[Treatment of chronic constipation in children]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2013 Aug 12;175(33):1855-8.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Chronic functional constipation is a common disorder in childhood. The treatment most often consists of the modalities education, disimpaction and maintenance. In a recent Cochrane review of maintenance treatment polyethylene glycol (PEG) seems to be superior to placebo and to other laxatives including lactulose. This conclusion is in line with practice at most paediatric departments in Denmark. Still, larger randomized controlled studies with the curing of constipation as the primary end point are needed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chronic Disease
  • Constipation / classification
  • Constipation / diagnosis
  • Constipation / diagnostic imaging
  • Constipation / drug therapy*
  • Defecation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Lactulose / adverse effects
  • Lactulose / therapeutic use
  • Laxatives / adverse effects
  • Laxatives / therapeutic use*
  • Osmosis
  • Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use
  • Radiography
  • Review Literature as Topic

Substances

  • Laxatives
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Lactulose