Constipation is associated with spina bifida occulta in children
Zhengwei Yuan1, Wei Cheng, Ana Hou
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China. yuanzw@hotmail.com
Summary
Spina bifida occulta (SBO) is more common in children with constipation. Biofeedback and electrical stimulation effectively treat SBO-related constipation symptoms and improve anorectal function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Urology
Background:
- Spina bifida occulta (SBO) is a frequent developmental anomaly.
- The relationship between SBO and pediatric constipation requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between SBO and constipation in children.
- To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback and electrical stimulation in managing SBO-related constipation.
Main Methods:
- 113 children with constipation underwent diagnostic tests including radiography, manometry, and neurophysiologic studies.
- SBO incidence in constipation groups (functional constipation and nonretentive fecal incontinence) was compared to controls.
- 24 children with SBO and constipation received biofeedback and electrical stimulation therapy.
Main Results:
- SBO was found in 47.7% of functional constipation cases and 77.8% of nonretentive fecal incontinence cases, significantly higher than controls (23.9%).
- Children with SBO exhibited altered anorectal function, including reduced rectal sensory thresholds and prolonged reflex latency.
- Biofeedback and electrical stimulation led to sustained symptomatic improvement in 79.2% of treated children.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric constipation is linked to a higher prevalence of SBO.
- Combined biofeedback and electrical stimulation therapy offers a promising treatment for SBO-associated constipation, improving both symptoms and objective functional measures.
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