• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.23-34
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• 2018

Objectives : This review aims to evaluate the effects and the safety of Chuna manual therapy(CMT) for pediatric functional constipation. Methods : We searched 10 electronic databases(Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CAJ, Oasis, RISS, KISS, NDSL, KMBASE, KISTI) and related 2 journals until October 2018. We included randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of testing CMT for pediatric functional constipation. The methodological quality of RCTs related assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results : 16 RCTs were eligible in our inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis of 11 studies showed positive for use CMT for pediatric functional constipation. CMT significantly improved total efficancy rate compared with medications (P < 0.00001). Conclusions : There is evidence of CMT for pediatric functional constipation with meta-analysis. However, our systematic review has limited evidence to support CMT for pediatric functional constipation. because the quality of relevant trials is relatively poor. Further well-designed RCTs should be encouraged. the quality of relevant trials is relatively poor.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.sup1
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• pp.44-54
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• 2008

Chronic functional constipation is a common problem in childhood, with soiling a significant issue. It presents a management problem for pediatrician, and parental concern is high. About 5% of pediatric patients is known to have constipation and/or encopresis which is the second most referred disease in pediatric gastroenterology clinic, accounting for up to 25% of all visits. The etiology of constipation was based on initiation factors including vicious cycle concept, genetic factors, psychological factors, dietary influences and histologic abnormalities of colon. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation and management options that are available to the treating pediatrician. Careful history taking is most important to diagnose functional constipation. In addition, diagnostic tests such as plain abdominal radiograph, colonic transit study, anorectal manometry, barium enema were helpful to diagnose the constipation. Childhood constipation can be very delicate to treat. It often requires prolonged supports by physicians and parents, demystification, medical treatment and especially with the child and parent's cooperation.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.355-362
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• 2005

Constipation is very common phenomenon during childhood that accounts approximately 3% of general pediatric outpatient visits and up to 25% of visit to the pediatric gastroenterologist. The diagnosis of functional constipation is based on the historical features and absence of physical abnormalities. Most infants and children with chronic constipation require no diagnostic tests. Constipation and subsequent fecal retention behavior often begins soon after experience of painful defecation. The effective management of childhood chronic constipation consist of education, prolonged support by physicians and parents, medications, and long term follow up.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.28-33
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• 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of synbiotic formula with partial whey hydrolysate and high magnesium content in infants presenting with functional constipation. Methods: Sixty-five infants with functional constipation were included. Forty infants were treated during one month with parental reassurance and the intervention formula and were compared to a control group of 25 infants treated with parental reassurance only. Parents completed a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire at baseline and during the last week of the study. Results: At inclusion, stool characteristics and QoL were similar in both groups. The control group was slightly older than the intervention group ($7.5{\pm}3.9$ vs. $6.2{\pm}3.6$ weeks). At onset, stool composition was "hard and tight" (Bristol stool scale 1 and 2) in all infants. After one month, stool composition remained unchanged in the control group except in two infants that developed "creamy" stools (Bristol stool scale type 3 and 4). In the intervention group, stools remained "hard and tight" in 27.5%, and became "creamy" in 47.5%, "loose" (Bristol stool scale type 5) in 22.5% and "watery" (Bristol stool type 6 and 7) in 2.5%. The benefit of the intervention formula was estimated to be "very important" in 70%. The median scores for QoL improved significantly in the intervention group for all parameters and for one in the control group. Conclusion: The intervention formula significantly improved functional constipation resulting in a better QoL of the parents and infants.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.155-161
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• 2014

Purpose: Constipation is a common pediatric problem worldwide. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics of pediatric constipation in south Jordan according to gender and age group. Methods: All patients with constipation managed at our pediatric gastroenterology service between September 2009 and December 2012 were included. Hospital charts were reviewed. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and final diagnosis were recorded. Data were analyzed according to gender and the following age groups: infants, pre-school, school age, and adolescents. Results: During the study period, 126 patients were enrolled. The number (percentage) of patients according to age were the following infants: 43 (34.1%), pre-school: 55 (43.7%), school age: 25 (19.8%), and adolescents: 3 (2.4%). Males made up 54.8% of the study population. There were no statistical gender differences in any age group. The most common symptom in all age groups was dry, hard stool. Infrequent defecation was found in almost one-half of the patients. Fecal incontinence was more common in school-aged children compared to pre-school-aged children and adolescents. Abdominal pain was seen in almost 40% of the constipated children. Abdominal pain was more prevalent in girls and older children. Fecal mass in the rectum was the most common physical finding, with constipated boys exhibiting higher rates. Functional constipation was the most common etiology. Conclusion: Clinical characteristics of constipation in children vary according to age group and gender. Older children had less frequent bowel motions, a longer duration of symptoms, and a higher prevalence of long-standing constipation compilations (fecal incontinence and abdominal pain).

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.163-179
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• 2022

Although functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are very common in pediatric patients, there is a scarcity of published epidemiologic data, characteristics, and management patterns from Saudi Arabia, which is the 2nd largest Arabic country in terms of area and the 6th largest Arabic country in terms of population, with 10% of its population aged <5 years. Functional constipation (FC) is an FGID that has shown a rising prevalence among Saudi infants and children in the last few years, which urges us to update our clinical practices. Nine pediatric consultants attended two advisory board meetings to discuss and address current challenges, provide solutions, and reach a Saudi national consensus for the management of pediatric constipation. The pediatric consultants agreed that pediatricians should pay attention to any alarming signs (red flags) found during history taking or physical examinations. They also agreed that the Rome IV criteria are the gold standard for the diagnosis of pediatric FC. Different therapeutic options are available for pediatric patients with FC. Dietary treatment is recommended for infants with constipation for up to six months of age. When non-pharmacological interventions fail to improve FC symptoms, pharmacological treatment with laxatives is indicated. First, the treatment is aimed at disimpaction to remove fecal masses. This is achieved by administering a high dose of oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) or lactulose for a few days. Subsequently, maintenance therapy with PEG should be initiated to prevent the re-accumulation of feces. In addition to PEG, several other options may be used, such as Mg-rich formulas or stimulant laxatives. However, rectal enemas and suppositories are usually reserved for cases that require acute pain relief. In contrast, infant formulas that contain prebiotics or probiotics have not been shown to be effective in infant constipation, while the use of partially hydrolyzed formula is inconclusive. These clinical practice recommendations are intended to be adopted by pediatricians and primary care physicians across Saudi Arabia.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.167-177
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• 2017

Purpose: Breastfeeding is the best way to feed all infants, but not all infants can be (exclusively) breastfed. Cow's milk based infant formula is the second choice infant feeding. Methods: The safety of a new synbiotic infant formula, supplemented with Bifidobacterium lactis and fructo-oligosaccharides, with lactose and a whey/casein 60/40 protein ratio was tested in 280 infants during 3 months. Results: The median age of the infants at inclusion was 0.89 months. Weight evolution was in accordance with the World Health Organization growth charts for exclusive breastfed infants. The evolution of all anthropometric parameters (weight-for-length z score and body mass index-for-age z score) was within the normal range. The incidence of functional constipation (3.2%), daily regurgitation (10.9%), infantile crying and colic (10.5%) were all significantly lower than the reported median prevalence for a similar age according to literature (median value of 7.8% for functional constipation, 26.7% for regurgitation, 17.7% for infantile colic). Conclusion: The new synbiotic infant starter formula was safe, resulted in normal growth and was well tolerated. Functional gastro-intestinal manifestations (functional constipation, regurgitation and colic) were significantly lower than reported in literature. Synbiotics (Bifidobacterium lactis and fructo-oligosaccharides) in cow's milk based infant formula bring the second choice infant feeding, formula, closer to the golden standard, exclusive breastfeeding.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.264-270
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) presented in a tertiary medical center, characteristics of patients and results of the diagnostic work-up together with an outcome during the follow up. Methods: This was a retrospective, single center, observational study including all patients who were diagnosed with FGID based on Rome III criteria from January to December 2015 in tertiary medical center. Results: Overall 294 children were included (mean age, 8.9 years [range, 1-18 years]; 165 females). Majority had functional constipation (35.4%), followed by functional abdominal pain (30.6%), irritable bowel syndrome (17.0%), functional dyspepsia (12.6%), functional nausea (3.4%) and abdominal migraine (1.0%). Regression model found that only significant factor associated with improvement of symptoms is the establishment of the functional diagnosis at the first visit (hazard ratio, 2.163; 95% confidence inverval, 1.029-4.544). There was no association between improvement of symptoms and presence of alarm signs/symptoms (weight loss, nocturnal symptoms and severe vomiting) at diagnosis. Furthermore, in pain symptoms (functional abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia) no treatment positively correlated with pain improvement. Conclusion: Regardless of the initial diagnosis of FGID, positive diagnosis at the first visit increases a chance for resolution of symptoms.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.153-161
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• 2016

This paper covers algorithms for the management of regurgitation, constipation and infantile colic in infants. Anti-regurgitation formula may be considered in infants with troublesome regurgitation, while diagnostic investigations or drug therapy are not indicated in the absence of warning signs. Although probiotics have shown some positive evidence for the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), the evidence is not strong enough to make a recommendation. A partially hydrolyzed infant formula with prebiotics and ${\beta}$-palmitate may be considered as a dietary intervention for functional constipation in formula fed infants. Lactulose has been shown to be effective and safe in infants younger than 6 months that are constipated. Macrogol (polyethylene glycol, PEG) is not approved for use in infants less than 6 months of age. However, PEG is preferred over lactulose in infants >6 months of age. Limited data suggests that infant formula with a partial hydrolysate, galacto-oligosaccharides/fructo-oligosaccharides, added ${\beta}$-palmitate may be of benefit in reducing infantile colic in formula fed infants in cases where cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is not suspected. Evidence suggests that the use of extensively hydrolyzed infant formula for a formula-fed baby and a cow's milk free diet for a breastfeeding mother may be beneficial to decrease infantile colic if CMPA is suspected. None of the FGIDs is a reason to stop breastfeeding.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.12 no.sup1
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• pp.111-117
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• 2009

Constipation is one of the most common symptoms that a child visits pediatrician. The general approach to the child with functional constipation includes the following steps; disimpaction, maintenance and withdrawal of medication. There are many drugs which can be applied to children; osmotic agents (lactulose, sorbitol, magnesium hydroxide/citrate, polyethylene glycol with/without electrolytes, sodium phosphate, glycerin), stimulants (senna, bisacodyl, caster oil), lubricant (mineral oil), bulking agent (psyllium, cellulose, glucomannan). At each stage of treatment, one or some of these drug can be applied to the purpose. The author tries to summarize recent studies on drugs for constipation in child, and finally introduces new dugs for constipation which is under investigation.