ABSTRACT
Background
- Several scoring was developed for evaluation of children with fecal retention using plain radiograph. There are controversies about specificity and sensitivity of these scoring system.
Objectives
- The aim of this study was to evaluate Barr, Blethyn, and Leech score in evaluation of fecal load in plain radiograph.
Methods
- This case control study was conducted on children aged 2-14 years old with abdominal pain who visited Abuzar children's Hospital of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. This study was conducted in fall season. Children with history of previous abdominal surgery, any systemic illness including sickle cell anemia were excluded. Children with constipation were placed in case group. Subjects without constipation were placed in control group. Subjects without exclusion criteria were examined by physician who is blind to aim of the study. Careful history and physical examination was done. Demographic features, history of gastrointestinal problem, duration of abdominal pain, defecation habit, stool consistency (loose, hard), and results of physical examination were recorded. Rome III criteria was used for definition of constipation. Abdominal x-ray was ordered for each patients. Abdominal radiography was reviewed by radiologist. Barr, Leach, and Blethyn scores were calculated for each case.
Results
- In this study 102 children with functional constipation and 102 children without constipation as a control were included. Mean ±SD for case and control group was 68.39±34.88 and 69.46±32.60 (P=0.82).Leech score (mean ±SD) was 11.05±2.177 and 5.67±3.228 for case and control group respectively (P<0.0001). Barr score (mean ±SD) was 14.86±3.54 and 7.16±5.59 for case and control group respectively (P=<0.0001). Blethyn (mean ±SD) score was 1.97±0.667 and 1.04±0.900 for case and control group respectively (P=0.000). Sensitivity and specificity of Barr score was 83% and 79% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Leech score was 92% and 80% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Blethyn score was 79% and 92% respectively.
Conclusion
- Barr, Blethyn and Leech scores were significantly higher in children with abdominal pain and constipation in contrast to children with abdominal pain and without constipation. Sensitivity of Leech score was more than Barr and Blethyn scoring systems. Specificity of Blethyn score was more than Barr and Leech score.
HEADINGS
Constipation; Child health; Abdominal pain; X-ray; Encopresis; Fecal impaction
