@article {Mohammed648, author = {Adnan A. Mohammed and Farag M. Mekael}, title = {Encopresis in children. Outcome and predictive factors of successful management}, volume = {33}, number = {6}, pages = {648--653}, year = {2012}, publisher = {Saudi Medical Journal}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To elucidate our experience and outcome in the management of childhood encopresis, and to emphasize the factors that may predict successful management.METHODS: This prospective study was carried out between September 2003 and September 2011 in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Al-Thoura Teaching Hospital, Al-Beida and Al-Butnan Medical Teaching Center, Tobruk, Libya.RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-two patients (117 male, 15 female) took part of the study. The male and female ratio was 7.8:1. The participants were patients aged 4-9 years. There were 30 (22.7\%) patients between 4-5 years, 61 (46.2\%) between 6-7 years, and 41 (31\%) between 8-9 years. Nonretentive encopresis patients were 36 (27.2\%) (Group I) and 96 (72.8\%) patients had retentive encopresis (Group II). Patients with low fluid intake were 87 (65.9\%) and low fiber diet were 91 (68.9\%). Patients with delayed toilet training were 99 (75\%). The total rate of successful conservative treatment was 70.5\%. The rate of successful treatment in Group I was 94.4\% and in Group II was 61.5\%. We observed 18.2\% of the patients had recurrence of encopresis. The factors found to predict good resolution rate after medical treatment included: cooperation of the parent and patient, female gender, ages above 5 years, and non-retentive encopresis.CONCLUSION: Encopresis remains a problem for the parents and the patients. Clinical evaluation is indispensable. Good outcome can be achieved effectively. Cooperative parents and patient, female gender, age above 5 years, and nonretentive encopresis are predictors for good response to medical treatment.}, issn = {0379-5284}, URL = {https://smj.org.sa/content/33/6/648}, eprint = {https://smj.org.sa/content/33/6/648.full.pdf}, journal = {Saudi Medical Journal} }