Fluid intake and urinary osmolality in pediatric patients with functional constipation

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Urology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Functional constipation is a common pediatric condition.
• Adequate fluid intake is crucial for bowel regularity.
• Urinary osmolality serves as an indicator of hydration status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate fluid intake patterns in children with functional constipation.
• To assess urinary osmolality as a marker of hydration in pediatric functional constipation.
• To compare hydration status between children with and without functional constipation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, case-control study involving 36 children with functional constipation and 93 controls.
• Fluid intake assessed via daily diet inquiry and 24-hour recall.
• Hypohydration defined by urinary osmolality > 800 mOsm/kg H2O.

Main Results:

• Children with functional constipation had significantly lower total water intake (median 1566 mL vs. 2177 mL).
• Urinary osmolality was significantly higher in the functional constipation group (median 859 mOsm/kg H2O vs. 775 mOsm/kg H2O).
• A trend towards increased hypohydration was observed in the functional constipation group (OR 2.06, p=0.073).

Conclusions:

• Pediatric patients with functional constipation demonstrate reduced fluid consumption.
• Elevated urinary osmolality in constipated children suggests a state of relative dehydration.
• These findings highlight the potential impact of hydration status on pediatric functional constipation.