena. Conclusiones. La inyección de TB en el esfínter urinario es una técnica segura y eficaz para el tratamiento de diversos trastornos del tracto urinario inferior, pero sus resultados deben interpretarse cautelosamente, sobre todo en función de los parámetros utilizados para medir la eficacia (AU)

Objective. We present the experience of our center with the injection of type A botulinum toxin (BT) in urinary sphincter in patients with voiding dysfunction. Material and methods. BT was injected in the urinary sphincter of 20 patients between December 2003 and August 2011 in order to treat different voiding dysfunctions refractory to conventional treatment. Four injection methods were used: transurethral, paraurethral, transrectal and transvaginal. The doses used ranged from 50 to 200 units. Results. Satisfactory outcomes were obtained in 11 patients (55%) according to the clinical criteria. The effect lasted from 3 to 7 months. No major complications were registered and pain tolerance was good. Conclusions. The injection of BT in the urinary sphincter is safe and effective for the treatment of different lower urinary tract disorders, however its results should be interpreted with caution, above all based on the parameters used to measure the efficacy (AU)

Bladder and bowel dysfunction and the resolution of urinary incontinence with successful management of bowel symptoms in children.

AIM: To investigate the effect of treating defecation problems on urinary incontinence in children suffering from combined urinary bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD). METHODS: We established a clinical database from medical records of all children referred to the urinary incontinence and gastroenterology outpatient clinics with BBD. The following variables were extracted: symptoms of constipation, faecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, age at onset of symptoms, treatment, including duration and response. All children went through the same treatment protocol. Faecal disorders were treated primarily and once relieved, the daytime incontinence was managed and followed by intervention for nocturnal enuresis. RESULTS: In total, 73 children were included in the study. The treatment regimen resulted in resolution of the defecation disorder in 96% of the patients. Of the children with daytime urinary incontinence, 68% had at least a 50% reduction in number of daytime incontinence episodes by successful relief of bowel dysfunction and 27% became completely continent during daytime. Only 17% of the children suffering from enuresis had a significant reduction in number of wet nights after relief of their faecal problem. CONCLUSION: The empirical treatment approach of managing bowel symptoms before intervening for bladder dysfunction in children with BBD is found to be appropriate.