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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

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology : the Official Clinical Practice Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

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