Prevalence and Clinical Presentation of Constipation in Children with Severe Generalized Cerebral Palsy
Saved in:
| Title: | Prevalence and Clinical Presentation of Constipation in Children with Severe Generalized Cerebral Palsy |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Veugelers, Rebekka, Benninga, Marc A., Calis, Elsbeth A. C., Willemsen, Sten P., Evenhuis, Heleen, Tibboel, Dick, Penning, Corine |
| Source: | Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. Sep 2010 52(9):e216-e221. |
| Availability: | Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 6 |
| Publication Date: | 2010 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Multiple Disabilities, Incidence, Mental Retardation, Cerebral Palsy, Foreign Countries, Severe Disabilities, Children, Human Body, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Eating Habits, Drug Therapy |
| Geographic Terms: | Netherlands |
| DOI: | 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2010.03701.x |
| ISSN: | 0012-1622 |
| Abstract: | Aim: Our aim was to study the prevalence and characteristics of constipation in children with profound multiple disabilities, as data in this area are scarce. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was performed in specialized day-care centres and schools in the Netherlands. The study included 152 children (81 males, 71 females; mean age 9y 6mo, SD 4y 6mo). Intellectual disability ranged from moderate (7%) to profound (52%) in all participants who also had severe motor disabilities (83% classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System level V). We collected data on defaecation characteristics, food and fluid intake, and laxative consumption using standardized bowel diaries and interviews. Constipation was defined as (1) scybalous, pebble-like, hard stools in over a quarter of defaecations in combination with a defaecation frequency of less than three times per week during a 2-week study period; (2) large stools palpable on abdominal examination; or (3) laxative use or manual disimpaction of faeces. Results: Of the studied population, 57% were constipated and 55% used laxatives, 27% of whom showed symptoms of constipation. Daily intakes of water and fibre were below the required standards in 87% and 53% of participants respectively, without a proven relation to constipation. Interpretation: Constipation is a common problem in children with severe disabilities. Laxative use is high but dosing is frequently inadequate to prevent symptoms. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2010 |
| Accession Number: | EJ894475 |
| Database: | ERIC |
Be the first to leave a comment!
