In:
Acta Paediatrica, Wiley, Vol. 101, No. 6 ( 2012-06), p. 677-680
Abstract:
Aim: To investigate and compare the approach to childhood constipation by primary care physicians (PCP) in three Western countries to give insight into adherence to current guidelines and in actual care. Methods: Prospective study utilizing a two‐page survey regarding the approach to children suspected to have functional constipation (FC). A total of 413 of 1016 (41%) distributed surveys were returned out of which 383 were suitable for analysis. Surveys were answered anonymously. Survey responses were analysed and are reported in a descriptive way. Results: In Italy, the Netherlands, and the USA, respectively, 75, 187 and 121 surveys were returned by PCP. The majority of PCP (62%) considered stool withholding as a result of painful defecation to be the most common cause of childhood constipation. Rectal examination was used as a standard diagnostic tool for the evaluation of FC by only 31% of PCP with significant differences among the countries (p 〈 0.05) and a minimum in the Netherlands (11%). Abdominal X‐ray is used by 49% to diagnose FC. 63% of PCP were convinced that hard stool can be softened by drinking more water. Polyethylene glycol was the most common prescribed drug (85%). Significant differences were found among countries in the use of senna and bisacodyl suppositories (p 〈 0.05). Conclusion: Significant differences in practice exist among PCP from different countries regarding the performance of a digital rectal examination, need for additional diagnostic tests and use of laxatives in childhood constipation.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0803-5253
,
1651-2227
DOI:
10.1111/apa.2012.101.issue-6
DOI:
10.1111/j.1651-2227.2012.02632.x
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2012
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1492629-5
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1501466-6
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