Potty Stools, a Pilot Study to Step Up the Management of Functional Constipation in Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Bowel Health
• Child Health

Background:

• Functional constipation (FC) is common in pediatric gastroenterology clinics, often linked to withholding behaviors exacerbated by poor toileting posture.
• Defecation posture modification devices (DPMDs), such as potty stools, have shown benefits in adults for improving bowel movements.
• Optimizing toileting posture is crucial for effective defecation in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a DPMD as an adjunctive therapy for pediatric functional constipation.
• To assess the risks and benefits associated with DPMD use in children with FC.
• To determine the impact of DPMD on treatment outcomes for children experiencing FC.

Main Methods:

• The study enrolled toilet-trained children aged 4 years and older who met Rome IV criteria for FC.
• Participants were provided with a DPMD at no cost and followed for a 4-month treatment period.
• Data collected included adverse events, user recommendations, and changes in fecal incontinence.

Main Results:

• No injuries or treatment-related adverse events were reported by the 43 children who completed the study.
• 98% of participants (42 out of 43) would recommend the DPMD for other children with FC.
• DPMD users experienced a 33% reduction in fecal incontinence, compared to a 60% reduction in non-users.

Conclusions:

• The defecation posture modification device (DPMD) is a safe and well-tolerated intervention for children with functional constipation.
• Incorporating a DPMD as an adjunct to standard FC treatment plans can improve outcomes, particularly reducing fecal incontinence.
• The DPMD shows promise as a valuable tool in managing pediatric functional constipation, with high user satisfaction.