FREQUENCY OF IDIOPATHIC FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN WITH OVERFLOW DIARRHEA PRESENTING TO HAYATABAD MEDICAL COMPLEX, PESHAWAR

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of idiopathic functional constipation in infants and children
aged six months to 18 years presenting with overflow diarrhea.
METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted in Pediatric Department in Hayatabad Medical
Complex, Peshawar. A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. The data collected from
March 16, 2017 to October 16, 2017. Total of 156 cases were studied according Rome III criteria. All
those children having history-based evidence of functional constipation were examined for fecal
impaction and were confirmed by abdominal X ray. Abdominal ultrasound was performed in those
cases that had abdominal pain and qualified the Rome III criteria on questionnaire.
RESULTS: The mean age of the sample population was 10 ± 2.6 years. Male ratio was slightly higher
(55%) than female (45%). It was found that 42% had Idiopathic functional constipation.
CONCLUSION: Constipation is common pediatric problem with diverse abdominal manifestations.
Based on the results frequency of idiopathic functional constipation (according to pattern of clinical
presentations) was common in Pediatric population aged 6 months to 18 years. Pediatricians can
avoid unnecessary investigations by focusing on history and examination.