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PubMedDate not supplied

Precipitants of constipation during early childhood.

BACKGROUND: Childhood constipation is a common problem, accounting for 3% of visits to pediatric clinics and 30% of visits to pediatric gastroenterologists. Estimates of the prevalence of childhood constipation vary from 0.3% to 28% with younger children being affected most often. We were unable to find any studies that specifically examine the causes of constipation in young children. Our objective of the study was to determine precipitants to constipation during early childhood. METHODS: Findings from 125 families visiting their primary care physician for the first time with a child aged between 2 and 7 years with the complaint of constipation were compared with findings from 95 children between 2 and 7 years without any history of constipation. Parents answered questions concerning family history, toilet training, and bowel habits. Parents of constipated children were asked to describe events that occurred during the 3 months before the onset of constipation and whether these events contributed to the child's constipation. RESULTS: The age and sex of children who did and did not suffer from constipation were comparable (P > .3). When compared with control children, constipated children were no more likely to have a parent (30% vs 40%, P = .14) or sibling (17% vs 14%, P = .54) with a history of constipation. Constipated children did not begin toilet training earlier than did control children (28 +/- 7 vs 27 +/- 6 months, P = .30). When compared with parents of control children, parents of constipated children reported more difficulties with toilet training (P < .001). Parents of constipated children indicated their children had more difficult and more painful defecation experiences than did parents of control children (P < .001), and constipated children were more likely to express worry about future painful defecation than were control children (P < .001). Parents of constipated children described a number of events that occurred before the onset of constipation; however, they did not consider many of the events important contributors to the constipation. Painful defecation was the event most often reported as causing the constipation. CONCLUSION: Painful defecation is the primary precipitant of constipation during early childhood. Parents should be counseled to be attentive to such experiences and taught to intervene quickly to lessen the risk that their child will develop persistent constipation or fecal soiling.

Child↗
PubMed2002

Diagnosis of constipation in family practice.

BACKGROUND: Patients who complain of constipation to their family doctor may not be truly constipated. Variability in stool frequency and consistency, and perception of symptoms may lead to inaccurate patient reporting or diagnosis of constipation. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether patients visiting their family doctor with a complaint of, or diagnosed with, constipation fulfilled the Rome II criteria for functional constipation and had stool characteristics of constipation. METHODS: A random sample of Canadian family physicians were recruited to enroll a series of adults who complained of, or had received a diagnosis of, constipation during an office visit. Patients were advised of the survey. Those providing written consent were contacted by an independent research firm and forwarded a survey questionnaire that included the Rome II gastrointestinal questionnaire, questions regarding their medical history and questions regarding their demographics. Patients also completed a four-week daily diary recording their bowel habits using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, medication use and satisfaction with treatment. Questionnaire and diary responses were retrieved by telephone. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-four family physicians enrolled 311 patients, of whom 220 completed the questionnaire. Females comprised 79.5% of the sample and had a mean age of 54.2 years (males 61.6 years; P<0.05). According to the Rome II criteria, 37.3% had functional constipation and 46.8% had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Whole gut transit times estimated using the Bristol Stool Scale were similar among those with self-reported constipation, those with Rome II functional constipation and those with Rome II IBS (79.3 h, 85.8 h and 77.4 h, respectively). Almost half of the patients with IBS or functional constipation were taking a pain medication, while nearly one-fifth took antidepressants. Of the medications or remedies taken to treat constipation, patients rated 49.8% of the doses as satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of Canadian primary care patients whose presenting complaint or diagnosis was constipation satisfied the Rome II criteria for IBS, with a smaller number defined as functionally constipated. IBS patients tended to be younger than those with functional constipation, and whole gut transit times did not differentiate IBS from functional constipation. Careful questioning of patients who complain of constipation may reveal constipating medication, diarrhea symptoms or IBS.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Intake of dietary fiber and other nutrients by children with and without functional chronic constipation].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary fiber intake and the dietary habits of children with and without functional chronic constipation. We enrolled 58 children with functional chronic constipation and 58 controls without constipation matched for sex and age. Food and fiber intake were evaluated by 24 hour dietary recall and a complete clinical history was performed. The age of onset of constipation occurred during the first year of life in 55.4% of the patients while the median age of evaluation was 78 months. Soiling was found in 41.7% of patients. The median period of exclusive breast feeding was shorter (P = 0.002) in the constipation group (one month) than in the control group (three month). The proportion of constipation was similar for mothers of children of both groups as well as for siblings in both groups. The fathers of children with constipation presented higher frequency of constipation (12.3%) than the fathers of children in control group (1.8%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.06). The amount of food measured by 24 hour recall was similar in both groups. The calorie intake of constipated children (1526 +/- 585 calories/day) was lower (P = 0.07) than in the control group (1712 +/- 513 calories/day) but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The intake of protein, fat and iron was lower in the constipation group than in the control group. The volume of cow's milk intake was similar in both groups. The median of total dietary fiber intake in the constipation group (13.5 g/day) was statistically (P = 0.009) lower than in the control group (16.8 g/day). The daily intake of insoluble dietary fiber was also statistically lower (P = 0.001) in the constipation group (6.3 g) than in the control group (9.4 g). The intake of soluble dietary fiber was similar in both groups. The intake of dietary fiber per 1,000 calories of diet was 10.3 g in the constipation group and 10.4 in the control group (P = 0.41). There was a considerable intersection of individual values in fiber intake of the constipation and control groups, suggesting that low fiber intake acts in association with others factors on the genesis of constipation in children. However, the low intake of insoluble fiber, suggests that it plays an important role on the pathogenesis of chronic constipation in children.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed1993

Constipation in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the distinction between true clinical constipation and the subjective complaint of constipation in elderly people and to review the pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatment. DATA SOURCES: A computer-assisted and manual search of the English language literature using MEDLINE 1966-1991, Index Medicus 1988-1992, reference lists of selected articles, and relevant textbooks. STUDY SELECTION: Studies that provide information on lower bowel function and laxative and enema use in the elderly subjects were reviewed. Article selection was not limited by study design. DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant data were abstracted from the results of physiological, cohort and case-control studies, and clinical trials. The text discusses the methodological strengths and flaws of these studies and excludes management approaches formulated from uncontrolled clinical observation. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: Constipation of the elderly is not well defined in the current literature. Self-reported constipation and laxative use increase with age, while a similar escalation in true clinical constipation is not shown. Physiological changes in the lower bowel predisposing toward constipation do not occur with normal aging. Patient selection criteria for studies examining the pathophysiology of constipation differ in their definition of constipation and their inclusion of coexisting chronic illness. Nevertheless, there is consistent evidence for prolonged transit through the sigmoid colon and rectum, especially in frail elderly patients, and reduced rectal tone with impaired sensation, particularly in patients with rectal impaction. Few studies rigorously examine "risk factors" and non-pharmacological interventions in constipation. The results of most laxative trials require cautious interpretation because of inclusion of patients without diagnostically proven constipation, use of combined laxative preparations, and unreliable outcome measures. Certain laxative agents however appear more appropriate for use in elderly people. CONCLUSION: Although the subjective complaint of constipation and habitual laxative use increase with age, the epidemiological data suggest that true clinical constipation does not. Physiological changes predisposing toward constipation are not an inevitable consequence of aging, but appear to be specific to the condition. The available data do not confirm many suspected "risk factors" nor the benefits of commonly used non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments, but they do provide enough information to formulate a practical approach to constipation in elderly persons.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Prolonged stationary colonic motility recording in seven patients with severe constipation secondary to antidepressants.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the colonic motor profile of seven patients with constipation secondary to antidepressants differed from the motility of seven patients with idiopathic constipation and seven healthy volunteers. All constipated patients had very severe constipation. Colonic manometric recordings were performed for 24 h. The number of high amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC) was lower in the two groups of constipated patients than in controls. No HAPC were observed in 5/7 patients with constipation secondary to antidepressants and in 1/7 patients with idiopathic constipation. The overall area under the curve (AUC) in the left colon was lower in the two constipated patient groups than in controls. AUC increased after a 1000-kcal standard meal given at noon in controls but not in the two groups of constipated patients. In conclusion, in patients with constipation secondary to antidepressants, the overall AUC was as poor as in patients with idiopathic constipation, and no colonic response to eating was observed. Moreover, the number of HAPC was more markedly decreased in patients with constipation secondary to antidepressants than in patients with idiopathic constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Development of constipation in nursing home residents.

