Volume 81 - 2018 - Fasc.3 - Case series
Constipation and fecal incontinence in children with cerebral palsy. Overview of literature and flowchart for a stepwise approach
Background and study aims : Constipation and fecal incontinence are common problems in neurologically impaired children. This paper aims to give an overview on bowel problems in cerebral palsy children and to suggest a stepwise treatment approach. A pubmed search was performed looking at studies during the past 20 years investigating bowel problems in neurologically disabled children.
Results : The search revealed 15 articles. Prevalence and presentation was the subject of 8 papers, confirming the importance of the problem in these children. The other papers studied the results of different treatment modalities. No significant differences between treatment modalities could be demonstrated due to small studied cohorts. Therefore, no specific treatment strategy is currently available. An experienced based stepwise approach is proposed starting with normalization of fiber intake. The evaluation of the colon transit time could help in deciding whether desimpaction and eventually laxatives including both osmotic (lactulose, macrogol) as well as stimulant laxatives might be indicated. Or, in case of fast transit loperamide or psyllium can be tried. Surgery should be a last resort option.
Conclusion : Studies investigating constipation and continence in neurologically impaired children are scarce, making it difficult to choose for the optimal treatment. A stepwise treatment approach is proposed, measuring the colon transit time to guide treatment choices. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2018, 81, 415-418).
The role of the pathologist and clinical implications in colorectal liver metastasis
Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) affect about 50% of colorectal cancer patients. With the improvement of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the introduction of targeted therapy, resectability of CRLM and survival rates have improved over time. However, 60-70% of patients still recur. Several pathological and molecular parameters have been described as prognostic factors after CRLM resection. These parameters encompass not only tumoral features, but also non-tumoral ones, such as chemotherapy related liver injury, or factors related to tumour environment, namely Immunoscore. This review summarizes these prognostic indicators to clarify which patho-molecular parameters should be addressed in the pathological report. (Acta Gastroenterol. belg., 2018, 81, 419-426).
