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Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Insights
Functional megacolon in children can worsen with age, potentially aggravated by colitis. This study examined 304 children, revealing increasing colitis signs with disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Functional megacolon is a common condition in children.
- Its progression and association with other gastrointestinal issues require further understanding.
Abstract:
During 1980-1985, 304 children with functional megacolon were examined. Group I was made up of 95 patients with chronic constipation; group II of 130 patients with associated megacolon and encopresis; group III of 54 patients who mainly complained of abdominal pain (the mean age was 5.2, 7.5 and 8.8 years, respectively); group IV included 25 children (19.6%) with megacolon recognized from the group of 127 patients in whom acute appendicitis was excluded according to irrigoscopy. In the children of the first 3 groups, the x-ray signs of colitis or irritated colon were identified in 54, 72 and 87%, respectively. These groups may in fact illustrate the natural time-course of changes in the disease development. It has been demonstrated that with age functional megacolon may be aggravated by colitis. A pathogenetic diagram of the development of functional megacolon is provided.
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