Treatment of childhood constipation by primary care physicians : Efficacy and predictors of outcome

摘要: Objective. Childhood constipation accounts for 3% of visits to general pediatric clinics and as many 30% gastroenterologists. The majority children who experience whose caregivers seek medical care are seen by primary physicians such pediatricians or family physicians. Little is known about how treat childhood the success their treatments. With this study, we prospectively examined which treatments prescribe present first time with effective those are. Methods. A total 119 were between 2 7 years age (mean: 44.1 ± 13.6 months) presented 26 different (15 11 physicians) treatment participated in study. Parents completed daily diaries child9s bowel habits weeks before starting recommended physician again months after treatment. prescribed was identified reviewing office records treating Results. After treatment, 44 (37%) remained constipated. In (87%) cases, some form laxative stool softener. most commonly laxatives magnesium hydroxide (77%), senna syrup (23%), mineral oil (8%), lactulose (8%). nearly all a specific fixed dose recommended; only 5% cases parents instructed clearly adjust up down get desired effect. approximately half sort dietary intervention. Some behavioral intervention mentioned one third cases; however, little detail provided. 45% disimpaction using oral cathartics, enemas, suppositories followed laxatives. 35% without any procedure. remainder, changes (5%), use intermittent (9%), no therapy (7%). Treatment corresponded aggressively child treated. Specifically, underwent colonic evacuation more likely have responded than treated less aggressively. Conclusion. Primary tend undertreat constipation. 40% constipated remain symptomatic.