Incontinence and psychological symptoms in individuals with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome

Publication date: Available online 13 January 2017
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities
Author(s): Justine Niemczyk, Stewart Einfeld, David Mowat, Monika Equit, Catharina Wagner, Leopold Curfs, Alexander von Gontard
BackgroundMowat-Wilson Syndrome (MWS) is caused by deletion/mutation of the ZEB2 gene on chromosome 2q22. MWS is characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, severe intellectual disability and other anomalies, e.g. seizures and/or Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Most individuals have a sociable demeanor, but one third show psychological problems.AimsThe aim was to investigate incontinence and psychological problems in MWS.Methods and procedures26 children (4–12 years), 13 teens (13–17 years) and 8 adults (>18years) were recruited through a MWS support group. The Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/Urinary Incontinence, as well as the Developmental Behaviour Checklist (DBC) were completed by parents or care-givers.Outcomes and results97.7% of persons with MWS had incontinence (nocturnal enuresis 74.4%; daytime urinary incontinence 76.2%; fecal incontinence 81.4%). Incontinence remained high over age groups (children 95.8%, teens 100%, adults 100%). 46.2% of children, 25% of teens and 37.5% of adults exceeded the clinical cut-off on the DBC. The ability to use the toilet for micturition improved with age.Conclusions and implicationsMWS incontinence rates are very high. All had physical disabilities including anomalies of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract. Due to the high prevalence rates, a screening for incontinence and psychological problems in MWS is recommended.



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