Prevalence of constipation among persons living in institutional geriatric-care settings - a cross-sectional study

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the dietary fiber menu provision and consumption for older adults living in residential care facilities

BACKGROUND

Older adults living in residential care facilities are commonly given laxatives to treat constipation; however, these may not always provide full relief, and side effects include diarrhea. Dietary fiber effectively prevents constipation, and international guidelines recommend 25 g/d for optimal laxation. Older adults in residential care rely on the facility menu to provide their nutritional requirements, including adequate dietary fiber. Little is known about how much dietary fiber is provided and consumed.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the provision and consumption of dietary fiber for older adults living in residential care facilities.

METHODS

We systematically searched available literature for studies reporting the analysis of residential care menus and meals consumed by residents aged over 65 y. A meta-analysis was performed on the studies that provided the mean amount of dietary fiber provided and consumed by residents. A random effect model was applied due to the heterogeneity of study methodologies.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 4406 publications, but only 28 studies were eligible for our meta-analysis. The study sample comprised 4817 residents. The mean amount of fiber provided to residents was 21.4 g/d [standard error (SE): 1.2; 95% confidence interval: 18.8, 24.2 g/d], the mean amount of fiber consumed by residents was 15.8 g/d (SE: 0.6; 95% confidence interval: 14.7, 16.9 g/d).

CONCLUSIONS

Older adults living in care facilities are provided with dietary fiber below the recommended guidelines. Compounding this is that residents consume much less than what is provided and do not meet the recommendations for dietary fiber consumption. There is scope to improve dietary fiber provision, promote consumption to residents to aid laxation, and potentially reduce laxative use and the unwanted side effects of diarrhea. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42023427265.

Global prevalence of constipation in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Constipation is one of the most common functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in older adults. To date, no systematic review or previous meta-analysis has estimated the global prevalence of constipation in older adults. The prevalence of this disorder has been reported differently in different studies; therefore, this study aims to systematically review the publications and to perform a meta-analysis of the prevalence of constipation in older adults.

METHODS

The electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched for studies reporting the prevalence of constipation in older adults up to February 2022. To perform the analysis, the random effects model was used, and heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q test and expressed as I2.

RESULTS

Out of 5341 evaluated publications, 36 met the eligibility criteria. These studies included 58,405 older adults aged 60-93 years. The overall prevalence of constipation in older adults was 18.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 14.7-23.9%). The prevalence of constipation in older adults according to Rome II criteria was 16.2% (95% CI: 6.8-33.7), based on Rome III criteria was 19.2% (95% CI: 12.6-28.1), and based on Rome IV criteria was 10.3% (95% CI: 5.8-17.7). The highest prevalence of constipation was found in older adults in Africa at 32.3% (95% CI: 21.5-45.4), and the lowest in Asia at 13.6% (95% CI: 9.1-19.9). Concerning diagnostic tools, the highest prevalence of constipation was found if a self-reporting tool was applied with a value of 19.7% (95% CI: 15.8-24.3).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that health policymakers should pay more attention to the prevention of constipation in older adults, including raising public awareness to the importance of nutrition and diet and physical activity in older adults.

Impact of probiotics on cognition and constipation in the elderly: A meta-analysis

Cognitive decline and constipation are common complications in the elderly. Probiotics are potential therapeutic agents to ameliorate cognitive impairment through gut-brain axis. Several clinical studies have investigated the beneficial effects of probiotics on cognitive impairment and constipation in elderly. However, a quantitative meta-analysis is required to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics on cognitive function and constipation. Thirteen clinical studies were included in this meta-analysis. We examined the risk of bias assessment and heterogeneity of eight studies for cognition and five studies for constipation, followed by group and subgroup meta-analyses using a random-effects model to evaluate the potential of probiotic supplements on cognition function and constipation in aged people. The results of the pooled meta-analysis revealed that probiotic supplementation did not improve the cognitive rating scale assessment for all studies (estimate = 0.13; 95%CI [-0.18, 0.43]; p = 0.41; I2 = 83.51%). However, subgroup analysis of single strain supplementation showed improved cognitive function in elderly people (estimate = 0.35; 95%CI [0.02, 0.69]; p = 0.039; I2 = 19.19%) compared to multiple strains. Probiotics also enhanced defecation frequency in constipated patients (estimate = 0.27; 95%CI [0.05, 0.5]; p = 0.019; I2 = 67.37%). Furthermore, probiotic supplementation resulted in higher fecal Lactobacillus counts than placebo (estimate = 0.37; 95%CI [0.05, 0.69]; p = 0.026; I2 = 21.3%). Subgroup analysis indicated that a probiotic intervention period of ≥4 weeks was more effective (estimate = 0.35; 95%CI [0.01, 0.68]; p = 0.044; I2 = 0%) in reducing constipation symptoms than a short intervention duration. Based on these results, probiotic supplementation could be a potential intervention to reduce constipation symptoms in the elderly population. The heterogeneity between studies is high, and limited trials are available to evaluate the cognitive function of aged individuals using probiotics. Therefore, further studies are required to determine the effect of probiotics on cognition.

