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Laxative abuse and secretory diarrhoea
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|January 1, 1985
Insights
Laxative abuse in children can cause chronic diarrhoea and growth disturbances, a previously unrecognized complication. Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Chronic diarrhoea in children can have various underlying causes.
- Laxative abuse is a known but often underdiagnosed cause of gastrointestinal distress.
Observation:
- This report details three pediatric cases presenting with chronic diarrhoea.
- The children's symptoms were linked to surreptitious laxative abuse.
Findings:
- Growth disturbance was observed in all three children, a novel finding associated with laxative abuse.
- Chronic diarrhoea was the primary presenting symptom, stemming from excessive laxative intake.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering laxative abuse in children with unexplained chronic diarrhoea and growth issues.
- Suggests that growth disturbance may be a key indicator of laxative abuse in pediatric patients.
- Emphasizes the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals regarding this iatrogenic complication.
Abstract:
Three children with chronic diarrhoea secondary to laxative abuse are reported. Growth disturbance, a previously unrecognised feature of this form of abuse, is recorded.