Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Rehabilitation in Children with Acquired Brain Injury

Children, 2024 · DOI: 10.3390/children11111382 · Published: November 14, 2024

Simple Explanation

This study looks at bladder and bowel problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and acquired brain injury (ABI). These problems are often overlooked compared to children with spinal cord injuries. The researchers reviewed data from 60 patients and found that bladder and bowel dysfunction is common in children with CP and ABI. They also found a link between the severity of disability and the occurrence of these problems. The study suggests that doctors need to pay more attention to bladder and bowel issues in children with CP and ABI to improve their care and quality of life.

Study Duration

Three-month observation

Participants

60 patients (30 CP, 17 ABI, 3 SCI, 10 others) aged 3-18 years

Evidence Level

Retrospective review

Key Findings

1
All patients presented with at least one type of incontinence, and no differences between sexes were observed.
2
CP and ABI patients had a major incidence of bowel dysfunction: encopresis was present in 50% of CP patients and 64.7% of ABI patients; constipation was present in 43.3% of CP patients and 52.9% of ABI patients.
3
A statistically significant correlation between enuresis and urgency with higher levels of GMFCS score was found.

Research Summary

The study evaluated neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction (NBBD) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and acquired brain injury (ABI), finding it highly prevalent. Data from 60 patients aged 3-18 years were reviewed, revealing a significant incidence of bowel dysfunction in CP and ABI patients, and a correlation between symptom severity and GMFCS levels. The study concludes that increased awareness and attention from pediatricians and pediatric urologists are needed to manage NBBD in children with CP and ABI effectively.

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness

Pediatricians and pediatric urologists should be more aware of the high frequency of NBBD in children with CP and ABI.

Multidisciplinary Approach

A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for standardizing the treatment of NBBD in CP and ABI, considering the intellectual disability often present in these populations.

Standardized Treatment

There is a need for standardized treatment guidelines for NBBD in CP and ABI patients, as current guidelines mainly refer to spina bifida patients.

Study Limitations

1
Single-center experience with a short timeframe of data collection
2
Small number of patients collected and no uniformity of the categories analyzed
3
No quality-of-life questionnaire of patients and caregivers

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