Prospective Quality of Life Outcomes in Pediatric Fecal Incontinence Following Bowel Management
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In brief
In brief
This prospective cohort study of 342 children demonstrates that structured bowel management programs produce significant, sustained improvements in fecal incontinence control and quality of life. Within two weeks, participants showed marked increases in voluntary bowel movements and decreased incontinence episodes, with benefits maintained at one-year follow-up for both patients and caregivers.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background
Severe fecal incontinence (FI) is common in patients both with and without anorectal malformations. Whether a formal bowel management program (BMP) has significant effects on FI, psychosocial development of the child, and caregiver stress is poorly understood. We hypothesize that BMP participation results in long-term clinical and quality of life (QOL) improvements for patients and caregivers.
Methods
Using a prospective cohort study over three years, 342 children (age 3-12 years) and caregivers were followed for one year after attending a week-long BMP, during which a regimen was tailored to promote daily stool evacuation. FI QOL was measured with the validated Cincinnati Fecal Incontinence Scale (CINCY-FIS), evaluating multiple subscales, including parental stress. Scores were obtained at multiple timepoints following BMP (baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months, 1 year).
Results
Within 2 weeks, BMP participation significantly improved FI with increased frequency of daily daytime voluntary bowel movements (20% to 70%, p