PURPOSE: Constipation is a common complaint among geriatric patients and may result in significant morbidity, especially among nursing home residents. The prevalence of constipation increases with advancing age and may be a result of the aging process, but the exact cause is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of constipation and to determine risk factors for the development of constipation in a large population of nursing home residents. METHODS: The Minimum Data Set is an assessment instrument used in nearly all Medicare-certified and Medicaid-certified nursing facilities. Nursing home residents who were at least 65 years of age and who had assessments at baseline and at three months were included in the study (N = 21,012). Baseline risk factors were included in a multivariate logistic regression to determine their association with the development of constipation. To allow causal implications, nursing home residents with constipation at baseline were excluded. The variables examined included medications, mobility, comorbid illness, and nutrition. RESULTS: The mean age (+/- standard deviation) of nursing home residents was 83 +/- 8 years, and the population was 70 percent female and 83 percent white. At baseline, the prevalence of constipation was 12.5 percent (N = 2,627). By the three-month assessment, 7 percent (N = 1,291) of nursing home residents had developed constipation. The factors associated independently with the development of constipation were, in order of magnitude, race, decreased fluid intake, pneumonia, Parkinson's disease, and the presence of allergies. Congestive heart failure and the use of a feeding tube were two factors identified as having a protective effect. CONCLUSION: The variables associated with the development of constipation may be used to identify geriatric nursing home residents at risk and to prevent constipation and its potential complications. Further study is needed to demonstrate a causal relationship between the risk factors and the development of constipation.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Fecal continence in patients having undergone posterior sagittal anorectoplasty procedure for a high anorectal malformation improves at adolescence, as constipation disappears.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Constipation is a major complication in patients who have undergone posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) operation for a high anorectal malformation. Overflow incontinence is the main cause of fecal soiling in these patients. The aim of this study was to outline the natural history of constipation in patients with high anorectal malformations and relate this to the functional outcome at the end of the patient's growth period. METHODS: The study group consisted of 22 pubertal or postpubertal patients (median age 15; range, 13 to 25) with high or intermediate anorectal malformations repaired by PSARP procedure. The patients have been followed-up since birth. Constipation was defined as a need to use medical treatment or diet to ensure bowel emptying. Continence was classified as follows: grade 1, no soiling in any circumstances; grade 2, staining less than once a week, no fecal accidents; grade 3, staining more than once a week, no fecal accidents; grade 4, daily soiling or accidents, need for regular enemas, or the antegrade colonic enema procedure. All patients underwent anorectal manometry and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine and spinal cord. RESULTS: At the time of the study 2 (9%) of the 22 study group patients had constipation, but 15 (68%) had been constipated before puberty. Eleven patients (50%) were fully continent (grade 1) without constipation. Six of those had a history of constipation associated soiling. Three patients (14%) had occasional staining (grade 2) and no constipation. Two of them had been constipated with significant soiling before the onset of puberty. In the 5 (22%) patients with frequent staining (grade 3) the degree of soiling had decreased after the disappearance of constipation. Two of the 3 patients with poor outcome (grade 4) require regular enemas for recalcitrant constipation. Spinal cord anomalies were detected in 4 and abnormal sacrum in 15 patients. Of the anorectal manometric parameters, only the force of voluntary sphincter squeeze correlated with the functional result. CONCLUSION: In the majority of patients who underwent PSARP procedure for high anorectal malformation, constipation disappears at adolescence, and this is associated with improved fecal continence outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Constipation].

Constipation may be due to drug intake, metabolic and endocrine abnormalities, neurogenic diseases, and gastro-intestinal lesions: in these cases, constipation is only the consequence of another disease. Constipation may be due to dietary or behavioural errors in a lot of patients: in these cases constipation is the consequence of the way of life of the patients. When these two first types of constipation have been ruled out, the constipation is a true constipation, described as chronic idiopathic constipation for which no organic cause may be found. This chronic constipation may be due to a delayed colonic transit secondary either to a colonic inertia in few cases or, at the opposite, to an increased colonic motility in a lot of people often associated with abdominal pain. Chronic constipation may be also due to an outlet obstruction, secondary to a megarectum, a megarecto-sigmoïd, a rectocele, or an abnormal anorectal motility (mainly anismus, often associated with sexual abuse in the past history). No single mechanism can be held responsible for chronic idiopathic constipation, but, whatever the mechanism and the type, constipation is also frequently a way to get help from the doctor.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Anorectal manometric abnormalities and colonic propulsive impairment in patients with severe chronic idiopathic constipation.

