Background/aims: A colon transit time test using radio-opaque markers (CTTRM) is considered the gold standard for evaluating colon transit function. A 24-hour delayed film of barium enema (BE) has been used as a supplementary method in structural evaluations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a 24-hour delayed BE film for assessing colon transit function in young children with constipation.
Methods: In total, 93 children with constipation who performed both single-contrast BE and CTTRM were enrolled in this study. Of these, the data from 70 children were analyzed (males 33, females 37; mean age [range], 5.63 ± 2.94 [2-14] years). The basic principle of the study is "velocity = distance/time". Time values were identified in both studies, and the colon length and distance of barium movement were measured on the 24-hour delayed BE film. Thus, colon transit velocity values could be calculated using both methods. The correlation between colon transit velocity using a 24-hour delayed BE film versus CTTRM was analyzed statistically.
Results: Median value (interquartile range) of colon transit velocity using CTTRM was 1.57 (1.07-2.89) cm/hr, and that using BE of that was 1.58 (0.94-2.07) cm/hr. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.438 (P < 0.001) for the overall group. The correlation was strongest in children younger than 4 years (r= 0.537, P = 0.032).
Conclusions: Although the correlation between BE and CTTRM was not very strong, the 24‑hour delayed BE film could provide broad information about colon transit function in young children, especially those under 4 years who usually cannot undergo CTTRM.
Keywords: Barium enema; Child; Colon tranit; Constipation.