Encopresis treatment outcome: long-term follow-up of 45 cases

Among children diagnosed and treated for encopresis (N = 88) at either of two incontinence clinics between 1986 and 1994, 45 could be assessed for long-term (>12 months) outcome. Measures consisted of retrospective analysis of clinical charts and parent report of child soiling status. At follow-up (mean duration 53 months, range 15 to 99 months), 26 children (58%) were in remission, 13 (29%) were improved, and six (13%) showed no improvement. Logistic regression showed that children who presented with no previous encopresis treatment(s) (odds ratio 5.88, 95% confidence interval 1.61 to 21.55, p < .01) and/or children who presented with fecal retention (odds ratio 17.8, 95% confidence interval 2.70 to 153.37, p < .01) were more likely to be in remission. The interval between treatment and follow-up was significantly longer (mean 62 months, range 26 to 94) for children in remission than for children still soiling (mean 45 months, range 15 to 75) (p < .01). At follow-up 1 year or more after treatment for encopresis, a significant number of children may continue to soil. Previous encopresis treatment(s) and/or nonretentive encopresis may be risk factors for persistent soiling. The chances of complete remission of encopresis tend to increase with the passage of time.