Idiopathic chronic constipation is a frequent and disabling symptom, but its pathophysiological grounds are still poorly understood. In particular, there is little knowledge about the relationships between distal (anorectal area) and proximal (colonic area) motor abnormalities in this condition, especially concerning high-amplitude propagated colonic activity. For this purpose, we studied 25 patients complaining of severe idiopathic constipation and categorized them as normal- or slow-transit constipation according to colonic transit time. Twenty-five age-matched controls were also studied. Investigations included standard anorectal motility testing and prolonged (24-hr) colonic motility studies. Analysis of results showed that both groups of constipated patients displayed significantly different (P < 0.05) minimum relaxation volumes of the internal anal sphincter, defecatory sensation thresholds, and maximum rectal tolerable volumes with respect to controls. Patients with normal-transit constipation also showed lower internal anal sphincter pressure with respect to slow-transit constipation and controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.02, respectively). The daily number of high-amplitude propagated contractions (mass movements) as well as their amplitude and duration, was significantly reduced in both subgroups of constipated patients (P < 0.02 vs controls). We conclude that (1) in normal-transit constipation, motor abnormalities are not limited to the anorectal area; (2) patients with slow-transit constipation probably have a severe neuropathic rectal defect; (3) prolonged colonic motility studies may highlight further the functional abnormalities in constipated subjects; and (4) an approach taking into account proximal and distal colon motor abnormalities might be useful to understand pathophysiological grounds of chronic constipation and lead to better therapeutic approaches.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Functional constipation and outlet delay: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation may result from many mechanisms including colonic inertia or rectosigmoid outlet delay, but risk factors for constipation in the community are poorly defined. The prevalence of and predictors for symptoms consistent with functional constipation and outlet delay were estimated. METHODS: An age- and gender-stratified random sample of 1,021 residents of Olmsted County, MN, aged 30-64 years, was mailed a valid self-report questionnaire; 835 responded (82%). These respondents were mailed a second questionnaire 12-20 months later that gathered data on symptoms compatible with functional constipation and outlet delay; 690 responded (83%). RESULTS: Self-reported constipation did not reliably identify functional constipation or outlet delay. The overall age- and gender-adjusted prevalences (per 100) of functional constipation and outlet delay were 19.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.1-22.3) and 11.0 (95% CI, 8.7-13.3), respectively. Outlet delay but not functional constipation was more frequent in women. After adjusting for age, gender, and other symptoms, an increased usage of aspirin was associated with functional constipation but not outlet delay. CONCLUSIONS: In apparently healthy middle-aged persons, approximately 1 in 5 have symptoms compatible with functional constipation, and 1 in 10 may experience outlet delay, but these groups correspond poorly with self-reported constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The prevalence of constipation in institutionalized people with intellectual disability.

Constipation is a common problem in people with intellectual disability (ID). Laxatives are frequently prescribed with disappointing results. The prevalence of constipation was investigated in a random population of 215 people with ID (IQ < 50) and constipation was correlated with clinical symptoms. All subjects were scored for bowel habits. Constipation was defined as having a bowel movement less than three times a week or the necessity of using laxatives more than three times a week. Further possible accompanying factors were evaluated. The control subjects were defined as individuals who did not use laxatives. Subjects with constipation were defined as patients and were compared to subjects without constipation (controls). One hundred and forty-nine out of 215 cases (69.3%) showed constipation. Constipation was significantly correlated with non-ambulancy, cerebral palsy, the use of anticonvulsive medication or benzodiazepines, H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors, food refusal, and an IQ < 35. Fifty-eight per cent of the patients used bisacodyl or magnesium oxide, 39% lactulose, 13% sodiumlaurylsulphoacetate/sodium citrate/sorbitol and only 10% were given sodium phosphate enemas. Faecal soiling was found in 15% of subjects, while manual evacuation of faeces was performed in nearly 7% of cases. Constipation was randomly demonstrated in almost 70% of the population with ID. Subjects with the above-mentioned accompanying factors are especially at risk for constipation. Contrary to the general population, constipation in people with ID is associated with little use of phosphate enemas, microlax, a low incidence of faecal soiling and manual evacuation of faeces, suggesting an aetiology without distal faecal impaction. The regimen and effect of therapy has to be studied to define adequate treatment schedules.

Adolescent↗