title: Evaluation and treatment of constipation in infants and children: recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005244:Fecal Impaction / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D005762:Gastroenterology; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit; D006627:Hirschsprung Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009656:North America; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010372:Pediatrics; D010808:Physical Examination; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics