Arbuckle RA, Carson RT, Abetz-Webb L, Hyams J, Di Lorenzo C, Lewis BE, Gargon E, Kurtz C, Shiff SJ, Johnston JM. Measuring the symptoms of pediatric constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: expert commentary and literature review.
PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2015;
7:343-64. [PMID:
24965712 DOI:
10.1007/s40271-014-0070-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Symptom measurement in pediatric chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) trials requires appropriately developed clinical outcome assessments (COAs).
METHODS
Literature was reviewed to identify symptom COAs meeting regulatory standards. Searches were conducted in Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, and PsychINFO. Title/abstracts were reviewed to identify qualitative studies and those using COAs to measure pediatric CIC/IBS symptoms. Pediatric functional gastrointestinal experts provided input on relevant symptom-concepts to measure.
RESULTS
Review of 1,105 abstracts identified 1 relevant qualitative article and 113 articles including COAs. Symptoms most frequently measured in CIC studies were frequency of bowel movements, fecal incontinence/encopresis, abdominal pain, stool consistency, and painful defecation. Symptoms most frequently measured in IBS were abdominal pain, abdominal distention/bloating, stool consistency, frequency of bowel movements, and gas. Evidence of development/validity of COAs was limited. Expert feedback was broadly consistent with the literature.
CONCLUSION
Findings demonstrate consistency in the literature on key CIC/IBS symptoms to measure in pediatric trials, but existing COAs do not meet regulatory standards.
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