Children with congenital colorectal malformations during the UK Sars-CoV-2 pandemic lockdown: an assessment of telemedicine and impact on health

Purpose This pilot study was designed to assess bowel function and quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents with congenital colorectal malformations (CCM) during the first UK COVID lockdown period. Methods Changes in health were assessed through semi-structured interviews, gastrointestinal functional outcomes using Krickenbeck scoring and QoL by the modified disease-specific HAQL (Hirschsprung’s disease anorectal malformation quality of life questionnaire). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)™ for adults was used to assess parental anxiety. Results Thirty-two families were interviewed; 19 (59%) reported no change in their child’s health during the lockdown, 5 (16%) a deterioration and 8 (25%) an improvement. Neither the severity of the CCM, nor the degree of bowel dysfunction, correlated with any deterioration. The HAQL score was not correlated to a change in health. Anxiety scores ranged from no anxiety to clinical concerns. Telemedicine was well accepted by 28/32 parents (88%); however, in-person appointments were preferred if there were clinical concerns. Conclusion In the follow-up of children and adolescents with CCM during the first UK lockdown using telemedicine we found that over half had stable health conditions. Patients needing additional care could not be predicted by the severity of their disease or their bowel function alone.