• University of Michigan Health System. Functional constipation and soiling in children. Ann Arbor (MI): University of Michigan Health System; 2003 Feb. 10 p. [8 references]

This is the current release of the guideline.

This guideline updates a previous version: University of Michigan Medical Center. Idiopathic constipation and soiling in children. Ann Arbor (MI): University of Michigan Health System; 1997. 5 p.

Note from the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC): The following key points summarize the content of the guideline. Refer to the full text of the original guideline document for additional information, including detailed information on diagnosis and "red flags" for organic causes; dosing and possible side effects for infants and children; cost of medications; instructions on education and behavioral training; and dietary choices.

• Diagnosis. Symptoms of functional constipation often begin during late infant to toddler age. Inquiry at doctor visits about stool frequency, character, and painful stool passage may aide earlier diagnosis. History and physical examination are the best guide for accurate diagnosis.
• Treatment.
  • Provide child and family education.
  • Assure adequate clean-out.
  • Include behavioral, dietary and medication components in the maintenance phase of treatment.
  • Child and family adherence to treatment recommendations is a likely predictor of success.

The original guideline document provides the following clinical algorithms:

• Diagnosis and management of functional constipation & soiling in infants <1 year
• Diagnosis and management of functional constipation & soiling in children >1 year

When possible, conclusions were based on prospective randomized clinical trials. In the absence of randomized controlled trials, observational studies were considered. If none were available, expert option was used.

• University of Michigan Health System. Functional constipation and soiling in children. Ann Arbor (MI): University of Michigan Health System; 2003 Feb. 10 p. [8 references]

Not applicable: The guideline was not adapted from another source.

1997 Sep (revised 2003 Feb)

University of Michigan Health System - Academic Institution

University of Michigan Health System

Functional Constipation and Soiling in Children Guideline Team

Team Leader: Barbara Felt, MD, Behavioral Developmental Pediatrics

Team Members: Pamela Brown, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterology; Arnold Coran, MD, Pediatric Surgery; Paramjeet Kochhar, MD, General Pediatrics; Lisa Opipari-Arrigan, PhD, Pediatric Psychology

Consultant: Sheila Marcus, MD, Psychiatry

Guidelines Oversight Team: Connie Standiford, MD; Lee Green, MD, MPH; Van Harrison, PhD; Christopher Wise, PhD

Neither the members of the guideline team nor the consultant have a relationship with commercial companies whose products are discussed in this guideline.

This is the current release of the guideline.

This guideline updates a previous version: University of Michigan Medical Center. Idiopathic constipation and soiling in children. Ann Arbor (MI): University of Michigan Health System; 1997. 5 p.

None available

This summary was completed by ECRI on May 20, 1999. The information was verified by the guideline developer on June 17, 1999. This NGC summary was updated by ECRI on January 19, 2004. The updated information was verified by the guideline developer on February 6, 2004.

This NGC summary is based on the original guideline, which is copyrighted by the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS).