Steurbaut L, Levy EI, De Geyter C, Buyse S, Vandenplas Y. A narrative review on the diagnosis and management of constipation in infants.
Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023;
17:769-783. [PMID:
37501219 DOI:
10.1080/17474124.2023.2242255]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Functional constipation is one of the common disorders of gut-brain interaction in infancy, and decreases the quality of life of infants and parents.
AREAS COVERED
Relevant articles up to November 2022 were reviewed. We searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE for guidelines, position papers, reviews, and randomized controlled trials on infant constipation.
EXPERT OPINION
Randomized controlled trials in this specific age group are mostly limited to trials with infant formula. The prevalence of infant constipation in formula-fed infants is decreasing, and can be associated with adaptations in formula composition. While the supplementation of infant formula with pro-, pre- and/or synbiotics decreases the prevalence of constipation, their efficacy in constipated infants is disappointing. There is limited evidence to support the addition of magnesium to infant formula to treat constipation. The evidence for the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol in children < 2 years has expanded over the past years. The administration of lactulose or polyethylene glycol is the preferred medical management, in case nutritional management does result in insufficient improvement.
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