Age of Onset of Functional Constipation.
In a review of 538 children with functional constipation, we analyzed ages of presentation and onset, symptom duration, and behavioral/developmental problems. We divided the subjects into quartiles (Q1-Q4) based on age of onset. Median onset age was 2.3 years. The oldest group had the shortest symptom duration before referral at 1.8 ± 1.8 years (compared with Q3 to Q1, P = 0.039, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Of the Q4 subjects, 22% had a behavioral/developmental problem (P < 0.001 compared with Q1-Q3). We conclude that most children develop functional constipation as infants and toddlers, but those with later onset are more likely to have behavioral/developmental issues and see a specialist sooner.
*Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Children's Hospital of New Orleans †Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans.
Stanton
S
Malowitz
Mary
M
Green
Aryn
A
Karpinski
Allan
A
Rosenberg
Paul E
PE
Hyman
D017668:Age of Onset; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003248:Constipation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology; D004064:Digestive System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D055820:New Orleans / Q000453:epidemiology; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors