Encopresis Plus?

DePorres Cormier1, Marie Reilly, Amy Young

  • 1*Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; †Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Boston medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA.

Insights

This case study examines a 12-year-old boy with recurrent encopresis (involuntary defecation). The focus is on identifying the underlying cause and appropriate management strategies for functional constipation in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Child Psychology
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • A 12-year-old boy presented with a 6-month history of recurrent secondary encopresis, characterized by the passage of fully formed stools into underwear.
  • Previous treatment for functional constipation 18 months prior was successful, with laxatives discontinued 12 months ago.
  • The patient denies other gastrointestinal or urinary symptoms, and his physical examination, including rectal exam, is normal.
Abstract

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