Constipation

Long-Term Outcomes and Quality of Life for Children Treated With Antegrade Continence Enemas
Long-Term Outcomes and Quality of Life for Children Treated With Antegrade Continence Enemas 1024 601 Pam Georgiana

ACE treatment can lead to long-term clinical and quality-of-life improvement in children with defecation disorders.   For about 10-15% of the children who experience chronic constipation or other defecation disorders, the usual behavioral modification treatments and oral medications don’t help. These disorders can significantly impact their quality of life, yet other treatment options are limited.…

Evaluating Chronic Constipation and Abnormal Colonic Motility in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Evaluating Chronic Constipation and Abnormal Colonic Motility in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder 1024 680 JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
Close up color photo of little boy holding hands on his belly

In children with chronic constipation, rates of abnormal colonic motility are similar between children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For children with ASD, symptom duration and soiling due to fecal retention are risk factors for abnormal colonic motility.   Treating constipation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is challenging because of feeding…

Anal Sphincter Botox Injections for Children With Severe Constipation
Anal Sphincter Botox Injections for Children With Severe Constipation 1024 680 Mary Bates, PhD
Close up color photo of little boy holding hands on his belly

The treatment is safe and effective for many children with Hirschsprung disease and, to a lesser extent, functional constipation. In a new prospective study, researchers at Nationwide Children’s evaluated children with severe, refractory constipation treated with anal sphincter botulinum toxin (Botox) injection. They found the treatment can be effective in patients with both Hirschsprung disease…

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Does Not Lead to Behavior Changes in Animal Model
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Does Not Lead to Behavior Changes in Animal Model 1024 683 Mary Bates, PhD
Ross Maltz, MD

The laxative affected stool consistency and gut bacteria but did not alter anxiety-like behavior in mice. Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG3350) is a laxative commonly used to treat constipation in children. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration has received some reports of neuropsychiatric symptoms in children administered PEG3350, including anxiety, aggression and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.…

Lubiprostone Found to be Safe, as Effective as Placebo in Children With Constipation
Lubiprostone Found to be Safe, as Effective as Placebo in Children With Constipation 1024 680 Mary Bates, PhD
Close up color photo of little boy holding hands on his belly

The medication, FDA-approved for adults, may benefit older pediatric patients with less of a behavioral component to their constipation. Pediatric functional constipation, though common, remains challenging to treat. Lubiprostone is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in adults. In…