{
  "abstract": "Background Constipation is a frequent cause of paediatric gastroenterology outpatient attendance. 1 2 Subjective evidence using bowel scores such as the Cleveland Constipation Score (CCS) provides insight from the patient and parent about the degree of constipation. Transit maker studies (TMS) are often undertaken because they are useful, non-invasive and informative diagnostic tool in children with functional constipation (FC).2–4Aim We aim to compare subjective reporting using bowel questionnaire (CCS) with objective findings (using TMS).Methods A prospective maintained database was reviewed for patients in the service between September 2016- October 2025. Data regarding demographics, questionnaire (CCS) and TMS. SPSS was used to perform statistical analysis: median, range, percentages, and Pearson correlation (p value of <0.05 as significant).Results 440 patients completed the CCS questionnaire and underwent TMS. 56% males; median age 9-year-old (range 1- 27 years); 30% with neurodiversity. There were no significant differences between those with normal and abnormal TMS scores for demographics (sex, age), neurodiversity and bladder continence. Patients with abnormal TMS had worse CCS scores (p<0.001) (table 1); specifically, they had infrequent bowel movements, difficulty when passing a bowel movement, incomplete and unsuccessful evacuation (p<0.05).Conclusion Subjective scores - Cleveland Constipation Score (CCS) correlate with objective transit maker studies (TMS).The combination of TMS and CCS maybe useful if there is diagnostic uncertainty or concerns regarding parental reporting.It remains to be seen to what extent the CCS can used as a radiation-free tool in the management of children with constipation.References Rybak A, Martinelli M, Thapar N, et al. Colonic function investigations in children: review by the ESPGHAN motility working group. JPGN 2022;74(5):681–692.Papadopoulos M, Mutalib M, Nikaki N, et al. Radiopaque marker colonic transit study in the pediatric population: BSPGHAN motility working group consensus statement. NGM 2024;36(5):1–11.Metcalf AM, Phillips SF, Zinsmeister AR, et al. Simplified assessment of segmental colonic transit. Gastroenterology 92:40–7. 10, 1987.Cook BJ, Lim E, Cook D, et al. Radionuclear transit to assess sites of delay in large bowel transit in children with chronic idiopathic constipation. J Pediatr Surg 2005;40:478–83.Abstract OC102 Table 1Comparison of subjective score - cleveland constipation score (CCS) and objective study - transit marker study (TMS)MEASURESNormal TMS = 196M, ± (range)Abnormal TMS n = 244M, ± (range)29% STC; 71% REDSignificance (p value)Sex53% males58%NSAgeM: 9 ± 3.83 (1-18)M: 10 ± 3.57 (1-18)NSDuration of Symptoms (months)M: 93 ± 50.11 (6-264)M: 94 ± 48.40 (4-3240)NSNeurodiversity28%31%NSUrinary IncontinenceDouble Incontinence43%38%39%40%NSCleveland Constipation Score CCS (Median +/- SD)M: 14.91 ± 4.89 (1-30)M: 17.12 ± 4.88 (7-29)p<0.001Key: M = Mean, ± Standard deviation, NS (not significant)",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health",
        "Queen Mary University of London"
      ],
      "name": "Stewart Cleeve"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health"
      ],
      "name": "Abigail Khoo"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health",
        "Queen Mary University of London"
      ],
      "name": "Eleni Athanasakos"
    }
  ],
  "title": "OC102 Parent and patient reported symptoms (cleveland constipation score) predict an abnormal transit marker study",
  "uid": "338f9fe4-8f59-593e-a8a3-0c657529790d"
}