Almallouhi, Alaa

Abstract Objectives To describe and compare anorectal manometry findings in constipated adolescents with and without dyssynergic defecation (DD). Methods We retrospectively reviewed adolescents ≤18 years who underwent anorectal manometry (ARM) and/or balloon expulsion testing (BET) between 2015 and 2022. Patients with prior pelvic floor therapy, inflammatory bowel disease, or colon surgery were excluded. DD was defined by abnormal ARM (paradoxical anal contraction or inadequate anal relaxation ≤20% during simulated evacuation) and/or abnormal BET (>60 s). Manometric parameters were compared between patients with and without DD and between those with abnormal versus normal BET. Diagnostic performance of rectoanal pressure gradient cutoffs were assessed. Results A total of 170 adolescents were included; 69 (40.6%) met criteria for DD. Median age was 17 years (interquartile range [IQR] 16–18), and 80.7% were female. Gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ between groups. Patients with DD demonstrated significantly more negative rectoanal pressure gradients compared with those without DD (median [IQR]: −49.0 mmHg [−73.9 to −31.4] vs. −25.2 mmHg [−40.2 to −9.8]; p < 0.001). Rectal sensory thresholds did not differ significantly between groups. A rectoanal pressure gradient cutoff of −45 mmHg demonstrated the best balance of sensitivity (58%) and specificity (86%) for identifying DD. Depression was more prevalent among adolescents with DD ( p = 0.007). Conclusions Rectoanal pressure gradient is a useful manometric parameter for identifying DD in constipated adolescents, particularly when BET is unavailable. Psychological factors such as depression may be more prevalent in this population.

Abstract Objectives Microscopic colitis (MC) is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine characterized by chronic diarrhea, normal‐appearing colonic mucosa on endoscopy, and abnormal inflammatory histopathology. While it is a common cause of chronic diarrhea in adults, MC is infrequently reported in children, and data on its presentation, treatment, and outcomes remain limited. This study aimed to analyze single‐center experience and conduct a literature review on pediatric MC. Methods A retrospective review of the Mayo Clinic electronic health records from 2013 to 2024 was performed. Children (≤18 years) diagnosed with MC were included. Demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes were collected. A systematic review of pediatric MC literature was completed. Results MC was diagnosed in 42 children (median age 12.5 years; Q1–Q3 7.25–14.75), with 28 (67%) females. Systematic review identified 29 studies with 258 children with MC (mean age 10 years, standard deviation [SD] 4.9). At Mayo Clinic, treatment varied among providers, and budesonide as monotherapy or in combination was most effective. In the literature, the most commonly used treatments included 5‐aminosalicylates (5‐ASA, 36%) and budesonide (31.5%). Combination therapy with budesonide plus a biologic or mesalamine appeared to be the most effective therapy, followed by budesonide monotherapy and corticosteroids. Mucosal remission rate was highest with corticosteroids, followed by budesonide. Mean recurrence rate across all treatments was 69%. Biologics (vedolizumab, infliximab) and bismuth showed the lowest recurrence rates. Conclusion Budesonide, either alone or in combination, appears to be most commonly used and effective in treating pediatric MC, but recurrence rates remain high after therapy discontinuation.

Abstract Objective Constipation is a common gastrointestinal concern in children, often prompting screening for celiac disease (CeD), particularly in refractory cases. However, limited data exist on the clinical course of constipation in children with CeD following treatment with a gluten‐free diet. Methods We reviewed electronic health records from the Mayo Clinic between 1994 and 2024 for children (<18 years) who presented with constipation and then diagnosed with CeD. Children were classified into groups based on the symptoms at the time of presentation. Constipation outcome was considered resolved by the documentation of improvement on a gluten‐free diet without ongoing laxative use, while unresolved cases required continued laxative therapy. A sub‐analysis was performed for children with encopresis. Results We identified 248 children with CeD, 177 (71%) had biopsy‐confirmed CeD, and 56 (23%) were diagnosed with serology‐only criteria. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.8 years (±4.98), with most being White (99%) and female (68%). Constipation was the main presenting symptom, but most children also exhibited additional symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Over an average of 5.3 years (±2.1) of follow‐up, constipation was resolved in 32% of children, while 68% required ongoing laxatives, in the subgroup of children with encopresis, only 29% had documented resolution. Tissue transglutaminase antibody normalization was slower in children with unresolved constipation. Trends were observed toward a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression (42% vs. 30%) and thyroid disorders (13% vs. 9%) in the unresolved group. We also noticed a trend to a higher likelihood of constipation resolution in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (14% vs. 4%), but none reached statistical significance. Conclusion Many children with CeD continue to experience persistent unresolved constipation despite adherence to a gluten‐free diet. Comorbidities are associated with a lower rate of constipation resolution.