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Bowel continence across life for people with spina bifida

Comparing Antegrade Versus Retrograde Enemas To Improve Bowel Continence Across the Lifespan in People With Spina Bifida

Observational Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NCT07390318

This project will test whether retrograde (through the anus) or antegrade (through a tube into the colon) enema programs work better to prevent bowel accidents and improve independence for people with spina bifida ages 5 and up who are starting or switching an enema program.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment943 (estimated)
Ages5 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAnn & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Academic / other
Locations24 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 23 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07390318 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a multi-center observational study enrolling children and adults with myelomeningocele-type spina bifida who are starting or switching between retrograde and antegrade enema programs. Participants will complete online surveys in English or Spanish at three timepoints over one year to report bowel accidents, bowel symptoms, independence with bowel care, and quality of life. Researchers will compare outcomes between the two enema approaches to identify differences in effectiveness and ease of self-management. The study plans to enroll a large cohort across multiple U.S. sites to reflect real-world patient experiences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: People aged 5 years and older with myelomeningocele spina bifida who are English- or Spanish-literate and who are starting or switching to a retrograde or antegrade enema program are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with other forms of spinal dysraphism (for example, lipomyelomeningocele or fatty filum), those not starting or changing an enema program, or those who cannot complete online surveys in English or Spanish are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could give patients and clinicians clearer, evidence-based guidance on which enema approach is more likely to reduce bowel accidents and improve independence.

How similar studies have performed: Both enema approaches are used in clinical practice, but large comparative studies are limited, so direct evidence showing one approach is superior is currently lacking.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Minimum age 5 years old
* Myelomeningocele diagnosis
* Starting a retrograde or antegrade enema program (or switching from one enema program to the other)
* English or Spanish speaking/literate

Exclusion Criteria:

\- Other types of spinal dysraphism (e.g., lipomyelomeningocele, fatty filum)

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 23 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Spina BifidaNeurogenic BowelBowel Incontinenceretrograde enemaantegrade enemabowel management programbowel continence programself-management
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.