title: Lubricant versus laxative in the treatment of chronic functional constipation of children: a comparative study.
abstract: The efficacy of two medications commonly used in treatment of chronic functional constipation of children (CFC) was compared. Thirty-seven children (aged 3-12 years) with typical CFC were assigned at random to treatment with mineral oil or standardized senna concentrate (Senokot). The results of follow-up evaluations at 1, 3, and greater than 6 months indicate that symptom control (fecal soiling and decreased stool frequency) was significantly better in mineral-oil-treated patients. At least one recurrence of symptoms occurred in 66% of mineral-oil-treated and 89% of Senokot-treated patients. However, recurrences appeared later and less frequently in mineral-oil-treated patients. After 6 months, 55% of those treated with mineral oil had successfully discontinued regular medication. After 6 months, only 22% of Senokot-treated patients had successfully discontinued medication, while an additional 33% had stopped taking medication because of poor symptom control.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000628:therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008899:Mineral Oil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012008:Recurrence; D012676:Senna Extract / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber; D012676:Senna Extract; D008899:Mineral Oil