Clinical Findings of Functional and Secondary Constipation in Children

Objective

We aimed to evaluate clinical features and follow-up data of children with functional and secondary constipation.

Methods

Hospital records of 335 constipated children were evaluated. Children were divided into 2 groups as functional and secondary, and were compared with regard to clinical and anthropometric data.

Findings

Of 335 children (M/F 167/168, mean age 4.3±3.5 years) 91% had functional constipation (group 1). Family history of constipation was significantly higher in group 1. Malnutrition was found in 18% of group 1, 56% in group 2 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

If a constipated child has a family history of constipation but does not have failure to thrive and constipation begins at an older age, functional constipation is more probable.