Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Encopresis in Children: A Report of 20 Cases
Abir Azirar1, Amal Hamami1, Maria Rkain1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Mohammed I University, Oujda, MAR.
Insights
Encopresis, or fecal incontinence, in children over four is usually secondary to chronic constipation. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment, often with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based laxatives, improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Child Health
- Clinical Epidemiology
Background:
- Encopresis, or fecal incontinence, affects children over four, often linked to chronic constipation and significant psychosocial distress.
- This condition requires careful evaluation, especially distinguishing secondary encopresis from primary cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of encopresis in pediatric patients.
- To identify factors influencing outcomes in children with encopresis, particularly those with secondary onset.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive study utilizing HOSIX hospital software data.
- Inclusion of pediatric patients diagnosed with encopresis between 2021 and 2024.
Main Results:
- Mean age of symptom onset was five years; most cases were secondary and occurred after age five.
- Chronic constipation was the primary cause (85%), with a 12-month average delay in treatment initiation.
- Treatment involved polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based laxatives, dietary changes, and behavioral interventions, leading to favorable outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Encopresis is common in pediatrics, predominantly secondary to chronic constipation.
- Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach are vital for effective management.
- Delayed treatment presents a significant challenge, potentially prolonging the condition.
Introduction:
Encopresis, or fecal incontinence, is a distressing condition in children over the age of four characterized by the repeated passage of stool in inappropriate places. It is often associated with chronic constipation and can have significant psychosocial impacts on affected children and their families.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of children aged four years and older diagnosed with encopresis and followed in a pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic, with particular attention to distinguishing secondary encopresis in children who have previously achieved bowel continence.
Methods:
A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using data from HOSIX hospital software (SIVSA, Spain). All pediatric patients diagnosed with encopresis, regardless of etiology, and seen in consultation during 2021 and 2024 were included.
Results:
The mean age of symptom onset was five years. Most cases (80%, N = 16) occurred after the age of five, with no instances of primary encopresis identified. The majority of patients (70%, N = 14) were from urban settings. Chronic constipation was the leading cause (85%, N = 17), followed by neurological etiologies (10%, N = 2) and a single case of congenital megacolon. The average delay between symptom onset and initiation of treatment was 12 months. Treatment strategies primarily involved polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based laxatives, dietary modifications, and behavioral interventions, with favorable outcomes in most cases.
Conclusion:
Encopresis is a prevalent condition in pediatrics, typically secondary to chronic constipation. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary management approach are crucial for effective treatment. Delayed care remains a challenge and may contribute to the chronicity.
More Related Videos
09:57Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization
Published on: September 20, 2024
04:53Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach
Published on: October 18, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:08Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
01:20Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS