Randomised trial of laxatives in treatment of childhood encopresis

Abstract

Primary faecal incontinence (encopresis) in children is usually treated with laxative medication and a behaviour modification programme aimed at promoting regular toileting, but the effectiveness of laxatives has never been adequately investigated. 169 children with encopresis and evidence of stool on plain abdominal radiograph were randomly allocated to receive multimodal (MM) therapy (laxatives plus behaviour modification; n=83) or behaviour modification alone (BM; n=86). Mean (SD) follow-up was 55·1 (27·0) weeks and 56·7 (32·0) weeks, respectively. By 12 months follow-up 42 (51%) of the MM group and 31 (36%) of the BM group (p=0·079) had achieved remission (at least one 4 week period with..