Trends in Toilet Training and Voiding Habits among Children with Down Syndrome

Kidney and urogenital abnormalities in Down syndrome: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Reviews on Down syndrome do not or only marginally address the issue of kidney and urogenital tract abnormalities, and lower urinary tract dysfunctions. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis of the literature.  METHODS: A literature search was undertaken in the Library of Medicine, Web of Science and Excerpta Medica. The search algorithm combined various keywords: (Down syndrome OR trisomy 21 OR mongolism) AND (kidney OR urinary tract OR bladder) AND (malformation OR dysfunction OR anomaly OR abnormality OR size). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was used.

RESULTS

Eight case-control studies were retained for the final analysis. Three studies addressed the prevalence of kidney and urogenital tract abnormalities: an increased pooled relative risk of 5.49 (95%-CI: 1.78-16.93) was observed in Down syndrome. Penile malformations, obstructive malformations (including urethral valves), dilated urinary tract system, and kidney hypodysplasia were especially common. Three reports addressed the prevalence of lower urinary tract dysfunction: an increased pooled relative risk of 2.95 (95%-CI: 1.15-7.56) was observed. Finally, an autoptic study and an ultrasound study disclosed a reduced kidney size in Down syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicates that abnormalities of the kidney and urogenital tract, lower urinary tract dysfunctions, and a reduced kidney size present with an increased frequency in individuals with Down syndrome.

Kidney and urological involvement in Down syndrome: frequent, underestimated, but associated with impaired quality of life and risk of kidney failure

Patients with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk of multiorgan dysfunction; kidney and urological impairment are common. This is due to a likely increased risk of congenital kidney and urological malformations (odds ratio of 4.5 compared to the general population in one study), more frequent associated comorbidities at risk of kidney dysfunction (such as prematurity in 9-24% of children, intrauterine growth retardation or low birth weight in 20%, and congenital heart disease in 44%), and more frequent lower urinary tract dysfunction (reported in 27-77% of children with DS). If present, malformations and comorbidities at risk of kidney dysfunction warrant regular kidney monitoring in addition to their treatment. Serum creatinine in children with DS has been shown to be higher than in the general population and asymptomatic hyperuricemia is reported in 12-33% of children or young adults with DS. Moreover cryptorchidism and testicular cancer are also more common and should be detected by clinical examination. Thus, persons with DS at risk of presenting kidney and urological impairment should be identified by prenatal ultrasonography, comorbidities at risk of kidney sequelae considered, and during regular medical follow-up, clinically examined and questioned to diagnose testicular anomalies and lower urinary tract dysfunction. This is of importance as such kidney and urological impairments are associated with impaired quality of life and mental health, and risk of kidney failure.

Anorectal manometry findings in relation with long-term functional outcomes of the patients operated on for Hirschsprung's disease compared to the reference-based population

PURPOSE

This study investigated anorectal manometry (AM) findings and bowel function of patients operated on for Hirschsprung's disease (HD).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Children's Hospital 2. Patients operated on for HD from January 2015 to January 2020 were reviewed. Their clinical characteristics, bowel function, and manometric findings were investigated and compared with the references.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients and 95 references were enrolled. Mean ages were 6.6 ± 2.2 years and 7.2 ± 2.9 years,; fecal incontinence rates were 25.3% and 2.1%, and constipation rates were 12.6% and 4.2 for the patients versus the references, respectively. Anal resting pressures were significantly decreased in the patients compared to the references (53.2 ± 16.1 mmHg versus 62.2 ± 14.0 mmHg; p < 0.05). Among the patients, the anal resting pressure was significantly decreased in the incontinents than in the continents (46.0 ± 10.6 mmHg versus 55.6 ± 16.9 mmHg, p < 0.05). During the sensation test, the value of maximum tolerated volume was significantly decreased in the incontinents than in the continents (135.9 ± 47.9 mL versus 166.6 ± 58.3 mL, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

AM is an objective method providing beneficial information that could guide a more adapted management in HD patients with defecation disorders.

Toilet Training in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Although the challenges of toilet training for children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) are well-known, details such as specific associations with comorbidities and related exacerbating factors are lacking. This study aims to characterize the nature of toilet training in a cohort of children and adolescents with DS and evaluate characteristics and comorbid conditions that may contribute to or prolong toilet training success in those with DS.

METHOD

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study investigating toilet training in children and adolescents with DS. A survey was completed by 137 patients' parents or guardians as part of their care experience in the clinic.

RESULTS

Although toilet training on average began at age 3.40 years (SD = 1.47), children and adolescents with DS typically began telling caregivers they needed to use the toilet at 4.80 years (SD = 2.11), no longer used diapers during the day at 5.03 years (SD = 1.98) and night at 5.88 years (SD = 2.48), and were described by their caregivers as being fully toilet trained at 6.60 years (n = 28; SD = 2.43; range = 3.00-14.00 years). There was a linear trend in the age groups between 2 to 4 years (n = 37), 5 to 7 years (n = 42), 8 to 12 years (n = 39), and 13 to 17 years (n = 19) and the proportion of children and adolescents fully toilet trained (2 to 4 years = 0.040, 5 to 7 years = 0.211, 8 to 12 years = 0.278, and 13 to 17 years = 0.529). Typical readiness signs that children and adolescents with DS display and those most predictive of toileting success are reported. Placing the child on a schedule was the most successful (45.2%) training method identified by parents, with 55.8% of the families trying this approach. Children and adolescents aged 8 to 12 years with behavioral challenges were more likely (75.0%) to have daytime accidents compared with those without (25.9%), p = 0.006.

CONCLUSION

Children and adolescents with DS in this sample started toilet training at 3.4 years and completed toilet training at 6.6 years. Even after completing toilet training, many children and adolescents continue to require support from their caregivers with some aspects of toilet training. Skill loss associated with various life events, behavioral challenges, medical diagnoses, and inconsistencies in toileting expectations across settings are factors caregivers believe contribute to delayed toilet training. Caregivers found that a consistent toileting schedule, using reinforcers, and providing prompting to use the toilet were the most successful methods.

Spontaneous bladder rupture secondary to posterior urethral valves in a boy with Down syndrome

We describe a case of a 3-year-old boy with Down syndrome who developed a bladder rupture as a consequence of an undiagnosed posterior urethral valve (PUV). He had a history of urinary tract infections and constipation and was acutely admitted in poor condition and underwent laparotomy that revealed peritoneal sepsis secondary to bladder perforation. Bladder was drained using a suprapubic catheter and the condition of the boy gradually improved. Once stable, a cystourethroscopy confirmed the presence of PUV. Video-urodynamic studies performed at the check cystoscopy showed the bladder to be of reduced compliance (end fill pressure at 100 mL fill 30 cmH2O) with raised voiding pressures (76-100 cmH2O) and significant incomplete bladder emptying. Currently, the patient is doing very well, serum creatinine has normalised, he is infection-free and thriving; his bladder is managed with a vesicostomy.

Toilet Training in Fragile X Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To characterize bladder and bowel toileting skill acquisition in children with fragile X syndrome and to identify associated demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors.

METHODS

Using baseline data from the Fragile X Online Registry With Accessible Research Database (FORWARD), bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were used to identify differences between subjects who were and were not bowel and/or bladder trained by the age of 10 years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the rate of completion of toilet training (TT) as a function of sex and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

RESULTS

In bivariate analyses, male sex, lower language level, inability to write one's name, more impaired intellectual level, ASD, and more severe behavioral deficits all predicted lack of bladder training (n = 313, p < 0.001) and bowel training (n = 300, p = 0.0004-0.0001) by the age of 10 years. In logistic regression models, lower level of language acquisition (p < 0.001) and higher Aberrant Behavior Checklist Irritability scores (p < 0.04) were associated with lower odds of bladder training by the age of 10 years. Lower level of language acquisition (p < 0.001) and ASD (p < 0.025) were associated with lower odds of bowel training by the age of 10 years. For both bladder and bowel training, Cox proportional hazard models indicated that delayed training was associated with male sex, lower levels of language acquisition, and ASD for both bladder training (n = 486; p < 0.001) and bowel training (n = 472; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These findings emphasize the importance of both slower language development and ASD diagnosis in predicting bowel and bladder training delays and can be used to develop and evaluate targeted approaches to TT based on sex, ASD diagnosis, and other clinical features identified in this study.

Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in Korean Children with Down Syndrome and Parental Quality of Life

PURPOSE

Children with Down syndrome (DS) are more likely to experience bladder bowel dysfunction (BBD) than typically developing children, which could in turn have a serious effect on children with DS and on their parents and other family members. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of BBD in Korean children with DS and its effect on parental quality of life (QOL).

DESIGN AND METHODS

To assess BBD and parental QOL, we used self-administered questionnaires (Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score [DVSS], Rome IV criteria, and World Health Organization Quality of Life scale [WHOQOL-BREF]) for parents of children with DS. We collected data from 86 parents between September and October 2017 through an online community website.

RESULTS

DVSS was elevated in 26.7% of the children with DS. Specifically, 14% had daytime urinary incontinence, and 33.7% had functional constipation. Moreover, 18.6% of children had BBD according to the DVSS and Rome IV criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of DVSS to functional constipation was 55.17% and 87.72%, respectively. The BBD score and total parental QOL score were statistically correlated (r = 0.291, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Although children with DS are a high-risk group for BBD, their BBD symptoms are often overlooked because of their intellectual disability. Consequently, this could negatively affect children's and family's health and QOL in the long term.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Health-care providers should reconsider a routine check-up of BBD in children with DS. If a child has BBD, health-care providers should consult a urologist to determine the appropriate diagnosis and intervention.

Hirschsprung disease and Down syndrome: From the reappraisal of risk factors to the impact of surgery

INTRODUCTION

The association of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) and Down Syndrome (DS) is not uncommon (HSCR+DS). This paper aims at reporting the results of a 24-year series focusing on surgical approach, complications and long term outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The notes of all patients admitted with a diagnosis of HSCR+DS have been retrospectively reviewed. Surgical details, intraoperative complications, long term issues and functional outcome have been recorded. The results have been compared to those of patients without DS and were assessed based on surgical approach.

RESULTS

A total of 23 HSCR+DS out of a series of 385 HSCR (6%) have been included. Preoperative enterocolitis (HAEC) was reported by 32%. Associated anomalies were detected in more than half of the patients. In particular, Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) were reported by 57%. Postoperative complications (mostly symptomatic anal sphincter achalasia) were experienced by 55%. Constipation was experienced by 30%; severe continence issues, by 53%. One patient suffering from severe CHDs died. With regard to complications, only symptomatic anal achalasia requiring intrasphincteric BoTox injection was significantly more frequent in HSCR+DS (30% vs 10%, p = 0.0071). Similarly, continence proved to be significantly worse in HSCR+DS.

DISCUSSION

With the exception of symptomatic anal achalasia, HSCR+DS patients proved not to have a higher likelihood of complications compared to HSCR alone. On the other hand, functional results in the long term are worse. As a consequence, long term follow up and personalized rehabilitation programs are warranted for this delicate subset of HSCR patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Prolonged toilet training in children with Down syndrome: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

Children with Down syndrome have delayed psychomotor development, which is a factor that influences the level of difficulty in toilet training. The current study aims to estimate the age toilet training starts and completes in children with DS compared to children with normal psychomotor development and to evaluate the method and type of toilet training most frequently used, as well as its association with lower urinary tract symptoms and functional constipation.

METHODS

A case-control study was carried out from 2010 to 2015. All parents completed a questionnaire designed to assess the toilet training process. Lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed through the application of the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score. The presence of functional constipation was assessed according to the Rome III criteria.

RESULTS

The study included 93 children with Down syndrome and 204 children with normal psychomotor development (control group [CG]). The mean age of toilet training onset was 22.8 months in those with DS and 17.5 months in the CG (p=0.001). In children with DS, the mean age when completing toilet training was 56.2 months and 27.1 months in the CG (p=0.001). Among children with DS, females completed toilet training earlier (p=0.02). The toilet training method used most often was child-oriented approach in both groups. No association was observed with the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms or functional constipation and the age of beginning and completing toilet training in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Children with Down syndrome experienced prolonged toilet training time. Prospective longitudinal studies are essential to gain insight into the toilet training of these children.

Interest of Anorectal Manometry During Long-term Follow-up of Patients Operated on for Hirschsprung's Disease

Background/Aims

Although many advances in the management of Hirschsprung’s disease have recently been achieved, postoperative outcomes of these patients remain difficult in a non-negligible number of cases. Therefore, this study aims at investigating characteristics of anorectal manometry and its relationship with postoperative outcomes during long-term follow-up in Hirschsprung patients.

Methods

Patients over 4 years of age operated on for Hirschsprung’s disease were interviewed to complete detailed questionnaires on bowel function. The patients who consented to undergo an anorectal manometry during follow-up were enrolled in this study. We investigated their clinical characteristics, manometric findings, and their postoperative bowel function.

Results

Nineteen patients out of 53 patients (35.8%) were enrolled, 68.4% who were male. Mean age of patients at manometry was 11.3 ± 6.3 years. Twelve out of 19 patients (63.2%) were incontinent. The mean anal resting pressures of incontinent patients were significantly lower than continent patients (47 ± 12 mmHg versus 63 ± 11 mmHg, P < 0.05, t test). Due to neurological impairment, only 11 patients (57.9%) were able to perform a complete manometry. A dyssynergic defecation was found in 4 patients during strain tests. Maximum tolerated volume of the incontinent patients was significantly lower than that of the continent patients (97 ± 67 mL versus 181 ± 74 mL, P < 0.05, t test).

Conclusion

Anorectal manometry is an objective method providing useful information that could guide a more adapted management in patients with defecation disorders after Hirschsprung’s disease operation.

Fifteen-minute consultation: problems in the healthy child-toilet training

Toilet training is a process that all healthy children go through. It is one of the developmental milestones for which parents most often seek medical help. Despite this, many paediatricians feel unconfident managing children presenting with a toilet training problem. We address some common questions arising when assessing and managing such a child, including identifying rare but important diagnoses not to miss.

Incontinence in Intellectual Disability: An Under Recognized Cause

Many children with Down syndrome may develop urinary incontinence during adolescence or nearing adulthood. Most often low mental ability, behavioural issues, urinary tract infection, hypothyroidism, atlanto-axial subluxation or sexual abuse may be suspected to be the reason. We report a case of Down syndrome with tethered cord syndrome (TCS) and Lipoma of Filum terminale with Cauda equina in normal position, as a cause of bowel and bladder incontinence. The need for operating with Cauda Equina in normal position is debated. But a conscious decision was taken to operate and the incontinence improved markedly which was documented by using a standardized questionnaire (King's questionnaire) and thereby making a difference in the child's life. A literature search did not result in any case of Down syndrome with tethered cord syndrome and secondary incontinence as presentation. Considering the possibility of TCS as a cause of incontinence, often neglected even in normal children, careful evaluation and correction of such problems will make a difference in the life of many intellectually disabled children. Incontinence should not be casually attributed to intellectual disability without ruling out other causes.