Bowel symptoms in children with anorectal malformation - a follow-up with a gender and age perspective

BackgroundGender specific outcome for children with anorectal malformations (ARM) is rarely reported although it is important for medical care and in parent counseling.PurposeTo assess bowel function according to the Krickenbeck system in relation to ARM-subtype, gender and age.MethodAll children born with ARM in 1998-2008 and referred to two centers in two different countries were followed up. The bowel function in 50 girls and 71 boys, median age 8 years, was analyzed.ResultsAmong those with a perineal fistula, incontinence occurred in 42% of the females and in 10% of the males (p = 0.005) whereas constipation occurred in 62% of the females and 35% of the males (p < 0.001). No bowel symptoms differed between the females with perineal and vestibular fistulas (p > 0.3 for every symptom). Sacral malformations were associated with incontinence only in males with rectourethral fistulas. Constipation among the males differed between the age groups: 58% versus 26% (p = 0.013). Bowel symptoms did not change with age among the females.ConclusionGender differences in outcome for children with ARM must be considered. Males with perineal fistulas had less incontinence and constipation than the females with perineal fistulas. The females with perineal and vestibular fistulas had similar outcomes.