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Lubricant versus laxative in the treatment of chronic functional constipation of children: a comparative study
Insights
Mineral oil demonstrated superior efficacy compared to standardized senna concentrate (Senokot) for treating chronic functional constipation in children, leading to better symptom control and fewer recurrences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic functional constipation (CFC) is a common pediatric condition.
- Effective management strategies are crucial for improving children's quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of mineral oil versus standardized senna concentrate (Senokot) in treating pediatric CFC.
- To evaluate long-term outcomes including symptom control and medication discontinuation.
Main Methods:
- A randomized trial involving 37 children (aged 3-12 years) with CFC.
- Patients were assigned to receive either mineral oil or Senokot.
- Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 1, 3, and over 6 months.
Main Results:
- Mineral oil treatment resulted in significantly better symptom control (fecal soiling, stool frequency).
- Recurrence rates were lower in the mineral oil group (66%) compared to Senokot (89%), with later and less frequent occurrences.
- After 6 months, 55% of mineral oil patients discontinued medication successfully, versus 22% of Senokot patients.
Conclusions:
- Mineral oil is more effective than Senokot for managing pediatric chronic functional constipation.
- Mineral oil facilitates successful medication discontinuation in a higher percentage of children.
- Mineral oil offers a favorable long-term treatment option for pediatric CFC.
Abstract:
The efficacy of two medications commonly used in treatment of chronic functional constipation of children (CFC) was compared. Thirty-seven children (aged 3-12 years) with typical CFC were assigned at random to treatment with mineral oil or standardized senna concentrate (Senokot). The results of follow-up evaluations at 1, 3, and greater than 6 months indicate that symptom control (fecal soiling and decreased stool frequency) was significantly better in mineral-oil-treated patients. At least one recurrence of symptoms occurred in 66% of mineral-oil-treated and 89% of Senokot-treated patients. However, recurrences appeared later and less frequently in mineral-oil-treated patients. After 6 months, 55% of those treated with mineral oil had successfully discontinued regular medication. After 6 months, only 22% of Senokot-treated patients had successfully discontinued medication, while an additional 33% had stopped taking medication because of poor symptom control.