Effects of Bowel Training and Defecation Posture on Chronic Constipation in Older Adults With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Chronic constipation (CC), which can cause behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia and related caregiver distress, is common in older adults admitted to care facilities with dementia. This study aimed to examine the effect of defecation care on CC and related problems.

METHODS

This study compared bowel training and defecation posture intervention (intervention group) with general care (control group) as the treatment of CC among older adults with dementia in 6 long-term care facilities. The primary outcomes were the number of spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) and complete SBMs. The secondary outcomes were Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire, Constipation Scoring System, constipation symptoms, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home Version scores. The differences were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures.

RESULTS

The data of 30 patients (14 in the intervention group, 16 in the control group) were analyzed. Weekly mean complete SBMs increased from 0.53 times at baseline to 1.58 times at 8 weeks in the intervention group compared with a change from 0.56 to 0.43 times in the control group (interaction P < 0.001). The Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire, Constipation Scoring System, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia, and caregiver distress scores showed significant improvement after 8 weeks of defecation care intervention.

DISCUSSION

Defecation care, including bowel training and appropriate defecation posture, is effective for CC among older adults with dementia, improving patient mental health and reducing burden on caregivers.

[Tapentadol versus classical WHO-III opioids for chronic back pain. Health services research study based on representative data from health insurance funds]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

In clinical trials, tapentadol prolonged release (PR) showed a more favourable gastrointestinal tolerability profile compared to other strong opioids in the treatment of pain. The present analysis compared tapentadol PR and classical WHO-III PR opioids in routine clinical practice.

METHOD

Retrospective cohort study (matched pair approach) using anonymised health insurance data of patients with chronic low back pain who were prescribed strong opioids following pretreatment with WHO-I/II analgesics. Data were analysed from the date of first prescription in 2015 over a maximum period of two years. The primary analysis parameter was the prescription of laxatives.

RESULTS

Data of 227 patients per cohort could be included in the analysis. Significantly fewer tapentadol PR than WHO-III PR patients were prescribed laxatives (20.3% vs. 37%; p < 0.0001). In addition, laxative dosages were significantly lower in the tapentadol PR cohort (26.4 vs. 82.5 defined daily doses; p < 0.0001). A significant difference in laxative prescription was also observed under long-term treatment (tapentadol PR patients 27.7% vs. WHO-III PR patients 50%; p = 0.0029).

CONCLUSION

Routine clinical practice indirectly confirmed the more favourable gastrointestinal tolerability of tapentadol PR in the treatment of chronic pain which had previously been demonstrated in clinical trials and non-interventional studies.

Prevalence of constipation and use of laxatives, and association with risk factors among older patients during hospitalization: a cross sectional study

Background

Many older patients experience constipation as a bothersome symptom with a negative impact on quality of life. During hospitalization, the focus is often on the reason for admission with the risk that other health problems are not prioritized. The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of constipation and use of laxatives among older hospitalized patients and to investigate the associations with demographic factors, risk assessments and prescribed medications.

Methods

A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study design was used. This study enrolled patients aged 65 years or older admitted to a geriatric department. Data from electronic health records regarding constipation, demographics, risk assessments, medical diagnoses, prescribed medications and length of stay were extracted. Constipation was assessed using ICD- 10 diagnosis, documented signs and symptoms of constipation, and prescribed laxatives. Data was analyzed using descriptive and comparative analyses, including logistic regression.

