Open AccessHypothyroidism Is a Rare Cause of Isolated Constipation
Author(s) -
Bennett William E.,
Heuckeroth Robert O.
Publication year - 2012
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/mpg.0b013e318239714f
Subject(s) - medicine , constipation , occult , pediatric gastroenterology , pediatrics , gastroenterology , thyroid , pathology , hepatology , alternative medicine
The prevalence of constipation in children is high and accounts for a large percentage of pediatric and pediatric gastroenterology visits. Thyroid testing is frequently ordered to evaluate constipation and other gastrointestinal complaints in children. We reviewed all of the patients with thyroid testing ordered by our pediatric gastroenterology division during a 5‐year period. We found 873 patients on whom thyroid testing was performed, and 56 patients had evidence of hypothyroidism. Nine patients had constipation and clinically significant hypothyroidism in this group; however, only 1 child had constipation as their sole presenting symptom. The contribution of occult hypothyroidism to isolated constipation in children may have been previously overestimated.