1
|
Burton LM, Skelton J, Harry O, Zuar L. Systematic review of family and pediatric constipation: An overlooked piece of the puzzle. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024. [PMID: 38934411 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Landon M Burton
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Center for Prevention Science in Child and Family Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph Skelton
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Center for Prevention Science in Child and Family Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Onengiya Harry
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lynsey Zuar
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Soliman A, AboAli SEM, Abdel Karim AE, Elsamahy SA, Hasan J, Hassan BAA, Mohammed AH. 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. Eur J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s00431-024-05639-8. [PMID: 38922435 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05639-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Soliman
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Safy Eldin M AboAli
- Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amel E Abdel Karim
- Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sara A Elsamahy
- Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Judy Hasan
- Dakahlia STEM School, Al-Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Badr Al-Amir Hassan
- Department of Physical Therapy for Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Amira H Mohammed
- Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang WC, Zeng BS, Liang CS, Hsu CW, Su KP, Wu YC, Tu YK, Lin PY, Stubbs B, Chen TY, Chen YW, Shiue YL, Zeng BY, Suen MW, Hung CM, Wu MK, Tseng PT. Efficacy and acceptability of different probiotic products plus laxatives for pediatric functional constipation: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s00431-024-05568-6. [PMID: 38806862 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05568-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of pediatric constipation ranges from 0.7 to 29.6% across different countries. Functional constipation accounts for 95% of pediatric constipation, and the efficacy of pharmacotherapy is limited, with a success rate of 60%. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown the benefits of probiotic supplements in treating this condition. However, the reported strains of probiotics varied among the RCTs. We aimed to compare the efficacy and acceptability of different probiotic supplements for pediatric functional constipation. The current frequentist model-based network meta-analysis (NMA) included RCTs of probiotic supplements for functional constipation in children. The primary outcome was changes in bowel movement or stool frequency; acceptability outcome was all-cause discontinuation. Nine RCTs were included (N = 710; mean age = 5.5 years; 49.4% girls). Most probiotic products, used either alone or combined with laxatives, were associated with significantly better improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency than placebo/control. Protexin plus laxatives (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.87, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.85 to 2.90) were associated with the greatest improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency among all the investigated probiotic products. For the single probiotic interventions, only Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus Lcr35 was associated with significant efficacy compared to placebo/control treatments (SMD = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.32 to 2.43). All the investigated probiotic products had fecal incontinence and patient drop-out rates similar to those of placebo/control treatments. Conclusion: The results of our NMA support the application of an advanced combination of probiotics and laxatives for pediatric functional constipation if there is no concurrent contraindication. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42022298724). What is Known: • Despite of the high prevalence of pediatric constipation, which ranges from 0.7% to 29.6%, the efficacy of pharmacotherapy is limited, with a success rate of 60%. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown the benefits of probiotic supplements in treating this condition. However, the reported strains of probiotics varied among the RCTs. The widely heterogeneous strains of probiotics let the traditional meta-analysis, which pooled all different strains into one group, be nonsense and insignificant. What is New: • By conducting a comprehensive network meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the efficacy and acceptability of different strains of probiotic supplements for pediatric functional constipation. Network meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials revealed that the most probiotic products, used either alone or combined with laxatives, were associated with significantly better improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency than placebo/control. Protexin plus laxatives was associated with the greatest improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency among all the investigated probiotic products. For the single probiotic interventions, only Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus Lcr35 was associated with significant efficacy compared to placebo/control treatments. All the investigated probiotic products had fecal incontinence and patient drop-out rates similar to those of placebo/control treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chieh Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ping An Medical Clinic, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Syuan Zeng
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sung Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI-Lab), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Wu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Institute of Health Data Analytics & Statistics, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Physiotherapy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Positive Ageing Research Institute (PARI), Faculty of Health, Social Care Medicine and Education, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Tien-Yu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Wen Chen
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, No. 252, Nanzixin Road, Nanzi District, Kaohsiung City, 81166, Taiwan
| | - Yow-Ling Shiue
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Precision Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Yan Zeng
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Dachang Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mein-Woei Suen
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan.
- Gender Equality Education and Research Center, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Chao-Ming Hung
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, No. 1, Sec. 1, Xuecheng Rd., Dashu Dist., Kaohsiung City, 840301, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Kung Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan.
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, No. 252, Nanzixin Road, Nanzi District, Kaohsiung City, 81166, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Institute of Precision Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fedele F, Fioretti MT, Scarpato E, Martinelli M, Strisciuglio C, Miele E. The ten "hard" questions in pediatric functional constipation. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:64. [PMID: 38649896 PMCID: PMC11036569 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01623-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional constipation is a common problem in childhood and has a great impact on social, physical, and emotional functioning of affected children and their caregivers. No organic cause of the constipation can be found in approximately 95% of children, defining the "so-called" chronic functional constipation. Its prevalence has been reported to range from 0.7 to 29.6%, with a median of 12%. The diagnosis of functional constipation is exclusively clinical based on the pediatric diagnostic Rome criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders and does not routinely require laboratory and/or radiological investigations. In case of alarm signs and symptoms that may suggest organic diseases, further investigations can be required. The therapeutic management is based on non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. Education, demystification of constipation and reward-based toilet training represent the cornerstones of nonpharmacological management. Disimpaction, maintenance treatment and weaning of medication are all elements of pharmacological treatment. Osmotic laxatives, mainly polyethylene glycol (PEG), are considered the first-choice laxative for both disimpaction and maintenance treatment. The aim of this review is to provide pediatric gastroenterologists with a practical tool to support the clinical and therapeutic management of children and adolescents affected by chronic functional constipation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flora Fedele
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fioretti
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Scarpato
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Martinelli
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Strisciuglio
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Erasmo Miele
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Y, Li A, Qiu J, Wen H, Zhang H, Sun X. Probiotics for functional constipation in children: an overview of overlapping systematic reviews. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1323521. [PMID: 38259973 PMCID: PMC10800793 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1323521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analysis (MAs) aimed to systematically collate, appraise and synthesize evidence of probiotics for functional constipation (FC) in children. Methods SRs/MAs of probiotics for FC in children were systematic identified by searching Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of science. Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) were unitized by two reviewers independently to assess the methodological quality, reporting quality, and quality of evidence, respectively. Results Seven SRs/MAs met the eligibility criteria and were included in this study. According to AMSTAR-2, a very low methodological quality assessment was given to the included SRs/MAs due to the limitations of items 2, 4 and 7. For the PRISMA statement, the overall quality of reporting was unsatisfactory due to the lack of reporting on protocol, risk of bias across studies, synthesis of results, and additional analysis. According to GRADE, the quality of evidence for outcomes was rated as very low to moderate. Conclusions Probiotics may be beneficial in improving FC in children. Because of limitations and inconsistent conclusions, further rigorous, normative and comprehensive SRs/MAs are needed to provide robust evidence for definitive conclusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunxin Zhang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Aiping Li
- Guang’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangan, China
| | - Jing Qiu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Wen
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanwen Zhang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangjuan Sun
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chowdhury K, Sinha S, Kumar S, Haque M, Ahmad R. Constipation: A Pristine Universal Pediatric Health Delinquent. Cureus 2024; 16:e52551. [PMID: 38249647 PMCID: PMC10797657 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Constipation suffered by children is a global public health problem. Functional constipation (FC) brings about deteriorating effects in the children's lives who suffer from it. The risk factors for the development of constipation include the consumption of a diet low in fiber and high in calories (such as the consumption of fast food), a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise, a family history of constipation, and emotional and psychological stress endured by children in their families. It is one of the most common causes of stomachaches in children. FC may lead to fecal incontinence (FI), anal fissures, recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI), and enuresis in children. Severe constipation may result in stool becoming rock-hard and inflexible in the rectum, which is clinically identified as fecal impaction. It is imperative to perform clinical evaluation and treatment, including pharmacological (the use of stimulant and osmotic laxatives) and non-pharmacological (education, changes in diet, intervention to promote positive behavior and address any emotional issues, toilet training, and physiotherapy for the pelvic floor) interventions. In the case of refractory patients, neuromodulation, the irrigation of the anal canal, and surgical management may be needed. It is essential to lead a healthy, stress-free lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a balanced diet rich in fiber (such as fruits and vegetables) so children can have regular bowel habits and thrive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kona Chowdhury
- Department of Pediatrics, Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, Dhaka, BGD
| | - Susmita Sinha
- Department of Physiology, Khulna City Medical College and Hospital, Khulna, BGD
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Karnavati School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, IND
| | - Mainul Haque
- Karnavati Scientific Research Center (KSRC), Karnavati School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, IND
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, MYS
| | - Rahnuma Ahmad
- Department of Physiology, Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, BGD
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Copley S, Lawson M, King DA. Fifteen-minute consultation: Management of constipation in childhood. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2023; 108:314-319. [PMID: 36997304 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Constipation is common in childhood. It is a frequent presentation to primary care and common reason for referral to secondary and tertiary care. In the majority of cases, childhood constipation is idiopathic, with no significant underlying cause, but still presents a significant issue to patients, families and healthcare providers. We consider a case of idiopathic constipation, review the current evidence base for investigations and treatment and suggest practical management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sian Copley
- Paediatric Gastroenterology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Maureen Lawson
- Paediatric Gastroenterology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - David Anthony King
- Department of General Paediatrics, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|