Chronic childhood constipation: a review of the literature and the introduction of a protocolized behavioral intervention program

Systematic review of family and pediatric constipation: An overlooked piece of the puzzle

The objective of this review is to summarize pertinent literature looking at family dynamics and/or adherence to treatment in pediatric functional constipation. A structured systematic literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science core collection libraries from the years 2000 to 2023 using specific search terms: constipation, treatment adherence, family dynamics, parenting style, and pediatrics. Seventy-one publications were identified and included for review. After screening based on alignment to the review, 20 publications remained. These publications were placed into three categories depending on their intent and findings: (1) recommendations to further increase adherence, (2) studies analyzing factors of adherence, and (3) studies stating a need for a better understanding of family factors. A future area of research is identifying the associations between family factors on adherence to constipation treatment regimens. Results from such studies would increase the amount of positive treatment outcomes and decrease unnecessary healthcare costs.

Effect of adding telerehabilitation home program to pharmaceutical treatment on the symptoms and the quality of life in children with functional constipation: a randomized controlled trial

Painful defecation, the passage of hard stools, unpleasant or irregular bowel deviation/movements from regular rate, and/or the feeling of not enough elimination of stool are common symptoms of functional constipation. The goals in treating constipation are to produce soft, painless stools and to prevent the re-accumulation of feces. This study looked at how the telerehabilitation home program (TRP) affected the symptoms of FC and the children who were constipated in terms of their quality of life. A randomized controlled trial included 400 children aging 4-18 years with functional constipation distributed in two groups: control group consisted of 200 children receiving pharmaceutical treatment and the intervention group consisted of 200 children receiving the telerehabilitation home program in addition to pharmaceutical treatment. Both groups received the interventions for 6 months. The outcomes in terms of functional constipation symptoms and quality of life are measured and compared pre- and post-interventions. Adding the telerehabilitation home program to pharmaceutical treatment of functional constipation in children results in prominent improvement in the condition; there is a significant difference between the intervention and control group in all Rome criteria which assess symptoms of functional constipation except rush to the bath-room to poop which showed non-significant difference; there is also a significant difference between the intervention and control group in all domains of the SF-36 questionnaire which assess quality of life except the mental health domain which showed non-significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Adding the telerehabilitation home program to pharmaceutical treatment of functional constipation in children results in prominent improvement in symptoms of functional constipation and quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Our study was registered retrospectively with Clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT06207721 on 5 January 2024.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Painful defecation, passage of hard stools, unpleasant or irregular bowel movements, feeling of incomplete stool elimination are common symptoms of functional constipation. • Goals in treating constipation include producing soft, painless stools and preventing re-accumulation of feces.

WHAT IS NEW

• Adding telerehabilitation home program to pharmaceutical treatment resulted in significant improvement in functional constipation symptoms and quality of life. • Significant differences between intervention group (200 children receiving telerehabilitation home program in addition to pharmaceutical treatment) and control group (200 children receiving pharmaceutical treatment) were observed in all Rome criteria except for rush to the bathroom to poop, and in all domains of SF36 questionnaire except for the mental health domain.

Stool-toileting refusal in preschool age children: A follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Stool-toileting refusal in preschool-aged children is a significant issue that strongly impacts both the child and the family, signaling a challenging period. We investigated the relationships between temperament, traumatic life events, parental sociodemographic characteristics, and psychological burdens and these behaviors. Our goal was to identify factors that may contribute to the chronicity of this stool-toileting refusal behavior.

METHODS

Conducted as a single-center, prospective, controlled design, the research involved children exhibiting stool-toileting refusal for at least one month, alongside healthy individuals of similar age and sex. Evaluation covered sociodemographic characteristics, parental psychopathologies, children's temperament features, and life events. Follow-up questionnaires, administered one year later, assessed stool-toileting refusal behavior.

FINDINGS

An evaluation at the end of one year revealed that stool-toileting refusal behavior persisted in 11 of the 31 children. A family history of constipation, comorbid enuresis in the child, maternal psychiatric disorders, and rhythmic temperament features were significantly higher than in the healthy group. Children with persistent stool-toileting refusal behavior exhibited notably lower activity levels.

DISCUSSION

The study's results indicated associations between the TSC rhythmicity score, comorbid constipation and enuresis, and maternal psychiatric illness in preschool-aged children with stool-toileting refusal behavior. A notable association was identified between the continuation of stool-toileting refusal behavior and a low TSC activity score. Advanced statistical methods did not reveal significant differences, highlighting the need for larger sample studies.

IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE

Applying the study's findings to clinical practice involves considering factors such as a family history of constipation, comorbid enuresis in the child, maternal psychiatric disorders, and rhythmic temperament features as potential indicators of persistent stool-toileting refusal in preschool-aged children, guiding healthcare professionals in tailored assessments and interventions.

Functional constipation in children: What physicians should know

Functional constipation (FC) is considered the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder in children with a pooled global prevalence of 14.4% (95% confidence interval: 11.2-17.6) when diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria. Its pathophysiological mechanisms are thought be multifactorial and complicated, resulting in difficult management. Currently, the most effective medication, when used in parallel with toilet training, is osmotic laxatives. Children’s adherence to medication and parental concern regarding long-term laxative use are the main contributors to treatment failure. Recently, novel therapies with a high safety profile have been developed, such as probiotics, synbiotics, serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor agonists, chloride channel activators, and herbal and transitional medicines; nonetheless, well-designed research to support the use of these therapies is needed. This review aims to focus on multiple aspects of FC in children, including global prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, tools, as well as conventional and novel treatment options, such as non-pharmacological management, including adequate fiber and fluid intake, physiotherapy, or neuromodulators. We also report that in very difficult cases, surgical intervention may be required.

Childhood constipation: Current status, challenges, and future perspectives

Constipation in children is a major health issue around the world, with a global prevalence of 9.5%. They present to clinicians with a myriad of clinical signs. The Rome IV symptom-based criteria are used to diagnose functional constipation. Functional constipation is also a huge financial burden for healthcare system and has a detrimental impact on health-related quality of life of children. There are various risk factors identified globally, including centrally connected factors such as child abuse, emotional and behavioral issues, and psychological stress. Constipation is also precipitated by a low-fiber diet, physical inactivity, and an altered intestinal microbiome. The main pathophysiological mechanism is stool withholding, while altered rectal function, anal sphincter, pelvic floor, and colonic dysfunction also play important roles. Clinical evaluation is critical in making a diagnosis, and most investigations are only required in refractory patients. In the treatment of childhood constipation, both nonpharmacological (education and de-mystification, dietary changes, toilet training, behavioral interventions, biofeedback, and pelvic floor physiotherapy), and pharmacological (osmotic and stimulant laxatives and novel drugs like prucalopride and lubiprostone) interventions are used. For children with refractory constipation, transanal irrigation, botulinum toxin, neuromodulation, and surgical treatments are reserved. While frequent use of probiotics is still in the experimental stage, healthy dietary habits, living a healthy lifestyle and limiting exposure to stressful events, are all beneficial preventive measures.

Functional Constipation and Dyssynergic Defecation in Children

Defecation is a complex physiological process, which relies on intricate mechanisms involving the autonomic and somatic nervous system, the pelvic floor muscles, and the anal sphincter complex. Anorectal dysfunction may result in constipation, a bothersome defecation disorder that can severely affect daily lives of children and their families. In this review, we focus on different mechanisms underlying anorectal dysfunction and specific treatment options aimed at improving defecation dynamics in children with functional constipation.

Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in European Infants and Toddlers

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in young children in a cross-sectional, multicenter study in Belgium, Italy, and The Netherlands.

STUDY DESIGN

Children were enrolled if they were age 0-48 months, attending a general pediatrician (Belgium, Italy) or a well-baby clinic (The Netherlands) for routine follow-up. Separate questionnaires were developed for infants age 0-12 months and for toddlers age 13-48 months. Questionnaires evaluated the clinical history, symptoms, sociodemographic information on the family, and exposure to stressful life events. FGIDs were defined according to Rome IV criteria.

RESULTS

In total 2751 children were included: 1698 infants age 0-12 months and 1053 children age 13-48 months. The prevalence of any FGID in infants age 0-12 months and 13-48 months was 24.7% and 11.3%, respectively. The most common disorders were infant regurgitation (13.8%) in infants and functional constipation (9.6%) in toddlers. Multivariable regression analyses demonstrated that younger age (P = .030) and formula feeding (P = .045) were associated with the prevalence of any FGID among infants. Country (Italy) (P = .033) and parents subjected to domestic violence (P = .035) were associated with the prevalence of any FGID in toddlers age 13-48 months.

CONCLUSIONS

FGIDs are common in a community sample of Western European infants and toddlers. Regurgitation is most prevalent in infants and functional constipation is most common in toddlers. Younger age, formula feeding, and domestic violence to parents are associated with the prevalence of FGIDs.

Sensory Integration Concerns in Children With Functional Defecation Disorders: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

We examined the literature to identify reports of sensory integration concerns in children with functional defecation issues and to explore whether difficulty processing sensation may be related to their challenging bowel management behaviors.

METHOD

A scoping review was used to address the research question. We sourced articles from six databases in three languages, searched reference lists of all included articles, and identified additional articles through discussion with experts in the field.

RESULTS

Twelve articles were included in the final synthesis, identifying 15 challenging behaviors potentially related to sensory integration concerns.

CONCLUSION

We summarize research documenting sensory integration concerns in children with functional defecation issues, providing researchers and clinicians with an overview of the current state of understanding.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Effects of Reflexology on Children With Functional Constipation

Functional constipation is a common problem in Turkey that affects up to 10% of children. Reflexologists claim that reflexology can be beneficial in the treatment of constipation. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to determine the effectiveness of reflexology in treating functional constipation in children. Thirty-seven children who were referred to a pediatrician with functional constipation as defined by the Rome III criteria were recruited to the study. After the physician's diagnosis, two groups (intervention/control) were created. The intervention and control groups comprised 17 and 20 children, respectively. Each child in the intervention group was given a foot massage for 10 minutes five times a week, and toilet/diet/motivation training was given to their parents. The test period lasted for 4 weeks. Toilet/diet/motivation training was undertaken for 30 minutes once per week (for a total of 4 weeks) in an interactive manner. The parents of children in the control group received equivalent toilet/diet/motivation training only. No significant differences in terms of feces frequency and feces consistency were noted between the intervention and control groups (p > .05). This study sample showed that only toilet/diet/motivation training had potential benefit for treating functional constipation in children. Further larger randomized trials are required to establish whether there are benefits to foot message in the treatment of functional constipation in children.

An Integrated Nurse Practitioner-Run Subspecialty Referral Program for Incontinent Children

INTRODUCTION

Evidence suggests that urinary and fecal incontinence and abnormal voiding and defecation dynamics are different manifestations of the same syndrome. This article reports the success of an innovative program for care of children with incontinence and dysfunctional elimination. This program is innovative because it is the first to combine subspecialty services (urology, gastroenterology, and psychiatry) in a single point of care for this population and the first reported independent nurse practitioner-run specialty referral practice in a free-standing pediatric ambulatory subspecialty setting. Currently, services for affected children are siloed in the aforementioned subspecialties, fragmenting care.

METHODS

Retrospective data on financial, patient satisfaction, and patient referral base were compiled to assess this program.

RESULTS

Analysis indicates that this model is fiscally sound, has similar or higher patient satisfaction scores when measured against physician-run subspecialty clinics, and has an extensive geographic referral base in the absence of marketing.

DISCUSSION

This model has potential transformative significance: (a) the impact of children achieving continence cannot be underestimated, (b) configuration of services that cross traditional subspecialty boundaries may have broader application to other populations, and (c) demonstration of effectiveness of non-physician provider reconfiguration of health care delivery in subspecialty practice may extend to the care of other populations.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Functional Defecation Disorders in Children

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children presenting with functional defecation disorders (FDDs) and to assess the prevalence of FDDs in children with ADHD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional cohort study was carried out between September 2014 and May 2016. Group 1: Parents of children with FDDs according to the Rome III criteria completed the Child Behavior Checklist and the VvGK (Dutch questionnaire based on the American Disruptive Behavior Disorder rating scale). Patients with ADHD subarea scores ≥70 on the Child Behavior Checklist and/or ≥16 on the VvGK were referred for further psychiatric evaluation. Group 2: Parents of children treated for ADHD at a specialized ADHD outpatient clinic completed a standardized questionnaire regarding their child's defecation pattern.

RESULTS

In group 1 (282 children with FDDs), 10.3% (7.1%-13.5% bias-corrected and accelerate confidence interval) were diagnosed with ADHD. Group 2 consisted of 198 children with ADHD, 22.7% (17.6-28.8 bias-corrected and accelerate confidence interval) fulfilled the Rome III criteria for an FDD. Children with both an FDD and ADHD reported urinary incontinence significantly more often compared to children with an FDD or ADHD alone: 57.1% in FDD + ADHD versus 22.8% in FDD alone (P < 0.001) and 31.1% in ADHD + FDD versus 7.8% in ADHD alone (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 10.3% of children with FDDs had ADHD and 22.7% of children with a known diagnosis of ADHD fulfilled the Rome III criteria for an FDD. This observation suggests that screening for behavioral disorders and FDDs should be incorporated into the diagnostic workup of these groups of children.

Are Interferential Electrical Stimulation and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Beneficial in Children With Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of interferential current (IC) stimulation and diaphragmatic breathing exercises (DBEs) in children with bladder and bowel dysfunction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-nine children with dysfunctional voiding and chronic constipation who were failures of primary care interventions were included in the prospective clinical study. All the children were checked for their medical history regarding lower urinary tract symptoms and bowel habits. Physical examination, including abdominal and anorectal digital examination, was performed. Children kept a bladder and bowel diary, and underwent urinalyses and urine culture, ultrasound examination of bladder and kidneys, and uroflowmetry with pelvic floor electromyography. Eligible children were divided into 3 groups (A, B, and C). All groups were assigned education and behavioral modifications. Additionally, group A underwent DBEs and IC stimulation, whereas group B received only DBEs. The treatment was conducted for 2 weeks in the clinic in all 3 groups,. The behavioral modifications and DBEs were continued at home for 1 month. Clinical manifestations, uroflowmetry parameters, and postvoided residual urine were analyzed before and after 6 weeks of therapy.

RESULTS

After the treatment, significant improvement in defecation frequency and fecal incontinence was noticed only in group A (P < .001 and P < .05, respectively). These children demonstrated significant improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms and postvoided residual urine (P < .001 and P < .05, respectively). Bell-shaped uroflowmetry curve was observed in 73.3% of group A patients (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

IC stimulation and DBEs are beneficial in chronically constipated dysfunctional voiders. Further trials are needed to define the long-term effects of this program.

Screening for autism identifies behavioral disorders in children functional defecation disorders

This study prospectively assessed whether positive screening surveys for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children with functional defecation disorders (FDDs) accurately identify ASD. Parents of children (4-12 years) who met Rome III criteria for functional constipation (FC), FC with fecal incontinence (FI) and functional nonretentive FI (FNRFI) completed two ASD screening surveys. Children with positive screens were referred for psychological evaluation, and a year later, follow-up surveys were conducted. Of the 97 study participants, 30.9 % were diagnosed with FC, 62.9 % with FC with FI, and 6.2 % with FNRFI. ASD surveys were positive for 27 children (27.8 %). New DSM diagnoses were made in 10 out of the 15 children that completed further evaluation. Two (2.1 %) met criteria for ASD, and 12 (12.4 %) met criteria for other behavioral disorders. Average SRS and SCQ-L scores were higher in subjects with FC with FI as compared to FC alone and in those who reported no improvement versus those who reported improvement 1 year later.

