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Chronic constipation causing obstructive nephropathy in a delayed toddler

Michael Joseph Barrett1, Sheila Macken

  • 1Emergency Department, Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. mjjbarrett@hotmail.com

BMJ Case Reports
|June 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Severe constipation can cause rare but serious kidney problems in children. Prompt treatment is crucial for acute kidney injury resulting from fecal impaction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Chronic constipation is a common pediatric issue.
  • Obstructive nephropathy secondary to constipation is exceptionally rare in children.
  • Urinary tract obstruction can lead to acute renal function impairment.

Observation:

  • A case report of a 2-year-old child presenting with acute renal failure.
  • The patient exhibited symptoms attributed to severe fecal impaction.
  • The presentation necessitated emergency intervention.

Findings:

  • The child's acute renal failure was directly caused by fecal impaction leading to obstructive nephropathy.
  • Prompt disimpaction was required to restore renal function.
  • This case highlights a rare but critical complication of chronic constipation.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the importance of recognizing severe constipation as a potential cause of acute kidney injury in pediatric patients.
  • Highlights the need for timely diagnosis and intervention in cases of suspected obstructive nephropathy due to fecal impaction.
  • Underscores the critical role of pediatric nephrologists and gastroenterologists in managing such rare but severe conditions.

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