Browsing by Author "Benninga, M.A."

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Abdominal migraine in children: association between gastric motility parameters and clinical characteristics
(BioMed Central, 2016) Devanarayana, N.M.; Rajindrajith, S.; Benninga, M.A.
BACKGROUND: Approximately 0.2-1 % of children suffers from abdominal migraine (AM). Pathophysiology of AM has not been adequately studied. This study evaluated gastric motility in children with AM. METHODS: Seventeen children (6 boys), within an age range of 4-15 years, referred to a tertiary care paediatric unit, North Colombo Teaching Hospital Ragama, Sri Lanka, from 2007 to 2012, were screened. Those fulfilling Rome III criteria for AM were recruited after obtaining parental consent. None had clinical or laboratory evidence of organic disorders. Twenty healthy children (8 boys), with an age range of 4-14 years, were recruited as controls. Liquid gastric emptying rate (GE) and antral motility parameters were assessed using an ultrasound method. RESULTS: Average GE (41.6 % vs. 66.2 %, in controls), amplitude of antral contractions (A) (57.9 % vs. 89.0 %) and antral motility index (MI) (5.0 vs. 8.3) were lower and fasting antral area (1.8 cm(2) vs. 0.6 cm(2)) was higher in children with AM (p < 0.01). No significant difference in the frequency of antral contractions (F) (8.8/3 min vs. 9.3/3 min, p = 0.08) was found between the two groups. Scores obtained for severity of abdominal pain had a negative correlation with A (r = -0.55, p = 0.03). Average duration of abdominal pain episodes correlated with GE (r = -0.58, p = 0.02). Negative correlations were observed between duration of AM and A (r = -0.55), F (r = -0.52), and MI (r = -0.57) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GE and antral motility parameters were significantly lower in children with AM. A significant correlation was found between symptoms and gastric motility. These findings suggest a possible role of abnormal gastric motility in the pathogenesis of AM.
Abdominal pain predominant functional gastrointestinal diseases: association with child abuse, traumatic life events and quality of life
(Wiley Blackwell Scientific Publications, 2012) Devanarayana, N.M.; Rajindrajith, S.; Karunanayake, A.; Nishanthini, S.; Perera, M.S.; Benninga, M.A.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Abdominal pain predominant functional gastrointestinal diseases (AP-FGD) have significant repercussions on affected individuals. Aims of this study were to assess its association with traumatic life events and child abuse, and its impact on quality of life. METHODS: Children aged 13–18 years were randomly selected from 3 schools in Western province of Sri Lanka. A previously validated, self administered questionnaire was used to collect information on gastrointestinal symptoms, traumatic life events, exposure to abuse, healthcare consultation and quality of life (QOL). AP-FGD were diagnosed using Rome III criteria. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 1365 children were recruited [males 749 (54.9%), mean age 14.2 years and SD 1.22 years]. AP-FGD were found in 243 (17.8%) children [Irritable bowel syndrome in 70 (5.1%), functional dyspepsia in 11 (0.8%), abdominal migraine in 26 (1.9%) and functional abdominal pain in 146 (10.7%)]. Prevalence of AP-FGDs were significantly higher in those exposed to traumatic life events (37.9% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.03), sexual abuse (35.3% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.01), physical abuse (19.7% vs. 12.6%, p = 0.0003), and emotional abuse (27.4% vs. 16.9%, p < 0.0001). Health care consultation was significantly higher in children exposed to physical abuse (26.4% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.03). QOL scores for physical (85.7 vs. 89.6), emotional (71.7 vs. 79.4), social (85.9 vs. 92.3) and school (74.3 vs. 81.1) function domains were significantly lower in children with AP-FGD who were exposed to emotional abuse (p < 0.05). QOL scores for school function domain was lower in children exposed to physical abuse (77.8 vs. 83.6, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic life events and child abuse in any form are significantly associated with higher prevalence of AP-FGD. Children exposed to physical abuse are more likely to seek healthcare for abdominal pain. Children with AP-FGD, exposed to emotional abuse, have significantly poor quality of life in all four domains.
Abdominal pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders in adolescent Nigerians
(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2016) Udoh, E.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Rajindrajith, S.; Meremikwu, M.; Benninga, M.A.
AIMS: To determine the prevalence, pattern and predisposing factors of abdominal painpredominant functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGIDs) in adolescent Nigerians. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in two states in the southern part of Nigeria in June 2014. Adolescents aged 10 - 18 years were recruited from 11 secondary schools using a stratified random sampling technique. A validated self-administered questionnaire on Rome III criteria for diagnosing AP-FGIDs and its determinants were filled by the participants in a class room setting. RESULTS: A total of 874 participants filled the questionnaire. Of this, 818 (93.4%) filled it properly and were included in the final analysis. The mean age of participants was 14.6 ± 2.0 years with 409 (50.0%) being males. AP-FGIDs were present in 81 (9.9%) participants. Among them, 46 (5.6%) had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), 21 (2.6%) functional abdominal pain, 15 (1.8%) abdominalmigraine while 3 (0.4%) had functional dyspepsia. The difference in AP-FGIDs between adolescents residing in rural and urban areas was not statistically significant (P = 0.22). AP-FGDs was significantly associated with frequent punishment at school (P = 0.03), Intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms occurred more frequently in those with AP-FGIDs. loss of appetite (56.8% vs. 38.4% in controls), nausea (51.6% vs. 30.0%), headache (76.5% vs. 65.0%), photophobia (56.8% vs. 34.6%) and light-headedness (50.6% vs. 32.6%). Nausea was the only symptom independently associated with AP-FGIDs (p = 0.015). Multiple regression analysis showed no significant association between stressful life events and FGIDs. (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AP-FGIDs are a significant health problem in Nigerian adolescents. In addition to the intestinal symptoms, most of the affected children had other them also had extra-intestinal symptoms. None of the stressful life events evaluated was significantly associated with FGIDs. Frequent punishment in schools was significantly associated with the condition.
The Association between adverse life events and abdominal pain-predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders.
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2015) Devanarayana, N.M.; Rajindrajith, S.; Benninga, M.A.
BACKGROUND: Abdominal pain-predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGIDs) are a common public health problem in children. The precise aetiology of AP-FGIDs is far from clear. Psychological stress and all forms of child abuse are known predisposing factors to develop AP-FGIDs. The main objective of this study is to study the association between adverse life events (ALEs) and development of AP-FGIDs. METHODS: A cross sectional, school based study was conducted in Gampaha district of Sri Lanka. All children aged 13-18 years were recruited from four randomly selected semi-urban schools in the district after obtaining consent from parents, school administration and children themselves. A translated and validated, self-administered questionnaire consisting of four parts was used for data collection. Part I was the Rome III questionnaire for functional gastrointestinal disorders, self-report form for children above 10 years. Part II was a questionnaire on exposure to adverse life events. Part III was the Sinhala (the native language) version of the PedsQL, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (Generic Core Scales). Part IV was the Child Somatization Inventory. The questionnaire was administered under examination setting to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Research assistant were present during filling the questionnaire for provide assistance and verifications. AP-FGIDs were defined using the Rome III criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1792 children were included in the analysis (males 975 [54.4%], mean age 14.4 years, SD 1.3 years years). Out of them, 305 (17.0%) had AP-FGIDs. ALEs that showed a significant association with AP-FGIDs include, parental substance abuse (25.1% vs. 16.0% in controls, p = 0.015) and domestic violence (28.5% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.02). Children with AP-FGIDs exposed to ALEs have a higher somatization index compared to children not exposed to ALEs (16.9 vs. 13.4, p = 0.003), and a lower overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) score (81.8 vs. 85.1, p = 0.02). The scores they obtained for psycho-social (86.4 vs. 92.4, p < 0.0001) and emotional (72.5 vs. 77.7, p = 0.03) domains of the HRQoL were also lower than that of children with no such experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to ALEs predispose children to develop AP-FGIDs. Experience of childhood ALEs deleteriously affects the HRQoL and somatization of children with AP-FGIDs.
Association between child maltreatment and constipation: a school Based survey using Rome III Criteria
(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2014) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Lakmini, C.; Subasinghe, V.; de Silva, D.G.H.; Benninga, M.A.
Child abuse leads to multiple physical and psychosomatic sequelae. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between child abuse and constipation among schoolchildren. METHODS: Children 13 to 18 years of age were selected from 4 semiurban schools in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Information regarding socio demographic factors and gastrointestinal symptoms, child abuse, and somatisation were collected. Constipation was diagnosed using Rome III criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1792 children were included in the analysis (boys 975 [54.4%], mean age 14.4 years, standard deviation [SD] 1.3 years). One hundred thirty-eight (7.7%) fulfilled Rome III criteria for constipation. The number of children exposed to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse were, respectively, 438 (24.4%), 396 (22.1%), and 51 (2.8%). The prevalence of constipation was significantly higher in those exposed to sexual (5.8% vs 2.6% P = 0.03), emotional (40.9% vs 20.8%, P < 0.0001), and physical abuse (41.6% vs 23.2%, P < 0.0001). Mean somatisation score was higher in the total group of abused children with constipation (mean 18.6, SD 12.5) compared with those without (mean 13.9, SD 12.3; P = 0.027). Children with a history of abuse did not seek health care more often than children without this history. Patient-perceived severity of bowel symptoms was higher in children with physical abuse (23.7 vs 19.7 P = 0.001) and emotional abuse (25.4 vs 19.3 P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Childhood constipation shows a significant association with physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Children with constipation complain of more somatic symptoms and bowel symptoms when they are exposed to abuse.
Association between childhood constipation and exposure to stressful life events: a systematic review
(Blackwell Scientific Publications, 2022) Liyanarachchi, H.; Rajindrajith, S.; Kuruppu, C.; Chathurangana, P.; Ranawaka, R.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Benninga, M.A.
BACKGROUND: Several cross-sectional studies have reported an association between childhood constipation and exposure to stressful events. We planned to systematically review the literature on constipation and its associated stressful events. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched (until February 2021) using standard search terms related to "constipation" and "stress" from 0 to 18 years that describe the association between psychological stressors and constipation. Studies were screened using pre-designed eligibility criteria. Studies that fulfilled the criteria were reviewed in a full-text format. The quality assessment of selected articles was conducted using standard methods. KEY RESULTS: Of 2296 titles and abstracts screened, 38 were included in the full-text review. Out of that, 15 articles were included in this systematic review. There were 2954 children with constipation, and the age range was from 6 months to 16 years. Exposure to home-related stressors (divorce or separation of parents, severe illness in family, and parental job loss) school-related stressors (including being bullied at school, change in school, separation from the best friend at school, and failure in an examination), exposure to child maltreatments and exposure to war/civil unrest were associated with childhood constipation. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Exposure to day-to-day home- and school-related stressors, to child maltreatment, and to civil unrest is associated with constipation in children and adolescents. These factors need to be explored during clinical evaluation of children with constipation. KEYWORDS: adolescents; child maltreatment; children; civil unrest; constipation; stress.
Association between faecal incontinence, child abuse, somatisation and health related quality of life
(Belgian Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BeSPGHAN), 2013) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Benninga, M.A.
AIMS : Faecal incontinence (FI) is an important lower gastrointestinal disease. Bad aroma around children with FI leads to rejection by peers, psychosocial isolation and learning difficulties. Aim of this study was to evaluate the association between FI, child abuse and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents. METHODS : Children aged 13-18 years were selected from four semi-urban schools in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection after obtaining consent from school authorities, parents and children themselves. Information regarding socio-demographic factors, gastrointestinal symptoms, child abuse, HRQoL and somatisation were collected. FI was defined as at least one episode of leaking of faeces in to the underwear per month. RESULTS: A total of 1807 children were included in the analysis [males/9.3 vs 53.8%), mean age 14.4years, SI.) 1.4 years]. Forty seven (2.6%) had FI. FT was significantly higher in boys (-74.49S vs. 25,6%% in girls, p < 0.0001)1. Prevalence of FI was significantly higher in those exposed to sexual abuse (17%.,. vs. 2.3% in non abused, p < 0.0.001)., emotional abuse i40.4% vs. 22.7%, p < 0.0001), and physical abuse (51% vs. 24:3.'%', p < 0.0001). Children with FI had higher mean somatisation score [mean 20.1, SD 14.5 vs. mean 9.3, SD 9.2 in those without FT (controls), p < 0.0001J. Children with FI had lower HRQoL scores for physical functioning (78.1 vs.'9:1:2.in controls, p < 0.0001), social functioning (78.4 vs. 92.6, p < 0.0001), emotional functioning (70.5 vs. 82.3, p < 0.0001) and school functioning (69.1 vs- 82.3, p < 0.0001) domains, and a lower overall HRQoL score (74.6 vs. 87.1, p < Q .0.001). CONCLUSIONS : FI in children shows a significant association with physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Children with FT have a range of somatic symptoms and a poor HRQoL score in physical, emotional, social and school functioning domains.
Association between functional gastrointestinal diseases and exposure to abuse in teenagers
(Oxford University Press, 2014) Devanarayana, N.M.; Rajindrajith, S.; Perera, M.S.; Nishanthanie, S.W.; Karunanayake, A.; Benninga, M.A.
Abdominal pain-predominant functional gastrointestinal diseases (AP-FGD) are common in children and commonly attributed to exposure to child abuse. However, this relationship has not been studied in teenagers, and the main objective of the current study was to assess it. Teenagers were recruited from four randomly selected schools in Western province of Sri Lanka. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. AP-FGD were diagnosed using Rome III criteria. A total of 1850 teenagers aged 13-18 years were included. Three hundred and five (16.5%) had AP-FGD. AP-FGD were significantly higher in those exposed to sexual (34.0%), emotional (25.0%) and physical (20.2%) abuse, than in those not abused (13.0%, p < 0.001). Those with AP-FGD exposed to abuse had a higher severity score for bowel symptoms (30.8% vs. 24.7% in not abused, p < 0.05). This study highlights the importance of identifying exposure to abuse in management of teenagers with AP-FGD. © The Author [2014]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.
Behavioral and emotional problems in adolescents with constipation and their association with quality of life
(Public Library of Science, 2020) Rajindrajith, S.; Ranathunga, N.; Jayawickrama, N.; van Dijk, M.; Benninga, M.A.; Devanarayana, N.M.
Objectives: To assess behavioral and emotional problems in children and adolescents with functional constipation and their relationship with psychological maladjustment and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Design: A school-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 8 randomly selected schools from 4 randomly selected districts in Sri Lanka. A previously validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Behavioral and emotional problems were assessed using the Sinhala version of the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL-S/4-18). Constipation was diagnosed by applying the Rome III criteria. Results: A total of 1000 questionnaires were distributed, and 913 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Sixty adolescents (6.5%) had functional constipation. Scores obtained for isolated psychological problems such as withdrawal (3.1 [3.1] vs. 1.9 [2.4], p<0.001), somatic complaints (3.2 [2.8] vs. 2.3 [2.5], p<0.05) anxiety/depression (5.8 [2.5] vs. 3.9 [3.6], p<0.001), social problems (3.0 [2.7] vs. 2.2 [1.9] p<0.001) and attention problems (5.4 [4.1] vs. 3.9 [3.4], p<0.001), and broadband scale of internalization (12.1 [8.4] vs. 8.3 [7.2], p<0.05) and mean total CBCL-S/4-18 score (29.4 [19.5] vs. 23.2 [17.0], p<0.001) were higher in adolescents with functional constipation. Clinical characteristics, socio-demographic and family factors and psychological maladjustment had no relationship with externalization, internalization and total CBCL-S/4-18 score. Internalization (-0.49, p<0.0001), externalization (-0.30, p<0.05), and total CBCL-S/4-18 (-0.44, p<0.001) scores had a negative impact on HRQoL of adolescents with functional constipation. Conclusions: Adolescents with functional constipation are suffering from significant behavioral and emotional problems. These problems negatively affect their HRQoL.
Bowel habits in Sri Lankan infants and toddlers, a population based study.
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2015) Walter, H.A.; Hovenkamp, A.; Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Benninga, M.A.
OBJECTIVE: To obtain knowledge about bowel habits in healthy population of infants and toddlers in Sri Lanka. METHODS: We selected healthy children between 7 months and 5 years of age who visited vaccination and weighing clinics. To achieve data we used a self-administered questionnaire about the child's bowel habits during the previous two months. All subjects were selected in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Only those without defecation disorders were used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 879 toddlers were eligible for analysis, (female n = 442 [50,3%], mean age 21,7 months, standard deviation [SD] 12,5 months). Of them, 595 (69,6%) defecated once a day, 20 (2,3%) had defecation >3/week and 6 (0,7%) <3/week. Stool consistency was hard or very hard in 30 (3,4%), 665 (78,9%) had smooth and soft stool and 107 (12,2%) had varying consistency. Straining and painful stool were reported in 560 (64,7%) respectively 194 (23%) of the sample, stool holding was present in 93 (10,8%) and 44 (4,9%) passed blood with the stool. No children reported fecal incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides data on normal bowel habits of Sri Lankan toddlers and infants. Bowel habits and disorders related to defecation in Sri Lankan toddlers and children differ from those living in the West probably due to dietary, genetic and environmental variations
Childhood constipation as an emerging public health problem
(Baishideng Publishing Group, 2016) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Perera, B.J.C.; Benninga, M.A.
Functional constipation (FC) is a significant health problem in children and contrary to common belief, has serious ramifications on the lives of children and their families. It is defined by the Rome criteria which encourage the use of multiple clinical features for diagnosis. FC in children has a high prevalence (0.7%-29%) worldwide, both in developed and developing countries. Biopsychosocial risk factors such as psychological stress, poor dietary habits, obesity and child maltreatment are commonly identified predisposing factors for FC. FC poses a significant healthcare burden on the already overstretched health budgets of many countries in terms of out-patient care, in-patient care, expenditure for investigations and prescriptions. Complications are common and range from minor psychological disturbances, to lower health-related quality of life. FC in children also has a significant impact on families. Many paediatric clinical trials have poor methodological quality, and drugs proved to be useful in adults, are not effective in relieving symptoms in children. A significant proportion of inadequately treated children have similar symptoms as adults. These factors show that constipation is an increasing public health problem across the world with a significant medical, social and economic impact. Thisarticle highlights the potential public health impact of FC and the possibility of overcoming this problem by concentrating on modifiable risk factors rather than expending resources on high cost investigations and therapeutic modalities.
Childhood constipation: Current status, challenges, and future perspectives
(Baishideng Publishing Group, 2022) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Benninga, M.A.
Constipation in children is a major health issue around the world, with a global prevalence of 9.5%. They present to clinicians with a myriad of clinical signs. The Rome IV symptom-based criteria are used to diagnose functional constipation. Functional constipation is also a huge financial burden for healthcare system and has a detrimental impact on health-related quality of life of children. There are various risk factors identified globally, including centrally connected factors such as child abuse, emotional and behavioral issues, and psychological stress. Constipation is also precipitated by a low-fiber diet, physical inactivity, and an altered intestinal microbiome. The main pathophysiological mechanism is stool withholding, while altered rectal function, anal sphincter, pelvic floor, and colonic dysfunction also play important roles. Clinical evaluation is critical in making a diagnosis, and most investigations are only required in refractory patients. In the treatment of childhood constipation, both nonpharmacological (education and de-mystification, dietary changes, toilet training, behavioral interventions, biofeedback, and pelvic floor physiotherapy), and pharmacological (osmotic and stimulant laxatives and novel drugs like prucalopride and lubiprostone) interventions are used. For children with refractory constipation, transanal irrigation, botulinum toxin, neuromodulation, and surgical treatments are reserved. While frequent use of probiotics is still in the experimental stage, healthy dietary habits, living a healthy lifestyle and limiting exposure to stressful events, are all beneficial preventive measures.
Childhood functional abdominal pain: mechanisms and management
(Nature Pub. Group, 2015) Korterink, J.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Rajindrajith, S.; Vlieger, A.; Benninga, M.A.
Chronic abdominal pain is one of the most common clinical syndromes encountered in day to day clinical paediatric practice. Although common, its definition is confusing, predisposing factors are poorly understood and the pathophysiological mechanisms are not clear. The prevailing viewpoint in the pathogenesis involves the inter-relationship between changes in hypersensitivity and altered motility, to which several risk factors have been linked. Making a diagnosis of functional abdominal pain can be a challenge, as it is unclear which further diagnostic tests are necessary to exclude an organic cause. Moreover, large, well-performed, high-quality clinical trials for effective agents are lacking, which undermines evidence-based treatment. This Review summarizes current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors and diagnostic work-up of functional abdominal pain. Finally, management options for children with functional abdominal pain are discussed including medications, dietary interventions, probiotics and psychological and complementary therapies, to improve understanding and to maximize the quality of care for children with this condition.
Children and adolescents with chronic constipation: how many seek healthcare and what determines it?
(Oxford University Press, 2012) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Benninga, M.A.
This island-wide cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the healthcare consultations in Sri Lankan children with constipation. Children aged 10-16 years were randomly selected from five randomly selected schools in three randomly selected provinces of Sri Lanka. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire based on Rome III criteria. Of the 2770 questionnaires distributed, 2694 (97.3%) properly filled questionnaires were included in the analysis. From 416 (15.4%) children with chronic constipation, only 16 (3.8%) had sought medical advice during the previous 12 months. Younger children and those with a similar family history were more likely to seek healthcare. The majority of children with symptoms indicating severe constipation such as painful defecation, large volume stool, faecal incontinence and blood stained stools had not sought medical help for their symptoms. Parents should pay more attention to bowel habits of their children to identify and treat constipation early to prevent complications.
Clinical evaluation of children with constipation: history and physical examination
(Nova Science Publishers Inc, 2013) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Benninga, M.A.
Constipation and constipation predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a comparative study using Rome III Criteria
(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2017) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Benninga, M.A.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare functional constipation (FC) and constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) in adolescents. METHOD: A school based survey was conducted involving adolescents aged 13-18 years. A set of validated questionnaires including Rome IIIquestionnaire for functional gastrointestinal disorders in children/adolescents, somatization inventory, quality of life inventory, and childhood traumatic events inventory were used for data collection. FC, and IBS-C were defined using Rome III criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1792 adolescents [975 males (45.4%)] were included in the analysis. Prevalence of FC and IBS-C were 7.7% and 1.6%, respectively. Bowel habits such as stool frequency less than 3 per week (10% vs 44.9%, p < 0.0001), hard stools (20% vs 40.5% p < 0.05) painful defecation (33.3% vs 56.5% p < 0.05), large diameter stools (23.3% vs 50.7% p < 0.01), stool withholding behaviour (20% vs 44.2% p < 0.05), were more commonly associated with FC than IBS-C. Occurrence of faecal incontinence (0% vs 8% p = 0.21), urgency (56.7% vs 66.7% p = 0.65) and straining (56.7% vs 36.9% p = 0.47) were not significantly different between IBS-C and FC. Exposure to physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse were equally prevalent among adolescents with FC and IBS-C. There was no difference between somatization scores, and health related quality of life between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Although bowel habits related to stool withholding is more prevalent in FC, than in IBS-C, they are more likely to be a spectrum of a disorder rather than two separate entities
Constipation in children: an epidemiological study in Sri Lanka using Rome III criteria
(British Medical Association, 2012) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Adhikari, C.; Pannala, W.; Benninga, M.A.
Constipation is a common paediatric problem, but its prevalence in Asia is unknown. A cross-sectional survey using a previously validated, self-administered questionnaire was conducted in randomly selected children aged 10-16 years, in five randomly selected schools in Sri Lanka. Two schools were in Eastern Province, which has been affected by the separatist war. Constipation was defined using Rome III criteria. Of 2694 children included in the analysis, 416 (15.4%) had constipation. Symptoms independently associated with constipation were straining (71.6% vs 28.4% of controls), bleeding per rectum (14.2% vs 2.2%) and abdominal pain (55% vs 35.2%). The prevalence of constipation was significantly higher in those with a family history of constipation (49% vs 14.8%), living in a war affected area (18.1% vs 13.7%) and attending an urban school (16.7% vs 13.3%). In conclusion, chronic constipation is a significant problem affecting 15% of Sri Lankan school children and adolescents.
Constipation in Sri Lankan children: association with physical, sexual, emotional abuse
(Wiley Blackwell Scientific Publications, 2012) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Lakmini, C.; Subasinghe, V; Benninga, M.A.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Child abuse in any form leads to multiple psychosomatic sequel. It is commonly associated with gastrointestinal manifestations. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the association between child abuse and constipation among school children. METHODS: Children aged 13–18 years were randomly selected from three semi-urban schools in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. A previously validated, questionnaire was administered in an examination setting. Information regarding sociodemographic factors and gastrointestinal symptoms, child abuse and somatisation were collected. Constipation was diagnosed using Rome III criteria for paediatric functional gastrointestinal diseases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 1365 children were recruited [males 749 (54.9%), mean age 14.2 years, SD 1.22 years]. Hundred and ten (8.1%) fulfilled Rome III criteria for constipation. The number of children exposed to physical, emotional and sexual abuse, were respectively 1001 (73.3%), 299 (21.9%) and 34 (2.4%). Prevalence of functional constipation was significantly higher in those exposed to sexual (17.6% vs. 7.8%, p =0.038), emotional (14.7% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.0001) abuse, and physical abuse (9.1% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.02). Mean somatization score in children with constipation and controls were 15.9 and 8.3, respectively (p < 0.0001). Among children with constipation, somatisation index was higher in those who have experienced emotional abuse (20.1 vs. 13.1 p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Childhood constipation shows a significant association with physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Children with constipation complain of more somatic symptoms, especially those exposed to emotional abuse.
Constipation-associated and nonretentive fecal incontinence in children and adolescents: an epidemiological survey in Sri Lanka
(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2010) Rajindrajith, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Benninga, M.A.
OBJECTIVES: Fecal incontinence (FI) has a great effect on quality of life of children with the condition. Epidemiological data related to FI from developing countries are sparse. Studies differentiating functional nonretentive and retentive (constipation-associated) FI are not available. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an island-wide, cross-sectional study. Information was collected from children (ages 10-16 years) from 5 randomly selected schools in 3 geographically and socioeconomically different provinces in Sri Lanka, using a validated, self-administered questionnaire. FI was defined as defecation into places inappropriate to the social context, at least once per month, for a minimum period of 2 months. Constipation was diagnosed using Rome III criteria. RESULTS: A total of 2770 questionnaires were distributed and 2686 (97.0%) were included in the analysis. Of them, 55 (2.0%) had FI (mean age 11.96 years, SD 1.59 years, 43 [78.2%] boys). Forty-five (81.8%) had constipation-associated FI and 10 (18.2%) had nonretentive FI. The highest prevalence of FI was seen in children aged 10 years (5.4%). A significant negative correlation was observed between age and the prevalence of FI (r = -0.893, P = 0.007). FI was significantly higher in boys (boys 3.2%, girls 0.9%), those exposed to recent school- and family-related stressful life events, and those from lower social classes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FI is not uncommon among children and adolescents of 10 to 16 years of age in Sri Lanka with a male predilection. Some predisposing factors, such as exposure to stressful life events and being bullied at school, which are similar to those described in the literature for FI, could be clearly recognized.
A Core outcome set for clinical trials in pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders.
(Mosby, 2020) Zeevenhooven, J.; Rexwinkel, R.; Van Berge Henegouwen, V.W.A.; Krishnan, U.; Vandenplas, Y.; Strisciuglio, C.; Staiano, A.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Rajindrajith, S.; Benninga, M.A.; Tabbers, M.M.; Consensus Group on Outcome Measures Made in Pediatric Enteral Nutrition Clinical Trials Working Group
OBJECTIVE: To ensure consistency and reduce outcome measure reporting heterogeneity in clinical trials on pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs), a core outcome set (COS) was developed for pediatric FAPD trials. STUDY DESIGN: A mixed-method 2-round Delphi technique was used and key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals (HCPs), patients with FAPD, and their parents were invited to participate. In the first round, key stakeholders identified outcomes of importance through an open-ended questionnaire. Outcomes mentioned by ≥10% of the participants were included in a shortlist. In the second round, this shortlist was rated and prioritized. During a consensus meeting with an expert panel, the final COS was defined. RESULTS: The first round was completed by 152 of 210 (72%) HCPs, 103 (100%) parents, and 50 of 54 (93%) patients. A total of 104 from 167 (62%) HCPs, 102 (100%) parents, and 53 (100%) patients completed round 2. Pain intensity, pain frequency, quality of life, school attendance, anxiety/depression, adequate relief, defecation pattern (disease specific, irritable bowel syndrome), and adverse events were included in the final COS for FAPDs. CONCLUSION: A set of 8 core outcomes has been identified that should minimally be measured in pediatric FAPD trials. Implementation of the use of this COS will increase comparison between studies and, therefore, improve management of children with FAPDs.