1
|
Fedele F, Fioretti MT, Scarpato E, Martinelli M, Strisciuglio C, Miele E. The ten "hard" questions in pediatric functional constipation. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:64. [PMID: 38649896 PMCID: PMC11036569 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01623-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional constipation is a common problem in childhood and has a great impact on social, physical, and emotional functioning of affected children and their caregivers. No organic cause of the constipation can be found in approximately 95% of children, defining the "so-called" chronic functional constipation. Its prevalence has been reported to range from 0.7 to 29.6%, with a median of 12%. The diagnosis of functional constipation is exclusively clinical based on the pediatric diagnostic Rome criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders and does not routinely require laboratory and/or radiological investigations. In case of alarm signs and symptoms that may suggest organic diseases, further investigations can be required. The therapeutic management is based on non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. Education, demystification of constipation and reward-based toilet training represent the cornerstones of nonpharmacological management. Disimpaction, maintenance treatment and weaning of medication are all elements of pharmacological treatment. Osmotic laxatives, mainly polyethylene glycol (PEG), are considered the first-choice laxative for both disimpaction and maintenance treatment. The aim of this review is to provide pediatric gastroenterologists with a practical tool to support the clinical and therapeutic management of children and adolescents affected by chronic functional constipation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flora Fedele
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fioretti
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Scarpato
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Martinelli
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Strisciuglio
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Erasmo Miele
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Indrio F, Dinleyici EC, Berni Canani R, Domellöf M, Francavilla R, Guarino A, Gutierrez Castrellon P, Orel R, Salvatore S, Van den Akker CHP, Weizman Z. Prebiotics in the management of pediatric gastrointestinal disorders: Position paper of the ESPGHAN special interest group on gut microbiota and modifications. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 78:728-742. [PMID: 38270255 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. Compared to probiotics there are few studies with prebiotics in children. Most studies have been performed using infant formula supplemented with prebiotics, while add-on prebiotic supplementation as prevention or treatment of childhood gastrointestinal disorders has rarely been reported. The aim of this position paper was to summarize evidence and make recommendations for prebiotic supplementation in children with gastrointestinal diseases. Recommendations made are based on publications up to January 1, 2023. Within the scope of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications, as in our previous biotic recommendations, at least two randomized controlled clinical trials were required for recommendation. There are some studies showing benefits of prebiotics on selected outcomes; however, we cannot give any positive recommendations for supplementing prebiotics in children with gastrointestinal disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Indrio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pediatric Section, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Ener Cagri Dinleyici
- Department of Pediatrics, Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkiye
| | - Roberto Berni Canani
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences-Section of Paediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Magnus Domellöf
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ruggiero Francavilla
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Pediatric Section, Children's Hospital 'Giovanni XXIII', University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences-Section of Paediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pedro Gutierrez Castrellon
- Innovación y Desarrollo de Estrategias en Salud (IDEAS), Mexico City, Mexico
- International Scientific Council for Probiotics A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rok Orel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children's Hospital, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Silvia Salvatore
- Department of Pediatrics, "F. Del Ponte" Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Chris H P Van den Akker
- Department of Pediatrics-Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zvi Weizman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rajindrajith S, Devanarayana NM, Thapar N, Benninga MA. Myths and misconceptions about childhood constipation. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:1447-1458. [PMID: 36689003 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04821-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Many widely held beliefs and assumptions concerning childhood constipation continue to interfere with rational management of childhood constipation. Although many still believe that constipation is not a common disease, about 9.5% of the world's children suffer from chronic constipation. Most of these children live in non-Western countries. There are major misconceptions about the etiology of constipation as a significant proportion of clinicians still believe that constipation is caused by some form an organic pathology, whereas in reality, the majority have functional constipation. Contrary to a commonly held belief that children outgrow constipation without long-term problems, there is evidence that constipation leads to significant bowel and psychological consequences and has a major impact on the quality of life which detrimentally affects future health and education. Finally, ineffective management strategies such as increasing fiber and water in the diet, and short duration of treatment owing to the fear that long-term laxative treatment leads to colonic dysfunction, interfere with effective therapeutic strategies. Conclusions: It is apparent that myths and misconception often lead to wrong assumptions regarding the distribution of the disease, its etiology, pathophysiology, and management leading to ordering incorrect investigations and ineffective therapeutic strategies while spending large sums of public funds unnecessarily. Poorly treated constipation leads to deleterious psychological consequences predisposing children to develop significant psychological damage and bowel dysfunctions. This review aims to challenge these myths about various elements of constipation by exploring the existing literature and encouraging clinicians to have a fresh look at old concepts that could interfere with the well-being of children with constipation. What is Known: • Childhood constipation is a growing problem in the world leading to significant suffering and high healthcare expenditure • Myths and misconceptions lead to poor management strategies causing psychological and bowel damage What is New: • Organic, systemic, and bowel disorders leading to constipation are uncommon, and in the majority, it arises due to deliberate fecal withholding and most investigations ordered by clinicians are not very helpful in the management • Most non-pharmacological interventions are not effective in the day-to-day management of childhood constipation. The use of laxatives is considered to be the first-line management strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaman Rajindrajith
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00800, Sri Lanka.
| | | | - Nikhil Thapar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marc Alexander Benninga
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University, of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pediatric Aspects of Nutrition Interventions for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 117:995-1009. [PMID: 35416794 PMCID: PMC9169765 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dietary factors may play an important role in the generation of symptoms in children with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs). Although dietary modification may provide successful treatment, there is a relative paucity of controlled trials that have shown the effectiveness of dietary interventions. This study is a narrative review that explores the existing literature on food and pediatric DGBIs. The following have been shown to be beneficial: (i) in infants with colic, removing cow's milk from the infant's diet or from the maternal diet in those who are breastfed; (ii) in infants with regurgitation, adding thickeners to the formula or removing cow's milk protein from the infant's diet or the maternal diet in those who are breastfed; and (iii) in children with pain-predominant DGBIs, using soluble fiber supplementation or a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols diet. In children with functional constipation, there is no evidence that adding fiber is beneficial. Given that most dietary interventions include restriction of different foods in children, a thoughtful approach and close follow-up are needed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wegh CAM, Baaleman DF, Tabbers MM, Smidt H, Benninga MA. Nonpharmacologic Treatment for Children with Functional Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Pediatr 2022; 240:136-149.e5. [PMID: 34536492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nonpharmacologic interventions for the treatment of childhood functional constipation. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating nonpharmacologic treatments in children with functional constipation which reported at least 1 outcome of the core outcome set for children with functional constipation. RESULTS We included 52 RCTs with 4668 children, aged between 2 weeks and 18 years, of whom 47% were females. Studied interventions included gut microbiome-directed interventions, other dietary interventions, oral supplements, pelvic floor-directed interventions, electrical stimulation, dry cupping, and massage therapy. An overall high risk of bias was found across the majority of studies. Meta-analyses for treatment success and/or defecation frequency, including 20 RCTs, showed abdominal electrical stimulation (n = 3), Cassia Fistula emulsion (n = 2), and a cow's milk exclusion diet (n = 2 in a subpopulation with constipation as a possible manifestation of cow's milk allergy) may be effective. Evidence from RCTs not included in the meta-analyses, indicated that some prebiotic and fiber mixtures, Chinese herbal medicine (Xiao'er Biantong granules), and abdominal massage are promising therapies. In contrast, studies showed no benefit for the use of probiotics, synbiotics, an increase in water intake, dry cupping, or additional biofeedback or behavioral therapy. We found no RCTs on physical movement or acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS More well-designed high quality RCTs concerning nonpharmacologic treatments for children with functional constipation are needed before changes in current guidelines are indicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A M Wegh
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Desiree F Baaleman
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Merit M Tabbers
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marc A Benninga
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Functional constipation (FC) in children is a common health problem with reported worldwide prevalence rates up to 32.2%. The majority of children with constipation respond to oral laxative treatment. After 5 years of intensive treatment, however, approximately 50% of children remain symptomatic. To discuss the evidence for new treatments in these children, including pre- and probiotics, pelvic physiotherapy, prucalopride, sacral nerve stimulation, and surgery, and to highlight the controversies surrounding them. RECENT FINDINGS Pre- and probiotics and prucalopride are not effective in the treatment of childhood constipation. Pelvic physiotherapy and sacral nerve stimulation are promising treatment options but larger trials are needed. Surgery for pediatric constipation is the treatment of last resort. Large, well-designed placebo-controlled trials with proper outcome measures, as suggested by the Rome foundation pediatric subcommittee on clinical trials, are necessary to provide more insight regarding the efficacy of new treatments in childhood constipation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Beaudry-Bellefeuille I, Lane SJ. Examining Sensory Overresponsiveness in Preschool Children With Retentive Fecal Incontinence. Am J Occup Ther 2017; 71:7105220020p1-7105220020p8. [DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2017.022707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The development of bowel control is an important activity of daily living in early childhood, and challenges in this area can limit participation in key occupations. Retentive fecal incontinence (RFI) is a common disorder in children. Up to 50% of children do not respond adequately to initial medical intervention, and behaviors around toileting, some related to sensory overresponsivity (SOR), may be partly responsible. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between RFI and SOR and also examined the discriminative validity of the Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire (THPQ). Per parent report, children with RFI (n = 16) showed significantly more behaviors related to SOR compared with typically developing children (n = 27). In addition, results indicated that the THPQ effectively discriminates between children with RFI and typically developing children. Results are discussed regarding RFI and SOR, the impact of RFI on childhood occupational engagement, and the role of occupational therapy with this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Beaudry-Bellefeuille
- Isabelle Beaudry-Bellefeuille, MScOT, is PhD Candidate, University of Newcastle, School of Health Sciences, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia, and Occupational Therapist, private practice, Oviedo, Spain. At the time of the study, she was MOT Student, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond;
| | - Shelly J. Lane
- Shelly J. Lane, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor, University of Newcastle, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia. At the time of the study, she was Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
|