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Factors associated with the stool characteristics of children with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation
Andrea A García Contreras1, Edgar Manuel Vásquez Garibay2, Carmen Alicia Sánchez Ramírez3
1Instituto de Nutrición Humana, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca. Guadalajara, México.
Insights
Dietary factors and anticonvulsant polytherapy impact stool characteristics in children with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation. Increased fiber and fluid intake correlate with improved stool consistency and frequency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Chronic constipation is prevalent in children with cerebral palsy.
- Stool characteristics are influenced by various factors in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between dietary factors, anticonvulsant use, and family history with stool characteristics in children with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation.
Main Methods:
- An analytical cross-sectional study involved 45 children (19 female, 26 male) with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation.
- Data collected included dietary intake, anticonvulsant use, family history, stool frequency, consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale), and pH.
Main Results:
- Positive correlation found between stool frequency and oilseed consumption.
- Negative correlation between hard stools and fluid intake.
- Anticonvulsant polytherapy was associated with hard stools (OR=14.2, p=0.038).
- Specific dietary factors (cereals, vegetables, carrots, potatoes) correlated with stool pH.
Conclusions:
- Dietary fiber, fluid intake, and anticonvulsant polytherapy are significantly associated with stool characteristics in children with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation.
Background:
chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem in children with cerebral palsy and several factors can influence the stool frequency, consistency and pH in these cases.
Aim:
to identify the association of dietary factors, use of anticonvulsants and family history of constipation with the stool characteristics of children with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation.
Methods:
an analytical cross-sectional study was performed of 45 children with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation that included 19 females and 26 males, aged 37 ± 13 months. Dietary factors, the use of anticonvulsants and family history were analyzed. Stool frequency, consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale) and pH (using a pH-meter) were also determined.
Results:
there was a positive correlation between stool frequency and the consumption of oilseeds (r = 0.339, p = 0.023). There was a negative correlation between hard stools and fluid intake (r = -0.336, p = 0.042) and between stool pH and the consumption of cereals rich in insoluble fiber, high soluble fiber vegetables, carrots and potatoes (r = -0.339, p = 0.030; r = -0.308, p = 0.044; r = -0.336, p = 0.027; r = -0.307, p = 0.045, respectively). An association was also identified between the use of anticonvulsant polytherapy and hard stools (OR = 14.2 [95% CI 1.16-174], p = 0.038). There was no association between family history and constipation.
Conclusions:
rich-fiber food consumption, fluids intake and anticonvulsant polytherapy were associated with the stool characteristics of children with cerebral palsy and chronic constipation.
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