Publication: Constipation among children with cerebral palsy in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Date
2021
Authors
Izhar, Firdaus
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Constipation is a common problems in patient with cerebral palsy but the data are scarce in the region. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of constipation and identify the associated factor in patient with cerebral palsy. METHODOLOGY This cross-sectional study was conducted in paediatric neurology clinic in a tertiary teaching hospital between May 2021 and June 2021 involving cerebral palsy patients aged 2-18 years old. Patients and caretakers were interviewed based on standard pro forma. The primary outcome measured was the prevalence of constipation, defined as defecation less than three times a week and Bristol types 1-2. Variables examined include demographic data, types of spastic cerebral palsy, associated comorbidities, medications intake, and severity of motor disability as classified by the Gross Motor Functional Classification System. RESULTS Out of the 93 participants, 62 (66.7%) met the criteria for constipation, with 59 of them already on laxatives. Participants with severe gross motor impairments (GMFCS level IV & V) is significantly associated with constipation (p-value 0.001), as well as those with epilepsy (p-value 0.036). CONCLUSION Constipation is a common problem in the paediatric cerebral palsy population. Therefore, health professionals caring for this population should be vigilant of constipation, especially those with severe gross motor impairments and concurrent epilepsy.
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Keywords
cerebral palsy , constipation