The outcome of functional constipation in Saudi children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Clinical Outcomes Research

Background:

• Functional constipation (FC) outcomes in children are underreported globally.
• Understanding FC outcomes is crucial for patients and healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the outcomes of functional constipation in Saudi children.
• To analyze factors influencing recovery rates in pediatric FC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of clinical data from 268 Saudi children with FC.
• Data collected included age, sex, management type, and follow-up duration.

Main Results:

• Overall recovery rate was 79% over a 7-year follow-up.
• Recovery increased with longer follow-up duration; no significant association with age at onset or constipation duration.
• Diet, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and toilet training were key to recovery; poor diet and nonadherence were barriers.

Conclusions:

• Higher recovery rates in this population may be linked to cultural factors.
• Parental input highlights the importance of diet alongside other management strategies.
• Further research should address nonadherence to treatment to enhance recovery rates.