CONCLUSION

While positive ASD screening surveys did not correctly identify ASD in the majority, it did help to identify other unrecognized behavioral disorders in children with FDD. High screening scores were more common in children with FC with FI and in children with poorer responses to current medical treatments.

WHAT IS KNOWN

•A prior study found that 29 % of children with FDD scored positive on ASD screening questionnaires. •Whether positive screens correctly identify ASD in children with FDD is unknown. What is New: •This study shows that positive ASD screens do not correctly identify ASD in children with FDD. However, the use of ASD screening questionnaires can identify previously unrecognized and untreated behavioral/developmental disorders in children with FDD. •High screening scores are more common in children with FC with FI and in children with poorer responses to current medical treatments.

Holistic Approach to Functional Constipation: Perspective of Traditional Persian Medicine

Traditional Persian medicine (TPM) proposes a different viewpoint to the chronic diseases. Diagnosis and implemented treatment are based on individual differences among patients. Constipation or Ea'teghal-e-batn is a condition in which the patient develops difficult or painful defecation. Based on TPM concepts, the fifirst digestion step starts from halq (oral cavity), and ends via defecation from the maq'ad (anus). Avicenna believed that four faculties, ha'zemeh (digestive), ja'zebeh (absorptive), ma'sekeh (retentive) and da'fe'eh (propulsive), are involved in the process of digestion and absorption of the ingested food and expelling the waste materials. The bowel movement and appearance of the stool is a measure for evaluating the gastrointestinal healthy function. Defecation should be with no pain and fecal material should have no burning and acuity. Low food intake or foods with dry temperament, dryness of gastrointestinal tract, diaphoresis and heavy exercise as well as intestine sensory loss were discussed as main causes of constipation. Management of constipation in TPM includes dietary schemes, oil massages and subsequently simple herbal medicines. According to TPM theories, the fifirst step in treating a disease is the elimination of disease causes (asbabe- maraz) and also providing the causes of health (asbab-e-sehhat). Health care providers should know the proper condition which the herbal medicines should be administered in and be able to guide the patients about the benefifits and hazards of herbal remedies, commonly used in their living origin.

Parental child-rearing attitudes are associated with functional constipation in childhood

OBJECTIVE

Parenting factors are assumed to play a role in the development and maintenance of childhood constipation. However, knowledge about the association between parenting factors and childhood constipation is limited. This study investigates the association between parental child-rearing attitudes and prominent symptoms of functional constipation and assesses the strength of this association.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional data of 133 constipated children and their parents were collected.

SETTING

The gastrointestinal outpatient clinic at the Emma Children's Hospital in the Netherlands.

PATIENTS

Children with functional constipation aged 4-18 years referred by general practitioners, school doctors and paediatricians.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Parental child-rearing attitudes were assessed by the Amsterdam version of the Parental Attitude Research Instrument (A-PARI). Symptoms of constipation in the child were assessed by a standardised interview. Negative binomial and logistic regression models were used to test the association between child-rearing attitudes and constipation symptoms.

RESULTS

Parental child-rearing attitudes are associated with defecation and faecal incontinence frequency. Higher and lower scores on the autonomy attitude scale were associated with decreased defecation frequency and increased faecal incontinence. High scores on the overprotection and self-pity attitude scales were associated with increased faecal incontinence. More and stronger associations were found for children aged ≥6 years than for younger children.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental child-rearing attitudes are associated with functional constipation in children. Any parenting issues should be addressed during treatment of children with constipation. Referral to mental health services is needed when parenting difficulties hinder treatment or when the parent-child relationship is at risk.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN2518556.

Bidirectional associations between fussy eating and functional constipation in preschool children

OBJECTIVE

To examine bidirectional associations between a child's fussy eating behavior and functional constipation.

STUDY DESIGN

Participants were 4823 children enrolled in a prospective cohort study from pregnancy onward. We assessed fussy eating at age 4 years with the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and assessed functional constipation using ROME II and III criteria with parental questionnaires at age 2, 3, 4, and 6 years.

RESULTS

Higher food fussiness at age 4 years was associated with a greater risk of functional constipation at both 4 years (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20-1.42; P < .001 per 1 SD increase) and 6 years (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.23; P < .05 per 1 SD increase). The converse was also observed; previous constipation predicted a greater risk of being a fussy eater at age 4 years (constipation at 2 years: OR, 2.05; 95% CI 1.43-2.94; P < .001; constipation at 3 years: OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.26-2.35, P < .001). Path analyses confirmed that the association between fussy eating and functional constipation was indeed bidirectional, showing that functional constipation at age 3 years predicted fussy eater classification at age 4 years (β = 0.06; P < .001), which in turn predicted functional constipation at age 6 years (β = 0.08: P < .001) independent of each other.

CONCLUSION

A vicious cycle might develop in which children with functional constipation develop unhealthy eating behavior, which in turn increases the risk of functional gastrointestinal disease.

Scintigraphy evaluation of the types of functional constipation in children with bowel bladder dysfunction

PURPOSE

To evaluate the types of constipation according to colonic transit time in chronically constipated children with dysfunctional voiding (bowel bladder dysfunction, BBD group) and to compare the results with transit type in children with chronic functional constipation without urinary symptoms (constipation group) and children with normal bowel habits, but with lower urinary tract symptoms (control group).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One-hundred and one children were included and their medical histories were obtained. The BBD group kept a voiding diary, and underwent urinalyses and urine culture, ultrasound examination of bladder and kidneys and uroflowmetry with pelvic floor electromyography. Radionuclear transit scintigraphy was performed in all children according to a standardized protocol. Patients were categorized as having either slow-transit (ST), functional fecal retention (FFR) or normal transit.

RESULTS

FFR was diagnosed in 31 out of 38 children with BBD, and 34 out of 43 children in the constipation group. ST was found in seven children with BBD, compared with nine children in the constipation group. The control group children demonstrated normal colonic transit. Urgency, daily urinary incontinence and nocturnal enuresis were noted only in children with FFR. Both children with ST constipation and FFR complained of difficulties during voiding, voiding postponement and urinary tract infections.

CONCLUSIONS

FFR is the most common form of constipation in children with dysfunctional voiding. However, some children might suffer from ST constipation. Differentiation between these two types of constipation is clinically significant because they require different treatment. Future studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm the noted differences in urological symptoms in these two groups of constipated children..

Clinical, psychological and maternal characteristics in early functional constipation

BACKGROUND

This cross-sectional study investigated the clinical features of functional constipation (FC) at preschool age, as well as emotional and behavioral characteristics of the children, psychological symptom level and parental attitudes of the mothers, and compared these with that of non-referred typically developing controls with normal intestinal habits.

METHODS

Participants included 65 children with FC (mean age, 43.6 ± 15.4 months; range, 25-72 months), 59 healthy controls (mean age, 46.9 ± 14.5 months; range, 25-72 months) and the mothers of the children. The Childhood Behavior Checklist, Symptom Checklist 90 and Parental Attitude Research Instrument were filled in by the mothers.

RESULTS

Participants with FC had higher problem scores than the comparison children in a variety of emotional and behavioral parameters. Approximately half exhibited internalizing and one-third had externalizing problems in the clinical range. The mothers of the patient group had higher levels of psychological distress, overprotective parenting and strict discipline. On multiple logistic regression analysis child psychopathology, maternal education level and maternal distress were independently associated with FC.

CONCLUSION

Behavior problems are common in children with FC from an early age. Low level of education and high psychological distress of the mothers seem to be important risk factors for constipation and should be assessed carefully in the management of these cases.

The effect of high fiber snacks on digestive function and diet quality in a sample of school-age children

Background

Dietary fiber (DF) intake in American children is suboptimal, increasing the risk of GI distress and contributing to poor diet quality. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of introducing two high-fiber snacks per day on gastrointestinal function as well as nutrient and food group intake in healthy children ages 7–11 years old.

Methods

This study was a randomized controlled prospective intervention study of children 7–11 years of age (n = 81) attending a rural Midwestern elementary school. Children were randomized by classroom to consume two high-fiber snacks per day (total of 10-12 g DF) or their usual snacks for 8 weeks. Participants completed two 24-hour dietary recalls and a questionnaire about their GI health at baseline, mid-intervention (week 4), and post-intervention. Dietary data was entered into NDSR 2011 and t-tests utilized to assess changes. Analyses were completed in SAS 9.2.

Results

Children consumed at least half their snack 94% of the time when a snack was chosen (89% of time). Participants in both the intervention and control group had healthy scores on the GI health questionnaire at all time points. The intervention group increased DF (P = 0.0138) and whole grain (WG) intake (P = 0.0010) at mid-intervention but after the intervention returned to their baseline DF intake (P = 0.2205) and decreased their WG intake (P = 0.0420) compared to baseline. Eating high-fiber snacks increased DF intake by 2.5 g per day (21% increase), suggesting displacement of other fiber-rich foods.

Conclusions

Study results indicate that children accept high-fiber foods, thus making these high-fiber foods and snacks consistently available will increase DF intake.

The effect of pelvic physiotherapy on reduction of functional constipation in children: design of a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Background

Functional constipation is a common disorder worldwide and is found in all paediatric age groups. Functional constipation can be caused by delayed colonic transit or dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles. Standard medical care in paediatric practice is often based on clinical experience and mainly consists of a behavioural approach and toilet training, along with the prescription of laxatives. Evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic physiotherapy for this complaint is lacking.

