Open AccessEvaluation and Treatment of Constipation in Infants and Children
Author(s) -
Wendy S. Biggs,
William H. Dery
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.206
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1536-4801
pISSN - 0277-2116
DOI - 10.1097/01.mpg.0000233159.97667.c3
Subject(s) - medicine , constipation , guideline , specialty , pediatric gastroenterology , bowel management , family medicine , medline , primary care , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , hepatology , pathology , political science , law
Constipation, defined as a delay or difficulty in defecation, present for 2 or more weeks, is a common pediatric problem encountered by both primary and specialty medical providers. The Constipation Guideline Committee of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) has formulated a clinical practice guideline for the management of pediatric constipation. The Constipation Guideline Committee, consisting of two primary care pediatricians, a clinical epidemiologist, and pediatric gastroenterologists, based its recommendations on an integration of a comprehensive and systematic review of the medical literature combined with expert opinion. Consensus was achieved through Nominal Group Technique, a structured quantitative method. The Committee developed two algorithms to assist with medical management, one for older infants and children and the second for infants less than 1 year of age. The guideline provides recommendations for management by the primary care provider, including evaluation, initial treatment, follow‐up management, and indications for consultation by a specialist. The Constipation Guideline Committee also provided recommendations for management by the pediatric gastroenterologist. JPGN 42:xxx‐xxx, 2006 © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.