Prevalence of signs of abuse in children with functional defecation disorders

Constipation en FNFRI are common problems in childhood. The pathophysiology of
functional defecation disorders is probably multi-factorial and is largely
unknown. From previous studies in children is known that maltreated children
were more likely to have defecation disorders than healthy children. From
studies in adults is known that adults suffering from functional
gastrointestinal symptoms were more likely to have a history of child abuse or
sexual abuse than adults suffering from organic gastrointestinal symptoms.

The aim of our study is to measure 1) the prevalence of signs of child abuse
and neglect in children with functional defecation disorders, 2) whether signs
of child abuse and neglect are more common in children with functional
defecation disorders than in children with functional abdominal pain and 3)
whether stressful life events and traumatic symptoms are more common in
children with functional defecation disorders than in children with functional
abdominal pain.

A case-control study will be carried out in which the amount and size of
stressful life events and signs of abuse in children with functional defecation
disorders will be evaluated and compared with children with functional
abdominal pain and healthy children. Patients with functional defecation
disorders and patients with functional abdominal pain will be recruited from
the outpatient clinic of the Emma Children*s Hospital. In these study groups,
interviews and questionnaires will be completed in the outpatient clinic.

In theory, the study could be confronting for children who have experienced
unpleasent events. However, we consider an early signaling and treatment of
such a problem as important that we can justify further research. The
investigations are not invasive and will be performed by trained professionals.