Methods/design

A two-armed multicentre randomised controlled trial has been designed. We hypothesise that the combination of pelvic physiotherapy and standard medical care will be more effective than standard medical care alone for constipated children, aged 5 to 17 years. Children with functional constipation according to the Rome III will be included. Web-based baseline and follow-up measurements, scheduled at 3 and 6 months after inclusion, consist of the numeric rating scale in relation to the perceived severity of the problem, the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and subjective improvement post-intervention (global perceived effect). Examination of the pelvic floor muscle functions, including digital testing and biofeedback, will take place during baseline and follow-up measurements at the physiotherapist. The control group will only receive standard medical care, involving at least three contacts during five months, whereas the experimental group will receive standard medical care plus pelvic physiotherapy, with a maximum of six contacts. The physiotherapy intervention will include standard medical care, pelvic floor muscle training, attention to breathing, relaxation and awareness of body and posture. The study duration will be six months from randomisation, with a three-year recruitment period. The primary outcome is the absence of functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria.

Discussion

This section discusses the relevance of publishing the study design and the development of the presented physiotherapy protocol. It also addresses difficulties when interpreting the literature with regard to the effectiveness of biofeedback, potential confounding, and future research indications. To our knowledge, this article is the first to describe the design of a randomised controlled trial among children with constipation to assess the effect of pelvic physiotherapy as an add-on to standard medical care.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials NL30551.068.09

Anorectal functional abnormalities in Egyptian children with chronic functional constipation

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Chronic functional constipation represents 95% of the cases of paediatric constipation. Epidemiologic data, pathophysiology and anorectal functional abnormalities vary greatly among different reports across different populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate these data in Egyptian children with chronic functional constipation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 150 children with chronic functional constipation (101 males, 49 females; mean age 6 ± 3.1 years); a control group of 50 age- and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled for standardisation of the manometry technique. A structured symptom questionnaire and clinical examination including digital rectal examination in addition to anorectal manometry were done for all included children. Defaecation dynamics were assessed in all children 5 years or older using anorectal manometry with integrated electromyogram of the external anal sphincter and the puborectalis muscle.

RESULTS

The maximal tolerable volume was significantly higher in the constipated children than in the control group (p=0.03). No significant differences existed between constipated and control children regarding other anorectal manometric parameters. Abnormal defaecation dynamics were detected in 35 out of 95 tested patients (36.8%).

CONCLUSION

Increased maximal tolerable volume is the most striking manometric feature in Egyptian children with chronic functional constipation. Abnormal defaecation dynamics were detected in about one-third of the tested patients. Standardisation of the measurement techniques and obtaining normal ranges for anorectal manometric parameters for each laboratory are recommended.

Effect of dietary fiber on constipation: A meta analysis

AIM: To investigate the effect of dietary fiber intake on constipation by a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS: We searched Ovid MEDLINE (from 1946 to October 2011), Cochrane Library (2011), PubMed for articles on dietary fiber intake and constipation using the terms: constipation, fiber, cellulose, plant extracts, cereals, bran, psyllium, or plantago. References of important articles were searched manually for relevant studies. Articles were eligible for the meta-analysis if they were high-quality RCTs and reported data on stool frequency, stool consistency, treatment success, laxative use and gastrointestinal symptoms. The data were extracted independently by two researchers (Yang J and Wang HP) according to the described selection criteria. Review manager version 5 software was used for analysis and test. Weighted mean difference with 95%CI was used for quantitative data, odds ratio (OR) with 95%CI was used for dichotomous data. Both I² statistic with a cut-off of ≥ 50% and the χ² test with a P value < 0.10 were used to define a significant degree of heterogeneity.

RESULTS: We searched 1322 potential relevant articles, 19 of which were retrieved for further assessment, 14 studies were excluded for various reasons, five studies were included in the analysis. Dietary fiber showed significant advantage over placebo in stool frequency (OR = 1.19; 95%CI: 0.58-1.80, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in stool consistency, treatment success, laxative use and painful defecation between the two groups. Stool frequency were reported by five RCTs, all results showed either a trend or a significant difference in favor of the treatment group, number of stools per week increased in treatment group than in placebo group (OR = 1.19; 95%CI: 0.58-1.80, P < 0.05), with no significant heterogeneity among studies (I²= 0, P = 0.77). Four studies evaluated stool consistency, one of them presented outcome in terms of percentage of hard stool, which was different from others, so we included the other three studies for analysis. Two studies reported treatment success. There was significant heterogeneity between the studies (P < 0.1, I² > 50%). Three studies reported laxative use, quantitative data was shown in one study, and the pooled analysis of the other two studies showed no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups in laxative use (OR = 1.07; 95%CI 0.51-2.25), and no heterogeneity was found (P = 0.84, I²= 0). Three studies evaluated painful defecation: one study presented both quantitative and dichotomous data, the other two studies reported quantitative and dichotomous data separately. We used dichotomous data for analysis.

CONCLUSION: Dietary fiber intake can obviously increase stool frequency in patients with constipation. It does not obviously improve stool consistency, treatment success, laxative use and painful defecation.

Parental knowledge of fecal incontinence in children

OBJECTIVES

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a common and stressful symptom of constipation in children. Recurrent FI causes psychological and physiological changes, complicating treatment as symptom duration progresses; however, parental misconceptions about the causes of FI may delay seeking medical care. The aim of the present study was to assess parental knowledge about FI and determine how this relates to the care and treatment of FI.

METHODS

A questionnaire was developed from qualitative interviews and clinician input. The questionnaire was administered to 251 parents and tested for reliability and validity. Subscales were compared between parents who did and did not consult a clinician. In addition, 30 parents completed the questionnaire before and after consultation with a pediatric gastroenterologist and after 2 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Two subscales were identified with good psychometric properties: "Blame and Punish" and "Worry and Help." Families who consulted a physician for their child's FI acknowledged the role of constipation and scored higher on Worry and Help (mean 36.4 vs mean 46.9; P < 0.0001). Trends were found for Blame and Punish to decrease after consultation with a pediatric gastroenterologist (mean 1.7 vs 1.5; P = 0.08) and after 2 months of treatment (mean 1.5; P = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Parental knowledge about FI changes with physician consultation. These findings can help in developing educational materials for parents to encourage early diagnosis and treatment and prevent chronic problems that are difficult to manage.

Constipation in children: novel insight into epidemiology, pathophysiology and management

Constipation in children is a common health problem affecting 0.7% to 29.6% children across the world. Exact etiology for developing symptoms is not clear in children and the majority is considered to have functional constipation. Alteration of rectal and pelvic floor function through the brain-gut axis seems to play a crucial role in the etiology. The diagnosis is often a symptom-based clinical process. Recently developed Rome III diagnostic criteria looks promising, both in clinical and research fields. Laboratory investigations such as barium enema, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry and colonic transit studies are rarely indicated except in those who do not respond to standard management. Treatment of childhood constipation involves several facets including education and demystification, toilet training, rational use of laxatives for disimpaction and maintenance and regular follow-up. Surgical options should be considered only when medical therapy fails in long standing constipation. Since most of the management strategies of childhood constipation are not evidence-based, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to assess the efficacy of currently available or newly emerging therapeutic options. Contrary to the common belief that children outgrow constipation as they grow up, a sizable percentage continue to have symptoms beyond puberty.

Long-term prognosis for childhood constipation: clinical outcomes in adulthood

OBJECTIVES

This study examines long-term prognoses for children with constipation in adulthood and identifies prognostic factors associated with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In a Dutch tertiary hospital, children (5-18 years of age) who were diagnosed as having functional constipation were eligible for inclusion. After a 6-week treatment protocol, prospective follow-up evaluations were conducted at 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. Good clinical outcomes were defined as > or =3 bowel movements per week for > or =4 weeks, with < or =2 fecal incontinence episodes per month, irrespective of laxative use.

RESULTS

A total of 401 children (260 boys; median age: 8 years [interquartile range: 6-9 years]) were included, with a median follow-up period of 11 years (interquartile range: 9-13 years). The dropout rate during follow-up was 15%. Good clinical outcomes were achieved by 80% of patients at 16 years of age. Thereafter, this proportion remained constant at 75%. Poor clinical outcomes at adult age were associated with: older age at onset (odds ratio [OR]: 1.15 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.30]; P = .04), longer delay between onset and first visit to our outpatient clinic (OR: 1.24 [95% CI: 1.10-1.40]; P = .001), and lower defecation frequency at study entry (OR: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.84-1.00]; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

One-fourth of children with functional constipation continued to experience symptoms at adult age. Certain risk factors for poor clinical outcomes in adulthood were identified. Referral to a specialized clinic should be considered at an early stage for children who are unresponsive to first-line treatment.

Prevalence and associated clinical characteristics of behavior problems in constipated children

OBJECTIVE

Behavior problems are common in children with functional constipation. This study assessed the prevalence of overall, internalizing, and externalizing behavior problems in children with functional constipation and explored which clinical characteristics of constipation are associated with these behavior problems.

METHODS

Children who had functional constipation, were aged 4 to 18 years, and were referred to the gastrointestinal outpatient clinic at the Emma Children's Hospital were eligible for enrollment. This study made use of baseline data of 133 children who participated in a randomized, controlled trial that evaluated the clinical effectiveness of behavioral therapy compared with conventional treatment. Prevalence of behavior problems was assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to test the association between clinical characteristics and behavior problems.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of overall, internalizing, and externalizing behavior problems was considerable: respectively 36.8%, 36.1%, and 27.1% compared with 9% in the Dutch norm population. A long duration of treatment was found to have the strongest association with overall and externalizing behavior problems in children with constipation. Children with constipation and nighttime urinary incontinence have an increased risk for having overall behavior problems. Fecal incontinence and the production of large stools seemed to be exclusively related to externalizing behavior problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Behavior problems are common in children who have constipation and are referred to gastrointestinal outpatient clinics, suggesting that a behavioral screening should be incorporated into the diagnostic workup of children with constipation.

Encopresis: a guide for psychiatric nurses

Encopresis is an elimination disorder that involves symptoms of fecal incontinence in children. It affects an estimated 1.5% to 7.5% of children ages 6 to 12 and accounts for approximately 3% to 6% of psychiatric referrals. The etiology of encopresis is thought to be related to physiologic problems such as constipation; however, it is also a psychiatric diagnosis and anecdotally may have some association with psychiatric problems. Publications on this association and publications directed toward psychiatric nurses are limited. Encopresis is typically treated with nutritional and medical management along with behavioral modification. Psychiatric nurses working with patients who have encopresis in inpatient settings will have unique concerns and challenges. This article gives an overview of published literature from the past 10 years on the etiology and treatment of encopresis. Specific suggestions for inpatient psychiatric nurses based on published literature and the author's professional experience are provided.

Functional constipation in children: does maternal personality matter?

Aim

To identify personality dimensions of mothers with a constipated child and compare it with those mothers of children without defecation problems.

Methods

We compared mothers of 150 children with functional constipation to mothers of 150 children with no such a problem attending to pediatric hospital of Tabriz University of medical sciences. Personality dimensions were evaluated by NEO five factor inventory after excluding any psychiatric disorders by an interview.

Results

Mean age (SD) was 28.8(18.6) months in constipated children and 20.0(19.3) months in controls, 54.6% of constipated children and 56.7% of controls were male. Mean age (SD) was 30.9(7.1) years in mothers of children with functional constipation and 30.1(7.6) years in controls.

Mothers of children with functional constipation scored lower in neuroticism and scored higher in extraversion, conscientiousness and agreeableness. Conscientiousness was the dominant dimension of personality in both groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the maternal personality as a factor to directly influence toileting behavior of their children resulting in functional constipation.

Constipation and evacuation disorders

Constipation and evacuation difficulty symptoms are common in the general populace. The ROME III criteria define the latter as a subset of the former. Constipation and defaecatory symptoms rarely occur in isolation and can often form part of a global pelvic floor problem, involving bladder voiding difficulties, sexual dysfunction and pain syndromes. While there is often a functional cause for symptoms, there are a number of organic causes particularly in the elderly that should not be missed. Novel physiological and imaging insights are improving our understanding, and potentially treatment, of these symptoms. Conservative therapies focus on a holistic approach in tandem with evolving drug therapies that target intestinal secretion and transit. The role of the biofeedback specialist is continually being re-defined to an all-encompassing one of physiotherapist, behavioural psychologist and moderator for alternative therapies such as rectal irrigation. Sacral neuromodulation for constipation is an emerging minimally invasive surgical option, although the criteria for patient selection are still to be elucidated. Colectomy for functional constipation is associated with a high morbidity, and gut symptoms often persist, suggesting a global GI phenomenon. Surgical correction of rectocele and intussusception for evacuation difficulty will benefit those with anatomical symptoms; for those with predominantly functional features, surgery is best avoided to prevent a vicious cycle of multiple re-operations.

Macrogol (polyethylene glycol) laxatives in children with functional constipation and faecal impaction: a systematic review

As the evidence base supporting the use of laxatives in children is very limited, we undertook an updated systematic review to clarify the issue. A comprehensive literature search was carried out to identify randomised controlled trials of polyethylene glycol (PEG) versus either placebo or active comparator, in patients aged <18 years with primary chronic constipation. Outcomes were assessed as either global assessments of effectiveness or differences in defaecation rates. Seven qualifying studies involving 594 children were identified. Five were comparisons of PEG with lactulose, one with milk of magnesia and one with placebo. Study duration ranged from 2 weeks to 12 months. PEG was significantly more effective than placebo and either equivalent to (two studies) or superior to (four studies) active comparator. Differences in study design precluded meaningful meta-analysis. Lack of high quality studies has meant that the management of childhood constipation has tended to rely on anecdote and empirical treatment choice. Recent publication of well designed randomised trials now permits a more evidence-based approach, with PEG-based treatments having been proven to be effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment.

Pediatric anorectal disorders

This article reports the clinical, physiopathologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of the most common anorectal disorders in children. In particular, it focuses on the differential diagnosis between organic and functional constipation. In addition, the authors separately examine some of the clinical conditions such as atopy, neurologic diseases, and anorectal malformations, in which chronic constipation may be an important clinical manifestation.

Behavioral therapy for childhood constipation: a randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

It has been suggested that the addition of behavioral interventions to laxative therapy improves continence in children with functional fecal incontinence associated with constipation. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of behavioral therapy with laxatives compared with conventional treatment in treating functional constipation in childhood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this randomized, controlled trial conducted in a tertiary hospital in The Netherlands, 134 children aged 4 to 18 years with functional constipation were randomly assigned to 22 weeks (12 visits) of either behavioral therapy or conventional treatment. Primary outcomes were defecation frequency, fecal incontinence frequency, and success rate. Success was defined as defecation frequency of > or = 3 times per week and fecal incontinence frequency of < or = 1 times per 2 weeks irrespective of laxative use. Secondary outcomes were stool-withholding behavior and behavior problems. Outcomes were evaluated at the end of treatment and at 6-months follow-up. All of the analyses were done by intention to treat.

RESULTS

Defecation frequency was significantly higher for conventional treatment. Fecal incontinence frequency showed no difference between treatments. After 22 weeks, success rates did not differ between conventional treatment and behavioral therapy (respectively, 62.3% and 51.5%), nor did it differ at 6 months of follow-up (respectively, 57.3% and 42.3%). The proportion of children withholding stools was not different between interventions. At follow-up, the proportion of children with behavior problems was significantly smaller for behavioral therapy (11.7% vs 29.2%).

CONCLUSION

Behavioral therapy with laxatives has no advantage over conventional treatment in treating childhood constipation. However, when behavior problems are present, behavioral therapy or referral to mental health services should be considered.