BACKGROUND: The necessity of referring adolescents with anorectal malformation (ARM) from pediatric units to adult care is unclear. The issue requires knowledge about the health of the adolescent. OBJECTIVE: To examine the physical outcome, sexual health and quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with ARM. METHODS: At medical counseling, 24 adolescents with ARM, 15-21 years of age, answered questionnaires about physical outcome according to the Krickenbeck follow-up and QoL according to SF 36 and gastrointestinal quality of life (Giqli). Matched control groups were used; 15 adolescents participated in deep interviews about sexual health and body imaging. RESULTS: Fecal soiling, constipation and gas incontinence were much higher for ARM patients compared with controls (p<0.05). QoL regarding large bowel function was lower for both genders compared with controls (p<0.05). Females scored lower in physically related QoL (p<0.05). Social and sexual adaption to the symptoms was obvious in the deep interviews. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with ARM have considerable intestinal symptoms, which influence QoL and require adaption in intimate situations. A referral to adult care seems to be important, and continuous cooperation between the pediatric surgeon and adult care is suggested.
BACKGROUND: The necessity of referring adolescents with anorectal malformation (ARM) from pediatric units to adult care is unclear. The issue requires knowledge about the health of the adolescent. OBJECTIVE: To examine the physical outcome, sexual health and quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with ARM. METHODS: At medical counseling, 24 adolescents with ARM, 15-21 years of age, answered questionnaires about physical outcome according to the Krickenbeck follow-up and QoL according to SF 36 and gastrointestinal quality of life (Giqli). Matched control groups were used; 15 adolescents participated in deep interviews about sexual health and body imaging. RESULTS: Fecal soiling, constipation and gas incontinence were much higher for ARM patients compared with controls (p<0.05). QoL regarding large bowel function was lower for both genders compared with controls (p<0.05). Females scored lower in physically related QoL (p<0.05). Social and sexual adaption to the symptoms was obvious in the deep interviews. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with ARM have considerable intestinal symptoms, which influence QoL and require adaption in intimate situations. A referral to adult care seems to be important, and continuous cooperation between the pediatric surgeon and adult care is suggested.
Authors: Pernilla Stenström; Christina Granéli; Martin Salö; Kristine Hagelsteen; Einar Arnbjörnsson Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2013-09-23 Impact factor: 3.411
Authors: Helena Wigander; Margret Nisell; Björn Frenckner; Tomas Wester; Ulf Brodin; Maria Öjmyr-Joelsson Journal: Pediatr Surg Int Date: 2019-02-07 Impact factor: 1.827