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[Toxic Megacolon: A rare complication of chronic constipation. Three Pediatric Cases]

Macarena Muñoz P1, Fernanda Andueza A1, Marcela Santos M1

  • 1Hospital Exequiel González Cortés, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.

Andes Pediatrica : Revista Chilena De Pediatria
|May 4, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Untreated chronic constipation in children can lead to toxic megacolon, a severe condition. Prompt medical and surgical care is crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery

Background:

  • Chronic constipation significantly impacts pediatric quality of life.
  • Poor treatment adherence exacerbates constipation, increasing complication risks.
  • Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of untreated chronic constipation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present three pediatric cases of toxic megacolon.
  • To highlight toxic megacolon as a complication of poorly managed chronic constipation.

Main Methods:

  • Case series of three male patients (6-13 years old) with chronic constipation and poor adherence.
  • Patients presented with toxic megacolon symptoms, requiring critical care and ostomy.
  • Organic causes of constipation were excluded in all cases.

Main Results:

  • All three patients required critical care unit admission and surgical ostomy.
  • Favorable outcomes were achieved, with stoma reversal surgery performed 8-24 months later.
  • No underlying organic cause for constipation was identified.

Conclusions:

  • Toxic megacolon is a rare but severe complication of pediatric chronic constipation.
  • Early recognition and a multidisciplinary medical-surgical approach are essential.
  • High index of suspicion is necessary for timely diagnosis and management.
Abstract

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