Colonic transit time and constipation in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate colonic motility and to investigate contributing factors to colonic dysmotility in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A university-based rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight children with spastic CP. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Colonic transit time was measured by using a Sitzmarks. The nutrient intake during 3 consecutive days was analyzed by using the ESHA Food Processor program. RESULTS: A significant relationship between colon transit time and stool frequency was observed (P<.05). All children with constipation and 17 (60.8%) of 28 without constipation showed an abnormal segmental colon transit time in at least 1 segment of the colon. A transit time delay at the proximal segment of colon was remarkable in CP children with constipation. In children without constipation, a transit time delay was marked at the rectosigmoid colon only. Constipation and transit time delay were significantly related to ambulatory function (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: A transit time delay at total or segmental colon was frequently observed in children with CP. Constipation and colonic motility were related to ambulatory function.