Constipation in critically ill adults

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Pathophysiology

Background:

• Constipation is a frequent, underdiagnosed issue in critically ill adults.
• It significantly affects patient morbidity, hospital length of stay, and overall prognosis.
• Challenges in diagnosis arise from varied presentations and lack of standardized criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of constipation in critical care.
• To examine contributing factors and management strategies for critically ill adults.
• To highlight the need for early detection and research.

Main Methods:

• This is a narrative review.
• It synthesizes current knowledge on constipation in the intensive care unit setting.
• It discusses contributing factors, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

• Constipation in critical care is multifactorial, influenced by immobility, medications, and critical illness itself.
• Standardized diagnostic criteria are lacking, complicating identification.
• Both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Constipation significantly impacts critically ill patients and requires greater clinical attention.
• Early identification and tailored management are essential for better patient outcomes.
• Further prospective research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines.