Bowel function in Danish children with myelomeningocele

Spinal cord lesions affect colorectal motility, anorectal sensation and anal sphincter function. The aim of this study was to describe bowel habits in children with Myelomeningocele (MMC). Questionnaires describing age, gender, neurological deficit, bowel function and the Child Behaviour Checklist were send to all Danish children with MMC aged 2-18 years. Among 208 patients, 125 (60%; 63 girls) responded. Defecation was described as abnormal in 85 (68%). Digital stimulation or evacuation were used by 25 (20%), suppositories by 13 (10%) and enemas 35 by (28%). Time spent at each defecation was >30 minutes in 29 (24%). Among children aged four years or more (n=100), daily faecal incontinence was reported by 14 (14%) and weekly incontinence by another 14 (14%). Bowel dysfunction had some or major impact on social activities or quality of life in 48 (40%). Time spent on defecation increased and the impact on quality of life became more severe with advancing age. Information about bowel management had been given to 56% of parents and 9% of children. In conclusion colorectal problems are common in children with MMC and their impact of quality of life becomes more severe as the children grow older. There is an unfullfilled need for information about bowel management.