Infants with Infrequent Stools Rarely Require Treatment

Abstract

Objective: Infrequent stools (IS) refer to passage of stool that is delayed for days but has normal consistency and color. There is a paucity of information about infrequent stools in infants and children aged less than 6 months who are exclusively breastfed. Herein, we investigated the signs and symptoms of ISin order to discuss its course, duration, and need for treatment, and the efficacies of available treatments. We also aimed to determine the aspects of a clinically appropriate approach for affected patients. Material and Methods:This study included newborns and infants aged less than 6 months who presented to our outpatient clinic with a history of not having passed stools for 2 days or longer. We exclusively reviewed the medical records of infants who were exclusively breastfed, who had a decent weight gain, who had passed meconium in time, and who were free of hard stools, abdominal swelling, or anal problems. During follow-up, all infants underwent physical examination, their nutritional status was questioned and their growth charts recorded. Additionally, tests and treatments performed for infrequent stools were reviewed in detail. Results:The study included a total of 50 infants with a mean age of 55.7 days. The mean birthweight was 3179±539 gr. The mean age at onset of infrequent stools was 48.52±39.21 days (range: 2 days-5.5 months). The mean duration of the first infrequent stools was 4.7±1.59 days (95% CI: 4.2-5.2); the mean duration of infrequent stools was 2 months (range: 2 weeks-5.5 months, 95%CI: 45.7-71.9). Infrequent stools lasted for 2 months in 75% of patients. Weak correlations were found between birth weight and infrequent stools (r=0.35) and between gestational age and infrequent stools (r=0.33). Seven children were examined at other centers, and 36 children were administered various treatments either by physicians or parents. Medical treatment was not needed in any patient. conclusion:In conclusion, infrequent stools improved in all children included by this study, and this condition did not transform into functional constipation in any of them. It was observed that infrequent stools was a transient condition requiring no treatment in infants and children who were adequately nourished, who gained adequate weight, and who were free of abdominal swelling or hard stools. It usually suffices to follow this condition conservatively after it is distinguished from constipation. We believe that this information would be useful for pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and physicians and nurses working on the field.Key Words: Breast milk, Constipation, Infant, Infrequent stools ÖzET Amaç: Seyrek dışkılama (SD) günlerce gecikmiş, fakat normal kıvam ve renkteki dışkılamayı tarif eder. Literatürde altı aydan küçük olup, anne sütü ile beslenen bebek ve çocuklarda seyrek dışkılama ile ilgili çok az bilgi vardır. Çalışmada, SD'sı olan bebeklerin bulgu ve semptomları ele alınarak, SD'nın seyrinin, ne kadar devam ettiğinin, yapılan tedavilerin etkinliğinin, tedavi gereksinimlerinin tartışılması,...