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Published on: October 29, 2014

Bowel function in Danish children with myelomeningocele

Klaus Krogh1, Harald R Lie, Niels Bilenberg

  • 1Surgical Research Unit, Department of Surgery L, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. www.krogh@akh.aaa.dk

APMIS. Supplementum
|July 24, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Bowel problems are common in children with Myelomeningocele (MMC), significantly impacting their quality of life as they age. Many children require interventions for defecation, highlighting a need for better bowel management education.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Spinal cord lesions, such as those in Myelomeningocele (MMC), are known to disrupt colorectal motility, anorectal sensation, and anal sphincter function.
  • These disruptions can lead to significant challenges in bowel management for affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the bowel habits and associated challenges in children diagnosed with Myelomeningocele (MMC).
  • To assess the impact of bowel dysfunction on the quality of life in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire-based study was conducted among Danish children aged 2-18 years with Myelomeningocele (MMC).
  • Data collected included demographics, neurological status, bowel function details, and the Child Behaviour Checklist.
  • Response rate was 60% (125 out of 208 patients).

Main Results:

  • Abnormal defecation was reported by 68% of respondents.
  • Interventions like digital stimulation, suppositories, and enemas were used by 20%, 10%, and 28% respectively.
  • Faecal incontinence was reported by 14% daily and 14% weekly in children aged four years and older.
  • Bowel dysfunction impacted social activities or quality of life in 40% of children, with increasing severity in older children.

Conclusions:

  • Colorectal problems are highly prevalent in children with Myelomeningocele (MMC).
  • The impact of bowel dysfunction on quality of life intensifies with age.
  • There is a significant unmet need for comprehensive bowel management information for both parents and children.

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