title: Neostigmine in the treatment of refractory constipation in critically ill children.
abstract: Constipation is a common complication in critically ill children and it is occasionally resistant to the drugs typically used in treatment. Neostigmine has been used in some cases of refractory constipation in critically ill adults. There is no reference to its use in critically ill children. We describe 3 cases of refractory constipation in critically ill children treated with intravenous neostigmine by continuous infusion. Two patients responded well. There were no adverse effects. We conclude that continuous intravenous neostigmine can be effective in critically ill children with refractory constipation. Further studies are necessary to determine the dose and safety of the treatment.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Intensive Care Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: Jesús
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: López-Herce
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Botrán
authors.forename: Maria Jose
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Solana
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Urbano
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; D008297:Male; D009388:Neostigmine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D009388:Neostigmine