Results

In total, 6% of the patients had an ICD-10 diagnosis of constipation, 65% had signs and symptoms of constipation, and 60% had been prescribed laxatives. Only 5% of the patients had constipation documented according to ICD-10, signs and symptoms, and prescribed laxatives. Signs and symptoms of constipation were associated with prescribed opioids (OR = 2.254) and longer length of stay (OR = 1.063). Being prescribed laxatives was associated with longer length of stay (OR = 1.109), prescribed opioids (OR = 2.154), and older age (OR = 1.030).

Conclusions

The prevalence of constipation varies depending on the methods used to identify the condition. There was a discrepancy between the documentation of constipation in relation to sign and symptoms, ICD-10 diagnosis and prescribed laxatives. The documentation of constipation was not consistent for the three methods of assessment.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Large-Bowel Obstruction With Fecal Impaction: A Case Report

Traditionally, large bowel obstruction (LBO) can be due to a neoplasm, most often colorectal cancer. Also, fecal impaction (FI) is a common disease, which occurs in a variety of ages and is significantly increased in the elderly. This case report is of LBO caused by FI, in which ultrasonography (US) proved to be useful for diagnosis and follow-up. A 60-year-old female had abdominal pain after taking a laxative as part of bowel preparation for colonoscopy. The US diagnostic findings were a marked dilation of the bowel, due to watery stool, in the ascending colon, and a clear FI, in the descending colon. Computed tomography showed similar findings to the US. There was a large amount of defecation after treatment and US demonstrated an improvement in the ileus. Ten days after admission, a colonoscopy revealed no stenosis or tumor, as a cause for the ileus.

Healthcare Professionals' Experiences of Assessing, Treating and Preventing Constipation Among Older Patients During Hospitalization: An Interview Study

PURPOSE

Constipation is a common and troublesome condition among older patients and can result in a variety of negative health consequences. It is often undiagnosed or undertreated. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to understand and address patients' overall healthcare needs; so exploring their experiences is, therefore, highly relevant. The purpose of the study was to explore healthcare professionals' experiences of assessing, treating and preventing constipation among older patients.

METHODS

A qualitative design with an exploratory approach was used. The participants (registered nurses and physicians) were purposively sampled from three wards in a geriatric department in a medium-sized hospital in Sweden. Data were collected through focus group discussions and individual interviews, and analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Three categories were generated: Reasons for suboptimal management of constipation, Strategies for management, and Approaching the patients' needs. In the care of older patients at risk of or with constipation, decisions were made based on personal knowledge, personal experience and clinical reasoning. A person-centered approach was highlighted but was not always possible to incorporate.

CONCLUSION

Different strategies for preventing and treating constipation were believed to be important, as was person-centered care, but were found to be challenging in the complexity of the care situation. It is important that healthcare professionals reflect on their own knowledge and clinical practice. There is a need for more support, information and specific guidance for healthcare professionals caring for older patients during hospitalization. Overall, this study underscores the importance of adequate access to resources and education in constipation management and that clinical guidelines, such as the Swedish Handbook for Healthcare, could be used as a guide for delivering high-quality care in hospitals.

Non-pharmacological interventions to improve constipation amongst older adults in long-term care settings: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Constipation is a highly prevalent condition amongst older adults in long-term care settings and laxatives are not always the solution. We aimed to examine the characteristics and the effects of non-pharmacological interventions to improve constipation amongst older adults in long-term care settings. Eligible studies were identified using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane and EMBASE (up to April 2019). We included 7 studies with a total of 657 patients. Five interventions improved the number of bowel movements (i.e. laxative tea, fermented oat drink, patient education, probiotics and multi-component intervention). The administration of probiotic capsules and fermented oat drinks also improved stool form. Auricular acupressure improved constipation symptoms and constipation-related quality of life. After appraising the trials' methodological quality and risk of bias, we cannot recommend any non-pharmacological interventions to improve constipation amongst older adults in long-term care settings until more robust studies have been conducted.

Safety and Efficacy of Naldemedine for the Treatment of Opioid-Induced Constipation in Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Receiving Opioid Therapy: A Subgroup Analysis of Patients ≥ 65 Years of Age

Background

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC), the most common side effect of opioid treatment, is under-recognized and undertreated in older patients. Naldemedine, an oral, peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA), is approved in Japan, the United States, and the European Union for treatment of OIC in adult patients.

Objective

This integrated analysis of three phase 3 trials (COMPOSE-1, COMPOSE-2, and COMPOSE-3) evaluated the safety and efficacy of naldemedine for up to 12 weeks in a subgroup of patients aged ≥ 65 years.

Methods

Patients aged 18–80 years with chronic non-cancer pain for ≥ 3 months (treated with opioids for ≥ 3 months in COMPOSE-1 and COMPOSE-2) and OIC received oral naldemedine 0.2 mg or placebo once daily. Safety assessments included overall incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), TEAEs in the gastrointestinal disorders System Organ Class, and TEAEs of opioid withdrawal or possible opioid withdrawal. Efficacy was based on the proportion of responders in COMPOSE-1 and COMPOSE-2, defined as having ≥ 3 spontaneous bowel movements/week and a ≥ 1-spontaneous bowel movement/week increase from baseline for ≥ 9 of 12 weeks and ≥ 3 of the last 4 weeks.

Results

A total of 14.8% (344/2328) of patients were aged ≥ 65 years in all studies. The incidence of TEAEs in naldemedine-treated patients aged ≥ 65 years (45.9%) was comparable to that in patients aged ≥ 65 years receiving placebo (51.6%) and in the overall naldemedine group (47.1%). The incidence of gastrointestinal disorders System Organ Class TEAEs in naldemedine-treated patients aged ≥ 65 years (20.2%) was also comparable to that in patients aged ≥ 65 years receiving placebo (16.1%) and in the overall naldemedine group (21.8%). The incidence of TEAEs of opioid withdrawal with naldemedine was 1.1% in patients aged ≥ 65 years and 1.0% overall, and the incidence of TEAEs of possible opioid withdrawal was 1.1% in patients aged ≥ 65 years and 1.7% overall. The proportion of responders was higher in naldemedine-treated patients versus placebo, both overall (50.1% vs 34.1%; p < 0.0001) and in those aged ≥ 65 years (51.8% vs 37.6%).

Conclusions

This integrated analysis confirmed that OIC treatment with naldemedine 0.2 mg was generally well tolerated and effective in patients aged ≥ 65 years with chronic non-cancer pain. Safety and efficacy results were consistent with the overall patient population.

ClinicalTrials.gov registration

NCT01965158, NCT01993940, NCT01965652.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40266-020-00753-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Constipation and Fecal Incontinence in the Elderly

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of primary constipation and fecal incontinence in the elderly.

RECENT FINDINGS

Among elderly people, 6.5%, 1.7%, and 1.1% have functional constipation, constipation-predominant IBS, and opioid-induced constipation. In elderly people, the number of colonic enteric neurons and smooth muscle functions is preserved; decreased cholinergic function with unopposed nitrergic relaxation may explain colonic motor dysfunction. Less physical activity or dietary fiber intake and postmenopausal hormonal therapy are risk factors for fecal incontinence in elderly people. Two thirds of patients with fecal incontinence respond to biofeedback therapy. Used in combination, loperamide and biofeedback therapy are more effective than placebo, education, and biofeedback therapy. Vaginal or anal insert devices are another option. In the elderly, constipation and fecal incontinence are common and often distressing symptoms that can often be managed by addressing bowel disturbances. Selected diagnostic tests, prescription medications, and, infrequently, surgical options should be considered when necessary.

Management of constipation in long-term care hospitals and its ward manager and organization factors

Background

Studies examining organizational factors that may influence constipation management in long-term care (LTC) hospitals are lacking. This study aimed to clarify the practice of constipation management in LTC hospitals and to explore its factors, including ward manager’s perception, organizational climate, and constipation assessment.

Methods

In this cross-sectional questionnaire survey of ward managers and staff nurses working in LTC wards, we determined daily assessment and practices regarding constipation management. We also conducted multivariate analyses to examine factors related to constipation management.

Results

There was a 20% response rate to the questionnaire. Nearly all LTC wards routinely assessed bowel movement frequency; other assessments were infrequent. Laxatives were used, but the use of dietary fiber and probiotic products was implemented in only 20–30% of wards. The implementation of non-pharmacological management and adequate use of stimulant laxatives were positively associated with the ward manager’s belief and knowledge, organizational climate, the existence of nursing records for constipation assessment, planned nursing care for constipation, and organized conferences and in-hospital study sessions on constipation management.

Conclusion

Areas to improve constipation management in LTC hospitals include altering the ward manager’s perception, improving hospital’s organizational climate, and introducing standardized assessment/care planning systems.

Constipation and laxative use among people living in nursing homes in 2007 and 2013

BACKGROUND

Constipation is a common condition among older people, particularly among people living in nursing homes, and the use of drugs such as opioids is one of many factors that contribute to its high prevalence. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of constipation and the use of laxatives between 2007 and 2013, to analyze constipation and laxative use among people who are prescribed opioids, and to identify factors associated with constipation.

METHODS

In 2007 and 2013, two surveys were performed in the county of Västerbotten in Northern Sweden, comprising all those living in nursing homes. The Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale was used to collect data regarding laxative, opioid and anticholinergic drug use, functioning in activities of daily living (ADL), cognition and symptoms of constipation. A comparison was made between 2820 people from 2007 and 1902 people from 2013.

RESULTS

The prevalence of symptoms of constipation among people living in nursing homes increased from 36% in 2007 to 40% in 2013. After controlling for age, sex, ADL, cognitive impairment and use of opioid and anticholinergic drugs, this difference was found to be statistically significant. When controlled for demographic changes, there was a statistically significant difference in the regular use of laxatives between the respective years, from 46% in 2007 to 59% in 2013. People prescribed opioids and anticholinergic drugs were at increased risk of constipation, while people with a higher ADL score were at decreased risk. Further, among people prescribed opioids and rated as constipated, 35% in 2007 and 20% in 2013 were not prescribed laxatives for regular use, a difference that was found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of symptoms of constipation increased between 2007 and 2013. Although there was a decrease between the years, there were still a number of people being prescribed with opioids and rated as constipated who were not treated with laxatives. This study therefore indicates that constipation remains a significant problem among people in nursing homes and also indicates that those prescribed opioids could benefit from an increased awareness of the risk of constipation and treatment, if required.

[Motility disorders in the elderly]

Motility disorders are frequent, especially in the elderly. They must not be ignored and require a systematic evaluation. Constipation, which many elderly people suffer from, must not be trivialised as it can impact on quality of life. Diarrhoea, the manifestation of which is more acute, requires fast and adapted treatment.

Is Fibre an Effective Strategy to Improve Laxation in Long-Term Care Residents?

The high prevalence of constipation in long-term care (LTC) residents has been a long-standing issue for caregivers, attending health professionals, and the residents themselves. The traditional medical response has been to utilize pharmaceutical laxatives, enemas, and suppositories for treatment. The purpose of this review was to determine if fibre supplementation (including fibre added to foods) is effective in increasing stool frequency, improving stool consistency, and decreasing laxative use in LTC residents. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and CINAHL databases, inclusive to March 2017. Search terms included: "long-term care" or "nursing home" AND "fiber (fibre)," "bran," "psyllium," "inulin," or "prebiotic." Intervention trials of fibre supplementation with ≥5 LTC residents were included. The search generated 456 articles following removal of duplicates; 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three additional trials were identified through a hand search of references of pertinent articles. Current evidence suggests that added fibre may be effective in increasing stool frequency and/or decreasing laxative use in LTC residents and, thus, may lessen the burden of constipation. However, randomized controlled trials are needed to clearly demonstrate the effects of adding fibre to foods, particularly insoluble and less fermentable sources, on constipation in LTC residents.

Development of enteral homemade diets for elderly persons receiving home care and analysis of macro and micronutrient composition

Abstract Objective: the development and analysis of the macro and micronutrient composition of homemade enteral diets. Method: A standard homemade enteral diet was developed at three caloric concentrations - 1500, 1800 and 2100 Kcal. After preparation and testing of viscosity, stability, odor and color, plus evaluation of cost, the chemical composition of the nutrients of the diets were analytically determined. Folic acid, vitamin D and vitamin B12 values were calculated using chemical composition tables. The results were compared with recommended nutritional standards for the elderly. Result: The diets exhibited normal macronutrient distribution. The 1500 caloric level presented some mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Suitable values were obtained at the other caloric levels for all minerals except magnesium. There were appropriate levels of all the vitamins in the 2100 Kcal diet, while vitamin E, D and B6 levels were below the recommended dietary allowances in the 1800 Kcal diet. Conclusion: The standard homemade enteral diets studied can contribute to the food and nutritional safety of elderly persons undergoing home care, if all are supplemented with magnesium and the 1800 Kcal diet is supplemented with vitamin E, D and B6. The 1500 Kcal diet was not nutritionally safe in terms of micronutrients.