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A new ultrasound scoring system for assessing the severity of constipation in children

Bhanumathi Lakshminarayanan1, Dorothy Kufeji, Graham Clayden

  • 1Paediatric Intestinal Motility Unit, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK. bhanumathi1979@hotmail.com

Pediatric Surgery International
|November 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A new ultrasound (US) scoring system reliably assesses constipation severity in children. This method correlates well with symptom scores, aiding in long-term treatment evaluation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Radiology
  • Medical Technology

Background:

  • Constipation is a common pediatric issue.
  • Assessing constipation severity can be challenging.
  • Ultrasound (US) has been explored for evaluating constipation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate a novel US scoring system for constipation.
  • To determine the correlation between symptom severity and US findings in children.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective data collection from children in a constipation clinic (Jan 2007-July 2008).
  • Standardized Symptom Severity Score (SSS) and a new US scoring system were used.
  • US involved probe placement above the pubic symphysis to assess fecal loading and bladder impact.

Main Results:

  • 500 children (317 male, 183 female; median age 8 years) were studied.
  • Pearson's correlation analysis showed a statistically significant correlation (P<0.05) between SSS and US scores.
  • The new US scoring system demonstrated reliability in assessing constipation severity.

Conclusions:

  • Ultrasound is a practical, rapid outpatient tool for assessing constipation severity.
  • The new US scoring system is reliable for monitoring treatment progress in pediatric chronic constipation.
  • US findings correlate with clinical symptoms, supporting its use alongside clinical examination.
Abstract

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