Intra-rectal Botulinum Toxin Injection for Intractable Non-retentive Fecal Incontinence in Children - an Open Label Pilot Study

Summary

Background: Fecal Incontinence (FI) is a frustrating and prevalent GI condition with profound social implications and a marked effect on quality of life. Treatment options are limited for children whose FI is not secondary to constipation (overflow incontinence), and they are defined as having non-retentive fecal incontinence (NRFI). Rectal botulinum injections (RBI) have recently shown promise for the treatment of FI in adults, following a large, randomized placebo-controlled trial, but no data exists regarding efficacy in children. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of RBI in children with non-retentive fecal incontinence. Methods: A prospective open-label pilot study. Children with intractable NRFI will be screened using anorectal manometry and a colonic transit study. Eligible patients will receive one course of RBI and data regarding FI frequency will be prospectively collected during a 15-week period. Significance: New treatment options for children with intractable fecal incontinence are highly in need. The current study aims to introduce a new treatment modality into pediatric research and patient care.

Timeline

Start

2025-07-01

Primary completion

2030-09

Completion

2030-09

Publications

• Background Rybak A, Martinelli M, Thapar N, Van Wijk MP, Vandenplas Y, Salvatore S, Staiano A, Benninga MA, Borrelli O. Colonic Function Investigations in Children: Review by the ESPGHAN Motility Working Group. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2022 May 1;74(5):681-692. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003429. Epub 2022 Feb 24.
• Background Athanasakos E, Cleeve S, Thapar N, Lindley K, Perring S, Cronin H, Borrelli O, Mutalib M. Anorectal manometry in children with defecation disorders BSPGHAN Motility Working Group consensus statement. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2020 Jun;32(6):e13797. doi: 10.1111/nmo.13797. Epub 2020 Jan 27.
• Background Pascual-Pascual SI, Pascual-Castroviejo I. Safety of botulinum toxin type A in children younger than 2 years. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2009 Nov;13(6):511-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2008.10.006. Epub 2008 Nov 25.
• Background Halleran DR, Lu PL, Ahmad H, Paradiso MM, Lehmkuhl H, Akers A, Hallagan A, Bali N, Vaz K, Yacob D, Di Lorenzo C, Levitt MA, Wood RJ. Anal sphincter botulinum toxin injection in children with functional anorectal and colonic disorders: A large institutional study and review of the literature focusing on complications. J Pediatr Surg. 2019 Nov;54(11):2305-2310. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.03.020. Epub 2019 Apr 23.
• Background Leroi AM, Queralto M, Zerbib F, Siproudhis L, Vitton V, Amarenco G, Etienney I, Mion F, Bridoux V, Philip J, Brochard C, Damon H, Lacroix E, Gillibert A, Gourcerol G. Intrarectal injections of botulinum toxin versus placebo for the treatment of urge faecal incontinence in adults (FI-Toxin): a double-blind, multicentre, randomised, controlled phase 3 study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Feb;9(2):147-158. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00332-1. Epub 2023 Dec 18.
• Background Kaul A, Garza JM, Connor FL, Cocjin JT, Flores AF, Hyman PE, Di Lorenzo C. Colonic hyperactivity results in frequent fecal soiling in a subset of children after surgery for Hirschsprung disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2011 Apr;52(4):433-6. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3181efe551.
• Background Vriesman MH, Koppen IJN, Camilleri M, Di Lorenzo C, Benninga MA. Management of functional constipation in children and adults. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Jan;17(1):21-39. doi: 10.1038/s41575-019-0222-y. Epub 2019 Nov 5.
• Background de Bruijn CMA, Safder S, Rolle U, Mosiello G, Marshall D, Christiansen AB, Benninga MA. Development of a Bowel Management Scoring Tool in Pediatric Patients with Constipation. J Pediatr. 2022 May;244:107-114.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.01.036. Epub 2022 Feb 1.
• Background Koppen IJ, von Gontard A, Chase J, Cooper CS, Rittig CS, Bauer SB, Homsy Y, Yang SS, Benninga MA. Management of functional nonretentive fecal incontinence in children: Recommendations from the International Children's Continence Society. J Pediatr Urol. 2016 Feb;12(1):56-64. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2015.09.008. Epub 2015 Oct 21.
• Background Popescu M, Mutalib M. Bowel transit studies in children: evidence base, role and practicalities. Frontline Gastroenterol. 2021 May 10;13(2):152-159. doi: 10.1136/flgastro-2020-101719. eCollection 2022.
• Background Lambregts AP, Nieuwhof-Leppink AJ, Klijn AJ, Schroeder RPJ. Intravesical botulinum-A toxin in children with refractory non-neurogenic overactive bladder. J Pediatr Urol. 2022 Jun;18(3):351.e1-351.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.02.007. Epub 2022 Feb 18.
• Background Voskuijl WP, Reitsma JB, van Ginkel R, Buller HA, Taminiau JA, Benninga MA. Longitudinal follow-up of children with functional nonretentive fecal incontinence. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006 Jan;4(1):67-72. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2005.10.001.
• Background Rajindrajith S, Devanarayana NM, Benninga MA. Review article: faecal incontinence in children: epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical evaluation and management. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Jan;37(1):37-48. doi: 10.1111/apt.12103. Epub 2012 Oct 28.

Drugs

Indications

No indication recorded.