Thyroid function tests in pediatric patients with functional constipation that does not respond to osmotic laxative...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Childhood constipation is common, often linked to gut-brain axis disorders.
• While usually treated with osmotic laxatives, refractory cases warrant further investigation.
• Hypothyroidism can present with constipation, though rarely.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess thyroid function in pediatric patients with functional constipation.
• To determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in children with treatment-resistant constipation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients diagnosed with functional constipation.
• Evaluation of thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4) in patients unresponsive to osmotic laxatives.
• Comparison of thyroid function between responsive and unresponsive groups.

Main Results:

• A subset of children with refractory functional constipation exhibited abnormal thyroid function tests.
• Thyroid dysfunction was more prevalent in the group with constipation unresponsive to initial treatment.
• Specific thyroid abnormalities were identified in children with persistent symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid function screening is recommended for children with functional constipation refractory to standard osmotic laxative therapy.
• Undiagnosed hypothyroidism may contribute to persistent constipation in some pediatric cases.
• Early identification of thyroid dysfunction can guide appropriate management and improve outcomes for refractory constipation.