Variability in the management of childhood constipation.
To assist primary care providers, the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) published clinical practice guidelines for management of childhood constipation. A cross-sectional survey of pediatricians from across the United States was conducted to assess pediatricians' constipation management strategies, whether pediatricians are familiar with the NASPGHAN constipation guidelines, and reasons pediatricians refer constipated patients to a pediatric gastroenterologist. Overall, 75% of pediatricians used polyethylene glycol without electrolytes to treat childhood constipation, 8% of pediatricians were aware NASPGHAN had published constipation guidelines, and parental pressure was just one reason pediatricians referred constipated patients to a pediatric gastroenterologist.
Focht
Dean R
DR
Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Baker
Raymond C
RC
Heubi
James E
JE
Moyer
M Susan
MS
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005762:Gastroenterology; D006801:Humans; D009820:Ohio; D010372:Pediatrics; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012955:Societies, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States