Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Measuring Constipation in a Drosophila Model of Parkinson's Disease
03:20

Measuring Constipation in a Drosophila Model of Parkinson's Disease

Published on: September 22, 2023

Familial clustering of habitual constipation: a prospective study in children from West Virginia

Waseem Ostwani1, Jenna Dolan, Yoram Elitsur

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Gastroenterology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia 25701, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|August 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric habitual constipation appears to run in families. This study found significantly higher rates of constipation among siblings and parents of children with constipation compared to controls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Genetics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Habitual constipation is a common pediatric issue.
  • Familial aggregation of constipation suggests potential genetic or environmental influences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the familial clustering of habitual constipation in children.
  • To compare constipation rates in families of pediatric patients with constipation versus control families.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective recruitment of children diagnosed with habitual constipation (probands) and their families.
  • Inclusion of a control group of children without constipation and their families.
  • Standardized Rome criteria questionnaire used to assess constipation in all participants.

Main Results:

  • 112 children and 310 family members participated (37 proband families, 75 control families).
  • No significant demographic differences (age, sex, family size) between groups.
  • Significantly higher constipation rates in siblings (30% vs 7%) and parents (42% vs 9%) of probands compared to controls (P=0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Habitual constipation in children demonstrates familial clustering.
  • The underlying pathophysiology of familial constipation in pediatric patients remains to be elucidated.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern01:29

Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern

Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include: