Evaluation of constipation by abdominal radiographs correlated with treatment outcome in children with dysfunctional elimination

To analyze the utility of assessing degree of constipation by abdominal radiograph (KUB) in relation to symptoms and urodynamic data in children with dysfunctional elimination.

A retrospective review of children with concomitant constipation and daytime incontinence was performed. Inclusion required at least two consecutive visits with KUB and noninvasive uroflowmetry. Patients were excluded for anticholinergic medication use or neurogenic or anatomic abnormalities. Rectal fecal quantification and presence of stool throughout the colon was assessed on KUB and categorized as "empty," "normal amount of stool," or "fecal distention of rectum (FDR)."

Twenty-six patients met inclusion requirements (6 boys, 20 girls; average age, 7.7 +/- 2.2 years). The average time between the initial and subsequent visit was 12.5 +/- 7.8 weeks. Initial KUB revealed FDR in 17. No statistical significance was found between FDR on initial or final KUB and outcome of wetting symptoms, nor could a relationship between FDR uroflow parameters at either visit be demonstrated.

No correlation between any uroflowmetry parameter and the presence of FDR at the initial or final visits could be demonstrated. Similarly, no statistical significance between FDR on final or initial KUB and outcome of wetting symptoms was established.