[Treatment of chronic constipation in children]

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Published on: August 18, 2023

Cecilie Ejerskov Pedersen1, Iben Møller Jønsson, Charlotte Siggaard

  • 1Børneafdeling A, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. cecilie@ejerskov.dk

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|August 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an effective treatment for chronic functional constipation in children, showing superiority over placebo and lactulose for maintenance therapy. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in curing constipation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic functional constipation is a prevalent pediatric disorder.
  • Standard treatment involves education, disimpaction, and maintenance therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the maintenance treatment of chronic functional constipation in children.

Main Methods:

  • A review of a recent Cochrane analysis comparing PEG to placebo and other laxatives.
  • Analysis aligns with current practices in Danish pediatric departments.

Main Results:

  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) demonstrated superiority over placebo and lactulose in maintenance treatment.
  • Findings support the widespread use of PEG in pediatric care.

Conclusions:

  • PEG is a preferred agent for maintenance therapy in childhood constipation.
  • Larger randomized controlled trials are required to establish PEG's efficacy as a curative treatment.

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