Evaluation and treatment of constipation in children and adolescents.

Childhood constipation is common and almost always functional without an organic etiology. Stool retention can lead to fecal incontinence in some patients. Often, a medical history and physical examination are sufficient to diagnose functional constipation. Further evaluation for Hirschsprung disease, a spinal cord abnormality, or a metabolic disorder may be warranted in a child with red flags, such as onset before one month of age, delayed passage of meconium after birth, failure to thrive, explosive stools, and severe abdominal distension. Successful therapy requires prevention and treatment of fecal impaction, with oral laxatives or rectal therapies. Polyethylene glycol-based solutions have become the mainstay of therapy, although other options, such as other osmotic or stimulant laxatives, are available. An increase in dietary fiber may improve the likelihood that laxatives can be discontinued in the future. Education is equally important as medical therapy and should include counseling families to recognize withholding behaviors; to use behavior interventions, such as regular toileting and reward systems; and to expect a chronic course with prolonged therapy, frequent relapses, and a need for close follow-up. Referral to a subspecialist is recommended only when there is concern for organic disease or when the constipation persists despite adequate therapy.

Retained faecolith: an avoidable complication of laparoscopic appendicectomy.

A 26-year-old woman presented to the accident and emergency department 9 days post laparoscopic appendicectomy for a non-perforated, but gangrenous appendicitis. She was found to have a retained faecolith with a pelvic abscess. This case demonstrates one of the common pitfalls of the laparoscopic appendicectomy and we discuss some technical points to avoid such complications.

Quality of life in pediatric patients with unremitting constipation pre and post Malone Antegrade Continence Enema (MACE) procedure.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to determine if there is a change in the quality of life in pediatric patients with unremitting functional constipation and/or encopresis after undergoing a MACE procedure. METHODS: Patients, ages 5 to 18 years with unremitting constipation and a normal evaluation, including anorectal manometry and colonic manometry, who opted to undergo a MACE procedure were contacted to participate in the study. Patients with congenital anorectal malformations as well as spinal cord disorders were excluded from the study. The patient's parent/guardian completed the PedsQL(TM) Generic Core Scales QOL survey prior to the operation, 6 months, and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 15 consecutive patients meeting protocol criteria were recruited within a period of 20 months. The mean age at the MACE procedure was 9.8 years (range 7.0-11.1). 5 patients were female. The mean QOL score pre-MACE was 64.1. At 6 months post-MACE the mean overall QOL score was 90.2, and it was 92.0 at 12 months. All 15 patients at the 6 month follow up had significant improvement in their QOL (p=1.9 × 10(-7)) and all subcategories of QOL were significantly improved as well. CONCLUSIONS: A MACE procedure is of benefit to otherwise normal pediatric patients who have unremitting functional constipation with failure of medical treatment. Our patients had a significant improvement in all QOL categories and overall QOL.

Knowledge and practice styles of pediatricians in Saudi Arabia regarding childhood constipation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate knowledge and practice styles among medical providers working in 5 regions of Saudi Arabia regarding their approach to childhood constipation. METHODS: A survey of 850 pediatric providers (PPs) conducted in 5 regions of Saudi Arabia. PPs included pediatric specialists (PSs), pediatric consultants (PCs), general practitioners (GPs), family physicians (FPs), and pediatric gastroenterologists (PGs). They were asked anonymously about definition, causes, diagnosis, and management of constipation. Information about family concerns regarding constipation and the source of constipation-related information was also collected. RESULTS: A response rate of 73% yielded 622 questionnaires. Among respondents, 61.2% were aware of the Rome definition of functional constipation. More pediatricians (PSs and PCs) than other physicians (GPs and FPs) reported the definition of constipation correctly (P > 0.05). Stool withholding was reported as the most common cause of constipation by 27% of pediatricians (PSs and PCs), 24% of other physicians (GPs and FPs), and 50% of PGs (P = 0.097). Rectal examination was performed by 39% of all PPs and 78.6% of PGs (P = 0.009). Pediatricians prescribed lactulose significantly more often than physicians (P = 0.001). Pediatricians recommended disimpaction before maintenance treatment significantly more than other physicians (P = 0.001). Twenty-three percent of families believed that constipation was caused by a stricture and 10% feared it was caused by a malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in knowledge and practice patterns exist regarding the approach to pediatric constipation. Identification of knowledge gaps may be useful to develop educational materials to improve proper diagnosis and treatment of childhood constipation.

Case control study to investigate risk factors for impaction colic in donkeys in the UK.

Impaction colic is the single most common type of colic diagnosed in a large population of donkeys (more than 2000 animals) at The Donkey Sanctuary, UK and the fatality rate from the disease is high. Here we identify risk factors for impaction colic in this population during 2006 using an unmatched case control study. There were 71 cases of impaction colic and multivariable analysis identified a number of variables associated with the disease. Management factors that increased the risk of impaction included paper bedding, feeding of concentrates, limited access to pasture and increasing number of carers. In addition health variables that were associated with an increased risk of impaction colic were weight loss, recent vaccination and a number of dental abnormalities. This study has identified variables which may help to identify donkeys at high risk of impaction colic; those with a history of weight loss and with concurrent dental pathology. Furthermore the study has also identified a number of variables that may be targeted to reduce the incidence of impaction colic in this donkey population, such as modification of concentrate feeding practices and pasture access.

Recent advances in chronic constipation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic constipation remains one of the most frequent complaints in primary and subspecialty pediatric clinics. It is associated with significant emotional and economic burden for both the children and the caregivers. Recently, advances have expanded our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment options for children with chronic constipation. Here, we review current strategies addressing the cause, diagnostic technologies and treatments of chronic constipation. RECENT FINDINGS: There is some new information presented here on techniques for diagnosis and long-term complications associated with chronic childhood constipation. Comparative data on current laxatives and the development of medications with novel mechanisms of action are reviewed for a glimpse into the horizon of possible new treatments for children with chronic constipation. Studies on effects of growth, quality of life, dietary fiber and symptoms, which may coexist with constipation, are discussed. SUMMARY: The recent literature on chronic constipation has provided some new knowledge providing a more evidence-based approach to treating these patients. We review the scope of this problem and the estimated cost of treating constipation. The availability of long-term outcome data enhances our understanding of the natural history of this problem. Newer pharmacological approaches provide optimism for treatment for this common problem.

Management and prevention of fecal impaction.

Fecal impactions occur in both sexes at any age but are particularly concentrated in children, in the institutionalized or impaired elderly, and in patients with certain psychiatric disorders or medical conditions that predispose to obstipation. The clinical consequences may be disabling and occasionally life threatening. Clinical manifestations include fecal incontinence, abdominal distention and pain, anorexia, weight loss, intestinal obstruction, and stercoral ulceration with bleeding or colonic perforation. Diagnosis begins with recognition of possible fecal impaction and confirmation by digital examination or abdominal radiography. Management consists of disimpaction, colon evacuation, and a maintenance bowel program to prevent recurrent impactions.

Evaluation and treatment of constipation in infants and children: recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

Constipation, defined as a delay or difficulty in defecation, present for 2 or more weeks, is a common pediatric problem encountered by both primary and specialty medical providers. The Constipation Guideline Committee of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) has formulated a clinical practice guideline for the management of pediatric constipation. The Constipation Guideline Committee, consisting of two primary care pediatricians, a clinical epidemiologist, and pediatric gastroenterologists, based its recommendations on an integration of a comprehensive and systematic review of the medical literature combined with expert opinion. Consensus was achieved through Nominal Group Technique, a structured quantitative method. The Committee developed two algorithms to assist with medical management, one for older infants and children and the second for infants less than 1 year of age. The guideline provides recommendations for management by the primary care provider, including evaluation, initial treatment, follow-up management, and indications for consultation by a specialist. The Constipation Guideline Committee also provided recommendations for management by the pediatric gastroenterologist.

How to resolve stool retention in a child. Underwear soiling is not a behavior problem.

Many parents do not realize their child has stool retention when they bring him or her for an office visit. Some complaints that may be a tip-off and should prompt questioning about stool frequency and underwear soiling are vague abdominal pain, urinary incontinence, and stools so large they plug the toilet. A rectal examination is usually adequate to confirm the diagnosis. Management begins with educating parents that leaking of liquid stool around impaction and onto underwear is completely involuntary, so the child should never be scolded or embarrassed. Stool retention may begin because of unpleasant or unavailable toilet facilities, constipation, or painful elimination and often becomes self-perpetuating. Impaction must be removed immediately; magnesium citrate solution is usually effective. To allow the rectum to return to its normal size, which can take an extended time, stool must be kept soft and movable with administration of mineral oil and appropriate dietary choices (eg, fruit, juice, fiber). Recurrence is common, so ongoing measures and follow-up are important.

Encopresis.

Encopresis is fecal soiling associated with functional constipation in a child. Constipation and encopresis are common problems in children. Encopresis is most common between ages 3 and 7 years. Infants and pre-school children present with a history of constipation and withholding maneuvers. The school-age child may have constipation and fecal soiling for some time prior to detection. In some children encopresis is associated with enuresis and urinary tract infection. Family education is the essential first step in management, followed by disimpaction of stool and complete evacuation of the rectum. Reaccumulation of stool should be prevented by appropriate use of laxatives and stool softeners. This is followed by a gradual weaning of the laxative regimen and instituting toilet training. Relapses may occur. Up to 50-60% of children achieve acceptable bowel control, free of soiling, within a year.

Evaluación Diagnóstica del Niño con Estrñimiento Crónico Funcional / Diagnostic Evaluation of Child with Functional Chronic Constipation

El estreñimiento crónico es un problema frecuente en la edad pediátrica. El 95 por ciento de los casos de estreñimiento crónico es funcional, es decir, no debido a causas orgánicas, anatómicas o por ingesta de alimentos. El estreñimiento debe ser distinguido de la enfermedad de Hirschsprung y de alteraciones anatómicas y metabólicas. La evaluación clínica incluye una historia clínica completa, el examen físico adecuado y paraclínicos como radiología, manometría anorrectal y biopsia rectal. El manejo incluye cambios en el medio ambiente, la dieta y los medicamentos. El propósito del presente artículo es proporcionar una orientación diagnóstica y terapéutica en niños con estriñimiento crónico funcional

Dos causas orgánicas de constipación / Two organic causes of constipation

La constipación es de frecuente consulta; el ano anterior y la enfermedad de Hirschsprung de segmento ultracorto son causas orgánicas de aparición temprana en la vida. La demora en sus diagnósticos, con prolongados tiempos antes de la resolución temprana en la vida. La demora en sus diagnósticos, con prolongados tiempos antes de la resolución quirúrgica llevan a la instalación de megarrecto y encopresia, con riesgo al deterioro irreversible de la dinámica anorrectal