Functional nonretentive fecal incontinence in children: a frustrating and long-lasting clinical entity.
Fecal incontinence is defined as the passage of stools in an inappropriate place at least once per month, for a minimum period of 2 months. This frustrating symptom is a source of considerable distress and embarrassment for the child and the family. According to the Rome III criteria fecal incontinence can be subdivided into constipation-associated fecal incontinence and functional nonretentive fecal incontinence. This short review mainly addresses functional nonretentive fecal incontinence in children. Definition, prevalence, pathophysiology, and recent updates on treatment and long-term follow-up of fecal incontinence are discussed.
Burgers
Rosa
R
Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Benninga
Marc A
MA
D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence