Abstract
To evaluate the effect of education in children with chronic defaecation problems, a prospective 6-week intervention study was designed. A total of 54 children (5–14 years) underwent an education programme, with demystification of symptoms and advice about diet and toilet training. The present treatment was continued. After 6 weeks, children with persistent problems received biofeedback training with a follow up of 1 year. The intervention programme was successful in 8 children (15%). Biofeedback training was successful in 49% of the remaining group after 1 year.
Conclusion A total of 15% of the children with chronic defaecation problems seen at a referral centre could surprisingly be helped by a simple education programme with, demystification and toilet training. Further studies evaluating treatment in children with defaecation problems should account for the primary effect of these measures.
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Received: 30 July 1996 and in revised form: 30 November 1996 / Accepted: 11 January 1997
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van der Plas, R., Benninga, M., Taminiau, J. et al. Treatment of defaecation problems in children: the role of education, demystification and toilet training. Eur J Pediatr 156, 689–692 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310050691
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310050691