title: Incidence and predictors of new-onset constipation during acute hospitalisation after stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated new-onset constipation in patients with stroke compared with orthopaedic conditions and explored the predictors associated with constipation during acute hospitalisation.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective matched cohort study of 110 patients comparing stroke patients (n = 55) with orthopaedic patients (n = 55) admitted to a large tertiary acute hospital. Both cohorts were matched by age and sex. The incidence of new-onset constipation which occurred during a patient's acute hospitalisation was determined. Demographics, comorbidity, clinical factors, laboratory parameters and medications were evaluated as possible predictors of constipation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of new-onset constipation was high for both stroke (33%) and orthopaedic patients (27%; p = 0.66). Seven stroke patients (39%) and four orthopaedic patients (27%) developed their first onset of constipation on day 2 of admission. Mobility gains (RR 0.741, p < 0.001) and the use of prophylactic laxatives (RR 0.331, p < 0.01) had a protective effect against constipation. Bedpan use (RR 2.058, p < 0.05) and longer length of stay (RR 1.032, p < 0.05) increased the risk of developing new-onset constipation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New-onset constipation is common among patients admitted for stroke and orthopaedic conditions during acute hospitalisation. The early occurrence, on day 2 of admission, calls for prompt preventive intervention for constipation.
authors: Specialist Nursing Services, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors: S-F
authors: SF
authors: Lim
authors: S Y
authors: SY
authors: Ong
authors: Y L
authors: YL
authors: Tan
authors: Y S
authors: YS
authors: Ng
authors: Y H
authors: YH
authors: Chan
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Childs
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D054368:Laxatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D054368:Laxatives