Constipation and Meconium Ileus Equivalent in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Constipation and its complications, particularly meconium ileus equivalent, may become management problems in patients with cystic fibrosis. The medical records of 168 patients with cystic fibrosis were reviewed for the prevalence of constipation and meconium ileus equivalent. Of 168 patients, 54 (32%) had experienced at least one episode of constipation which responded to oral or rectal laxative therapy. In 16 of the study group (9%) meconium ileus equivalent developed. Patients younger than 5 years of age had a lower prevalence and those older than 30 years of age had a much higher prevalence of both conditions. Those with prolonged histories of inadequately controlled steatorrhea appeared to be at higher risk for the eventual development of meconium ileus equivalent. Recurrences and complications of constipation may be avoided by instituting early and aggressive therapy.

Colonic Transit Time and Fecal Impaction in Children and Adolescents With Cystic Fibrosis-associated Constipation

“…As per the literature, the prevalence of constipation in children and adolescents with CF ranges from 32% to 57% (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). This considerable variability, at least in part, is because studies have used different diagnostic criteria.…”

Constipation and cystic fibrosis. Slow movement

“…It showed that 43 out of 105 (41%) CF patients between 6 and 21 years of age had, according to the ESPGHAN criteria, symptoms of constipation, with relief of these problems after the initiation of laxatives, which, as pointed out above, is an essential component of these criteria. The higher point prevalence in this study might be due to the age of the patients included, as opposed to the 0-18 year group in the article by van der Doef [5] , as it is known that, although constipation can be present in this younger age group, it is more rare [2] . The article by Stefano [7] also once again highlights the differences between constipation in CF and non-CF patients, with the vast majority (86%) of constipated CF patients having a normal frequency of bowel movements (i.e.…”

“…The actual period prevalence, i.e. having or ever having had symptoms of constipation, varied from 32% −57% [2][3][4][5] . So far the ESPGHAN criteria were used in only two studies.…”

Prevalence of constipation in cystic fibrosis patients: a systematic review of observational studies

“…Data about constipation prevalence in CF patients were compiled in eight scientific publications. However, only two of these articles 13 , 14 determined constipation prevalence as their main objective. In the other studies, constipation frequency was gathered along with the prevalence of other gastrointestinal manifestations.…”

“…Relevant causes of this divergence are apparently the different definitions adopted, the diverging objectives, and the varying eligibility criteria to include the cases. 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 …”