The Role of Cow's Milk Allergy in Pediatric Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective

Cow''s milk allergy has different presentations in children and can cause functional bowel symptoms such as chronic constipation. The aims of this study were to investigate the role of cow''s milk allergy as a cause of chronic constipation and effect of cow''s milk free diet (CMFD) on its treatment in children.

Methods

We performed a randomized clinical study comparing CMFD with cow''s milk diet (CMD) in two groups each consisting of 70 patients (age range, 1-13 years) with chronic functional constipation (defined as Rome III criteria). All subjects had been referred to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic and had previously been treated with laxatives for at least 3 months without success; also all 140 patients performed skin prick test. The case group received CMFD for 4 weeks. After that they received CMD for 2 extra weeks. The control group received CMD for whole 6 weeks. A response was defined as decreased in signs and symptoms that not fulfilled Rome III criteria after 4 weeks of CMFD and came back to Rome III criteria after 2 weeks of CMD challenge.

Findings

After 4 weeks 56 (80%) patients of the case group responded in comparison to 33 (47.1%) patients in the control group (P=0.0001). In the case group after 2 weeks challenge 24 out of 56 (42.8%) responders developed constipation according to Rome III criteria. With other words, the frequency of cow''s milk allergy among constipated patients was 80%. Only one patient had positive skin prick test.

Conclusion

In children, chronic constipation can be a manifestation of cow''s milk allergy. At present, although several aspects must be further investigated, a therapeutic attempt with elimination diet is advisable in all children with constipation unresponsive to correct laxative treatment.     

Hirschsprung's Disease: a Clinical and Pathologic Study in Iranian Constipated Children

Objective

Hirschsprung''s disease (HD) is a complex disorder resulting from absence of ganglion cells in the bowel wall leading to functional obstruction and bowel dilatation proximal to the affected segment. The aim of our study was to evaluate rectal biopsies from constipated children in different age groups to see in which age it is more likely to encounter HD to avoid unnecessary rectal biopsy.

Methods

Records of all children with chronic constipation undergoing a rectal biopsy to exclude HD were obtained from the files of Children''s Medical Center in Tehran, Iran. A detailed retrospective demographic review, including age of beginning of signs and symptoms was made of all cases.

Findings

Totally, 172 biopsies were taken from 168 children in a five year period, of which 127 cases (75%) had HD. The mean age of constipated patients at biopsy was 39 months and the mean age of patients with proven HD was 18 months. Males were affected more than females. Congenital anomalies associated with HD were found in 9.6%. In 85 (91%) cases constipation had begun in neonatal period.

Conclusion

Our data supports previous studies that if constipation begins after the neonatal period, the child is unlikely to have HD. In neonates delay in meconium passage is the most important clinical sign of HD.     

Role of Synbiotics in the Treatment of Childhood Constipation: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial

Objective

Constipation is a common problem in children. There is some clinical evidence for the role of probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of constipated children. This is the first study on the therapeutic effect of synbiotics (combination of probiotics and prebiotic) in treatment of childhood constipation.

Methods

In a double-blind randomized placebo controlled study 102 children aged 4–12 years with functional constipation were assessed according to Rome III criteria for 4 weeks. They were divided into 3 groups: Group A, received 1.5 ml/kg/day oral liquid paraffin plus placebo, group B, 1 sachet synbiotic per day plus placebo and group C, 1.5 ml/kg/day oral liquid paraffin plus 1 sachet synbiotic per day. Frequency of bowel movements (BMs), stool consistency, number of fecal incontinence episodes, abdominal pain, painful defecation per week, success of treatment and side effects were determined in each group before and after treatment.

Findings

The frequency of BMs per week increased in all groups (P<0.001), but it differed between groups and was higher in group C (P=0.03). Stool consistency increased and number of fecal incontinence episodes, abdominal pain and painful defecation per week decreased in all groups similarly and there was statistically no difference between them. No side effects were reported in group B; the main side effect in group A and C was seepage of oil (P<0.001). Treatment success was similar in all groups without any significant difference between them (P=0.6).

Conclusion

This study showed that synbiotics have positive effects on symptoms of childhood constipation without any side effects.     

Comparing Oral Route Paraffin Oil versus Rectal Route for Disimpaction in Children with Chronic Constipation; a Randomized Control Trial

Objective

Functional constipation is a common and challenging problem in pediatrics. Fecal disimpaction prior to maintenance therapy is recommended to ensure successful treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and patient''s compliance of the two methods of paraffin oil administration (oral and rectal route) with the purpose of disimpaction in treatment of children with functional constipation.

