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Long-term follow-up of medically treated childhood constipation
J L Sutphen1, S M Borowitz, R L Hutchison
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Insights
Long-term medical treatment for childhood chronic constipation and encopresis yields good outcomes. Most children became asymptomatic, with few experiencing persistent issues, indicating effective management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Childhood Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Background:
- Chronic constipation and encopresis are common pediatric issues impacting quality of life.
- Effective long-term management strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy of medical treatment for chronic constipation and encopresis in children.
- To assess the persistence of symptoms and need for ongoing therapy after a mean follow-up of 6.8 years.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 43 children treated medically for chronic constipation and encopresis.
- Long-term follow-up (mean 6.8 years) assessing symptom resolution and treatment requirements.
Main Results:
- 70% (30/43) of children were completely asymptomatic at long-term follow-up.
- 13 patients experienced intermittent mild constipation; only two required infrequent laxative therapy.
- Encopresis resolved in most cases, persisting in 3/17 children and associated with behavioral issues.
Conclusions:
- Medical management of chronic constipation and encopresis in children offers favorable long-term outcomes.
- Most children achieve sustained symptom resolution, with minimal need for ongoing intervention.
- Persistent encopresis warrants further investigation, potentially related to behavioral factors.
Abstract:
We describe the long-term (mean 6.8 years) follow-up of 43 children treated medically for chronic constipation and encopresis. Overall outcome was quite good. Thirty children (70%) were entirely asymptomatic at follow-up. Intermittent mild constipation persisted in 13 patients; only two required persistent but infrequent laxative therapy. Encopresis persisted in three of 17 children who initially reported this symptom, and was associated with significant behavioral problems.