Clinical Characteristics of Constipation in Jordanian Children

1798 Words4 Pages

Purpose: Constipation is a common pediatric problem worldwide. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics of constipation in Jordanian children according to their age groups. Methods: All patients with constipation managed at our pediatric gastroenterology service between September 2009 and December 2012 included. Hospital charts were reviewed. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and final diagnosis were recorded. Data was analyzed according to the following age groups: infants, pre-school, school age and adolescents and gender. Results: During the study period, 137 patient identified.11 patients excluded. Number (percentage) of patients according to age groups were; Infants 43 (34.1%), pre-school 55 (43.7%), school age 25(19.8%), and adolescents three (2.4%). Males were 54.8%. There was no statistical gender difference in all age groups. The most common symptom in all age groups was dry, hard stool. Infrequent defecation was found in almost half the patients. Fecal incontinence was more common in school aged in comparison with preschool and adolescents. Abdominal pain was seen in almost 40% of our constipated children. Prevalence noticed to increase with age. Girls were affected than boys. Fecal mass in the rectum was the most common physical finding. It affected boys more than girls. Functional constipation was the most common underlying cause. Conclusion: Clinical characteristics of constipation in children vary according to age group and gender. These differences need to be considered while dealing with constipated children. Key words: constipation, infants, preschool, school age, adolescents. Clinical Characteristics of Constipation in Jordanian Children: Introduction: Constipation is ... ... middle of paper ... ...Gastroenterology.2006; 130: 1527-1537. 19. Di Lorenzo C. Approach to the child with constipation and encopresis. In: Rudolph CD, Rudolph MR (eds). Rudolph’s Pediatrics. United States of America: McGraw-Hill; 2002:1368-1370. 2. 20. Loening-Baucke V. Urinary incontinence and urinary tract infection and their resolution with treatment of chronic constipation of childhood. Pediatrics 1997;100: 228-232 21. Afzal NA, Tighe MP, Thomson MA. Constipation in children. Ital J Pediatr. 2011 Jun 13;37:28. 22. Shekhar C, Monaghan PJ, Morris J, Issa B, Whorwell PJ, Keevil B, et al. Rome III functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation are similar disorders within a spectrum of sensitization, regulated by serotonin. Gastroenterology. 2013 Oct;145(4):749-57 23. Agarwal J. Chronic Constipation. Indian J Pediatr. 2013 Aug 14. [Epub ahead of print]

More about Clinical Characteristics of Constipation in Jordanian Children

Open Document