Methods

A total of 80 children (49 males and 31 females) aged 1–12 years, with functional constipation according to Rome III criteria, whose rectal examination confirmed fecal impaction were divided into two groups randomly. Group I received 3 ml/kg/day paraffin oil orally and group II received 3ml/kg/day paraffin oil rectally during 3 consequent days. Successful treatment was defined as no detectable fecal impaction in rectal examination after at most 72 hours. Patient compliance and family satisfaction also was evaluated using a scored questionnaire.

Findings

Response to the treatment in both groups was with 92.5% and 82.5% in group I and II, respectively. So, there was no significant difference between the two methods of therapy. Family satisfying and compliance were obviously more achieved in group 1 (87.5% vs 57.5%) than in Group 2 (P<0.001). No parents in group I complained about type of treatment while 12.5% of parents in group II were unsatisfied with the mode of paraffin oil administration. The most common side effect of paraffin oil in both groups was anal oil seepage (27.5%). Nausea and abdominal pain were more common side effects in group 1 and 2 respectively.

Conclusion

It seems that using paraffin oil per oral route in comparison with rectal route could be a preferred option for disimpaction in children causing less anxiety to the family.     

Evaluation of Serum Lead Levels in Children with Constipation and Normal Controls in Northern Iran

Objective

Constipation is a major debilitating problem in children. We aimed to assess the serum lead levels of 2-13 year-old children complaining from constipation who referred to our center in Guilan province, Northern Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was done on ninety 2-13 year-old children referring to 17^th Shahrivar Hospital, complaining from constipation (case group) and 90 healthy children The demographic data as well as the children''s serum lead levels were evaluated and recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Chi-square test was used as applicable.

Findings

Lead poisoning was significantly more frequent in the case group (37.8%) compared with the control group (8.9%). The frequency of lead poisoning in the case group compared with the control group, was significantly higher in children <7 years old (40.2% vs. 10%), boys (40.9% vs. 9.3%), girls (34.8% vs 8.3%), residents of old houses (43.1% vs. 9.7%), residents of new houses (28.1% vs. 8.5%), residents of low-traffic areas (26.8% vs. 5.3%), urban residents (40.5% vs. 9.9%), children whose fathers had low risk (33.3% vs. 10.9%) and high risk jobs (40.7% vs. 3.8%).

Conclusion

The frequency of lead poisoning was higher in children suffering from constipation.No significant difference was found between the two groups with respect to their sex, age, father''s job, and living in urban or rural areas.     

Red Flags of Organic Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children: Study on 100 Subjects

Objective

A variety of sign, symptoms and laboratory findings are more common in children with organic abdominal pains. This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of organic and functional abdominal pains and relation of red flags to organic pains in 100 children with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP).

Methods

One hundred consecutive patients with RAP were enrolled in the study. A complete interview and physical examination was made for each patient, accompanied by a series of laboratory, clinical and para-clinical examinations. The data were recorded and analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to model and formulize correlations between sign, symptoms, and laboratory findings with organic and functional abdominal pain.

Findings

Among 100 patients (52% male, 48% female, Age: 9.29±3.17) diagnostic works up revealed organic pain for 57 patients. The most common symptoms of the patients included constipation, diarrhea, chest pain, cough, headache, vomiting, hematuria, and dysuria. Fecal incontinence, delayed puberty, organomegaly, jaundice, and family history of inflammatory bowel disease were reported in none of the patients with RAP. Fever, pain not located in periumbilical area, nocturnal pain, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, weight loss, growth disorder, and abdominal tenderness were among the red flags which revealed diagnosis of organic pain in this study.

Conclusion

A series of red flags could increase likelihood of finding organic pain in children with RAP.     

Combination of Probiotics and Antibiotics in the Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Children

Objective

We examined the preventive effect of probiotic and antibiotics versus antibiotics alone, in children with recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI) in a preliminary randomized clinical trial.

Methods

Between March 2007 and April 2011, children with the history of RUTI and unilateral vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were randomly assigned to receive concomitant probiotic and antibiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis, 10⁷/ml, as 0.25 ml/kg three times a day regimen in addition to Nitrofurantoin, 1mg/kg daily (group I). In group II, all children received conventional prophylactic antibiotics alone (Nitrofurantoin, 1 mg/kg daily). Randomization was performed via using the random numerals table in a 1:1 manner with stratification by sex, age and grade of reflux. The urine examinations were done monthly and the incidence of UTI was evaluated in these two groups.

Findings

Forty-one children (age: 8.3±3.1 years) in group I and 44 children (age: 8.0±3.0 years) in group II were compared. During the course of three years, 39% in group I and 50% of participants in group II experienced RUTIs (P=0.4). Incidences of UTI - febrile and afebrile - reduced in both groups without any significant differences after two years of prophylaxis. Also, incidence of afebrile UTIs did not significantly differ (0.51±1.30 and 0.81±1.41 respectively, P =0.3); however, the incidence of febrile UTIs in particular were lower in group I (0.00±0.00 versus 0.13±0.40, P =0.03) in the last year.

Conclusion

The consumption of probiotic and antibiotics in children with RUTI is safe and more effective in reducing the incidence of febrile UTI in comparison to prophylactic antibiotics alone.     

The Effect of Performing Preoperative Preparation Program on School Age Children's Anxiety

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of performing preoperative preparation program on children''s anxiety.

Methods

This study was performed in Amirkola Pediatrics Hospital, Mazandaran. A randomized controlled trail was performed on 122 children (7–12 years of age) admitted for elective surgery during 15 months. The researcher randomly assigned eligible participants in to the experimental and control groups, after pre-test baseline measurement had been taken. Analyzing was performed through independent t-test and χ² test. P<0.005 was considered statistically significant. The experimental group received therapeutic play and the control group received routine preoperative information preparation.

Findings

The mean and standard deviation of the state anxiety scores of children in experimental and control groups before intervention were 35.52±6.99 and 34.98±6.78, after intervention 31.44±5.87 and 38.31±7.44 respectively. The state anxiety score was lower significantly in the experimental group prior to preoperative surgery than in the control group (P=0.000).

Conclusion

Performing preoperative program with using therapeutic play intervention is effective for preparing children before surgery and decreases their anxiety.     

Intrasphincteric Botulinum Toxin Injection in Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation in Children

Objective

Injection of botulinum toxin into the anal sphincter is a novel and safe new treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and anal fissure in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of intra sphincteric injection of botox in the treatment of children with refractory constipation.

Methods

All children who suffered from chronic constipation for more than three months, and who had not responded to medical treatment, were referred to pediatrics surgical clinic for surgical intervention by pediatric gastroenterologist. The patients were randomly divided into cases and control group. The control group received no injection and was only treated with stool softeners. The case group received this therapy in addition to injection. After the botox injection, patients were asked about the presence of the signs of constipation including painful defecation, vomiting, stool consistence, soiling and defecation interval.

Findings

Defecation of painful stool existed in 88% of patients before botox injection and it was reduced to 15% after botox injection. In the control group, 90% of patients had painful defecation, which reduced to 86% after medical treatment (P=0.0001). Stool was hard in 80% of patients before was reduced to 28% after botox injection. In the control group, it existed in 81% of children and reduced to 78% after medical treatment (P=0.0001). Soiling existed in 62% of patients before and was reduced to 8% after botox injection, but in the control group it reduced from 62% to 42.5% after medical treatment (P=0.0001). In the control group, 98% of the patients had defecation intervals more than 3 days and it was the same after medical treatment. In case group, this index before botox injection was 9.1 days, and after botox injection was reduced to 2.6 days (P=0.0001).

Conclusion

Our study results showed that injection of botulinum toxin into anal sphincter is an effective and safe new treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in children.     

T-Peak to T-End Abnormality in Pediatric Patients with Syncope

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between T-peak-to-T-end interval and its dispersion in children with syncope to detect possible repolarization abnormalities in these patients.

Methods

We enrolled 19 patients with a positive tilt test for syncope (7 boys, 12 girls) and 35 participants with normal results on the test.

Findings

Mean age was 11.4±3.1 years in patients and 10.0±5.1 years in controls (P =0.27). The T-peak-to-T-end interval in lead V1 was significantly longer in patients with a positive tilt test (0.36±0.062 vs. 0.32±0.071, P=0.007). T-peak-to-T-end interval dispersion was significantly greater in the group of patients (0.15±0.07 vs. 0.11±0.04, P±0.003).

Conclusion

The T-peak-to-T-end interval in lead V1 and T-peak-to-T-end dispersion were significantly larger in patients with a positive tilt test. Our findings suggest a depolarization abnormality in children with syncope.     

Flixweed vs. Polyethylene Glycol in the Treatment of Childhood Functional Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background:

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is often considered as the first-line treatment for functional constipation in children. Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb et Berth (D. sophia) is a safe recommended medicine in Iranian folk and Traditional Persian Medicine for the treatment of constipation.

Objectives:

To clinically compare D. sophia with PEG 4000 (without electrolyte) in pediatric constipation and to assess its efficacy and side effects.

Patients and Methods:

120 patients aged 2 - 12 years with constipation for at least 3 months were included in an 8 weeks lasting randomized controlled trial within two parallel-groups. Children received either PEG, 0.4 g/kg/day, or D. sophia seeds, 2 grams (for children aged 2 - 4 years) and 3 grams (for those aged > 4 years) per day.

Results:

A total of 109 patients completed the study (56 in D. sophia and 53 in PEG group). At the end of the study, 36 (64.3%) patients in D. sophia group and 29 (54.7%) in PEG group were out of Rome III criteria (P = 0.205). Median weekly stool frequency in 0, 1, 2, 3 weeks of the treatment was found to be 2, 5, 5, 5 in D. sophia and 3, 4, 4, 5 in PEG group (P = 0.139, 0.076, 0.844, 0.294), respectively. The number of patients who suffered flatulence was less (5, 8.9%) in D. sophia group as compared to PEG group (6, 11.3%) at the end of the trial (P = 0.461). D. sophia taste was less tolerated.

Conclusions:

D. sophia is introduced as a cheap and available medication which can be applied as a safe alternative to conventional PEG in the management of pediatric chronic functional constipation.     

Cardiac Malformations in Fetuses of Gestational and Pre Gestational Diabetic Mothers

Objective

In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiac malformations in fetuses of Iranian diabetic mothers with pre-gestational and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to find the patterns of different cardiac malformations.

Methods

One-hundred and seventy diabetic pregnant women (68 preGDM and 102 GDM) (mean age: 32.17±4.8 years) and 85 healthy controls (mean age: 31.35±4.55 years) were recruited from September 2008 to July 2012. Fetal echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac malformation. In order to study major factors that may affect the results, a complete history was obtained.

Findings

Fetal echocardiography was performed at mean gestational age of 24.7±5.4 and 20.27±3.9 weeks in diabetic patients and control group, respectively. Fifteen (8.8%) fetuses of diabetic mothers were detected to have cardiac malformations compared with 1 (1.17%) fetus in control group (OR: 8.13, 95%CI: 1.1-62.61, P-value=0.02). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy noted as the most common cardiac malformation occurred in 6 out of 15 (40%) fetuses, and was found significantly more common in pre-GDM compared to GDM group (7.4% vs 1%, P-value =0.04). Despite the higher incidence of cardiac malformation in pre-GDM compared to GDM group, the difference was not significant. Further, no significant association was observed between the variables including; parity, diabetic regimen, parents’ consanguinity, maternal history of hypertension or hypothyroidism and occurring cardiac malformations (P-value>0.05).

Conclusion

In this study we detected cardiac malformations in 8.8% of our diabetic referrals. The result of the present study shows that screening diabetic mothers for fetal cardiac malformations could be beneficial.     

The Role of Zinc Sulfate in Acute Bronchiolitis in Patients Aged 2 to 23 Months

Objective

Evaluating the effect of zinc sulfate in improving the clinical manifestations of acute bronchiolitis in children younger than 2 years.

Methods

This was a double blind pilot trial on 50 patients aged 2 to 23 months at Ghaem and Dr. Sheikh Hospitals in Mashhad from January 2008 to March 2009. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: a case group received oral zinc sulfate and to the control group was given placebo.

Findings

Mean age of case group was 168.0±108.6 days and control group 169.2±90.4 days (P=0.98) with male predominance in both groups. At first there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in reducing the symptoms. But 24 hours after treating, improvement of some important manifestations including tachypnea, subcostal and intercostal retraction, wheezing and cyanosis revealed statistically significant difference in control group in comparison with case group (P=0.04).

Conclusion

Zinc sulfate has no benefit in improving clinical manifestations of acute bronchiolitis.     

Infection Rate of Cryptosporidium parvum among Diarrheic Children in Isfahan

Objective

Cryptosporidiosis is an important enteric parasitic infection among infants and children in developing countries with significant morbidity and mortality especially among immuno-suppressed individuals. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of enteric cryptosporidiosis in children presenting with diarrhea in Isfahan.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2007 to June 2008 in three university hospitals in Isfahan. Children aged 1 month to 10 years presenting with acute or persistent diarrhea were selected consecutively. The oocyst of C. parvum was investigated in stool specimens using a modified acid-fast staining method.

Findings

During the study period, 606 children (mean age 42.4±30.0 months, 58.1% female) were recruited. Acute and persistent diarrhea was present in 422 (69.6%) and 184 (30.4%) of the children, respectively. Twenty eight (4.6%) specimens were oocyst positive. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was significantly higher in children with persistent diarrhea compared to children with acute diarrhea (12.5% vs 1.2%; P<0.001). Most of the infected children were under 5 years of age (89.2%), however, the age difference between infected and non-infected children was not statistically significant. Also, there was no significant difference between infected and non-infected children in gender.

Conclusion

The prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis in children presenting with persistent diarrhea is considerable and we suggest routine stool examination for Cryptosporidium in this group of children.     

Diaper Type as a Risk Factor in Urinary Tract Infection of Children

Objective

Urinary tract is one of the most common sources of infection in children under the age of two years. Many known and unknown risk factors predispose to this important disease in children. This study was conducted to determine whether using a specific type of diaper plays a role in urinary tract infection (UTI) in girls under the age of 2 years.

Methods

This case control study was performed in hospitalized children; girls with their first urinary tract infection were selected as cases, and those admitted for other reasons comprised the control group. Two groups were matched for age (±1 month), and other known risk factors for UTI. Type of diapers (superabsorbent, standard disposable and washable cotton), used for these children during six months, from October 2007 to March 2008, were compared in both groups.

Findings

59 matched pair infant girls less than 2 years were selected. It was revealed that in cases with UTI superabsorbent diapers were used more frequently than in controls (Odds ratio=3.29, P-value=0.005) There were no significant differences in other factors like number of diapers used per day, the time between defecation and diaper change, mothers’ educational level, level of family income and mother''s occupation.

Conclusion

The use of superabsorbent diapers could be a risk factor for urinary tract infection in infant girls.     

Analiza diety stosowanej u dzieci z czynnościowym zaparciem stolca

Introduction

Functional constipation is common among children. Appropriate diet seems to be important in therapy.

Prevalence of Asthma in Children of Chemical Warfare Victims

Objective

Exposure of DNA to sulfur mustard gas may increase the inheritance of asthma in chemical warfare victims'' (CWV) offspring. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma in children of CWV and compare it to asthmatic children in the general population.

Methods

Four hundred and nine children from 130 CWV fathers and 440 children from 145 asthmatic parents from two cities in Iran participated in this study. The prevalence of asthma was determined by standard questionnaire released for epidemiological survey of asthma in children and compared between two groups.

Findings

The prevalence of asthma in the CWV group was 15%; this was not significantly different from the control group (12.5%). The children of the CWV group reported a significantly greater incidence of wheezing (1.2±3.1 attacks) per year, but the control group reported more severe attacks leading to speech difficulties (3%) and coughing (7%). Regression analysis showed that with increasing family size in the control group, the number of subjects suffering from asthmatic symptoms decreases significantly (r=0.86, P=0.001).

Conclusion

Chemical agents may increase the prevalence of asthma in the offspring of CWV.     

Cholelithiasis in Childhood: A Cohort Study in North of Iran

Objective

Cholelithiasis rarely occurs in children but the increased use of ultrasonography has led to increased detection of gallstones in patients. The epidemiology and predisposing factors of cholelithiasis vary in different populations. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, predisposing factors and to evaluate management and outcome of patients referred to Amirkola Children''s Hospital jn Babol.

Methods

This cohort study was performed on children with cholelithiasis referred during 2000 to 2011. Cholelithiasis was diagnosed with ultrasonography. The data was obtained based on history, physical exam, clinical and paraclinical investigations and analyzed by SPSS version 18. P-value <0.05 was considered being significant.

Findings

From the 66 patients with cholelithiasis, 39 (59.1%) were males. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.6±4.5 years. The most common predisposing factor included ceftriaxone therapy (27.3%), hemolytic diseases (13.6%), hepatobiliary diseases (7.5%) and cystic fibrosis (7.5%). In 30.3% of patients, no predisposing factor was detected. The most common complaint was abdominal pain (67%). Among the patients in whom abdominal X-Ray was performed, only 20% had radiopaque gallstones; 6 (9%) patients underwent cholecystectomy.

Conclusion

According to this study, ceftriaxone therapy and hemolytic diseases were the most common predisposing factors in children with cholelithiasis in our area and cholecystectomy had not been needed in most patients.     

Constipation-Related Emergency Department Use,and Associated Office Visits and Payments Among Commercially Insured Children

Objective

Pediatric constipation is common, costly, and often managed in the Emergency Department (ED). The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of constipation-related ED visits in a large commercially insured population, the frequency of an office visit in the month before and after these visits, demographic characteristics associated with these office visits, and the ED-associated payments.