[Clinical and medication characteristics of senior hospitalized patients with chronic constipation]

To analyze the clinical features, risk factors and drug uses of senior hospitalized patients with chronic constipation.

A total of 162 hospitalized patients aged 85 years and over at our hospital during the period of January-March 2012 conducted a questionnaire survey. There were 137 males and 25 females. And 112 cases of chronic constipation were diagnosed in accordance with the Rome III criteria. The survey included general condition, risk factors of constipation, spectrum of symptoms, associated symptoms, previous medication and medication for constipation after admission. The results were statistically analyzed by Logistic regression.

Their average age was (90 ± 4) years old. And the total prevalence of chronic constipation was 69.1% (112/162). Logistic regression analysis showed that less activity (OR = 10.873) and diet (OR = 4.752) were the important risk factors. Defecation effort was the most common symptom (n = 85, 75.9%). A total of 88 cases (78.6%) took lactulose alone or lactulose plus other laxatives. The reasons of using lactulose were as follows: dietary restrictions (n = 31, 35.2%), aspiration prevention (n = 21, 23.9%) and poor efficacy of other laxatives (n = 36, 40.9%).

Prevalence of constipation is high among senior hospitalized patients. Less activity and diet are the main risk factors. And lactulose should be a first-line therapy.