What is it about?
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.
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Why is it important?
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.
Perspectives
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.
Professor Einar Ólafur Arnbjörnsson
Lund University
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This page is a summary of: Adolescents with anorectal malformation: physical outcome, sexual health and quality of life, International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, February 2014, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2012-0111.
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