Should Examinatıons Be Performed in Each Child With Constipation

Abstract

Purpose: Constipation is a common problem in childhood. There are many causes of constipation in children from congenital anomalies to metabolic diseases. Many examinations are required to exclude organic causes from each patient. In this study, laboratory tests and necessity of them of the patients admitted to the pediatric gastroenterology clinic with constipation complaints were investigated. Materials and Methods: Total 200 patients, aged between 0-18 years who were admitted to the Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic with the complaint of constipation, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ age, sex, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values, and duration of treatment were analyzed. Results: Of the 200 patients included in the study, 105 (52.5%) were female and 95 (47.5%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 4.91±4.63 years (range 0-18 years). None of the patients had hyperglycemia or hypokalemia. Only one patient had high TSH whose fT4 was normal. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium was found to be high level in thirty-one (15.5%), one (0.5%), and one (0.5%) of the patients, respectively. Of the 31 patients with hypercalcemia, 19 were under one, seven were 1-2 years old. Conclusion: The testing for thyroid function, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and glucose are not suitable for all children with constipation considering the cost. However, it may be beneficial to send calcium in children under 2 years of age in our region. Further research is needed. © 2019, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.