| Afzal et al. Constipation with acquired megarectum in children with autism. 2003. Pediatrics 112[4], 939-942 | Health Economics outcomes. Clinical outcomes from individual studies already included in review |
| Eiland et al. Evaluating the off-label use of medications in children. 2006. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy 63[11], 1062-SystemUnited States. | Survey on medication use, not relevant data on laxatives |
| Brooks et al. Review of the treatment literature for encopresis, functional constipation, and stool-toileting refusal. 2000. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 22[3], 260-267 | SR on a variety of interventions. Relevant individual studies already included in our review |
| Kot et al. Lactulose in the management of constipation: A current review. 1992. Annals of Pharmacotherapy 26[10], 1277-1282United States. | Review including both children and adults. Relevant individual studies already included in our review |
| Bell et al. Pediatric constipation therapy using guidelines and polyethylene glycol 3350. 2004. Annals of Pharmacotherapy 38[4], 686-693 | Non SR. Relevant individual studies already included in our review |
| Bentley. Faecal soiling and anal achalasia. 1978. Archives of Disease in Childhood 53[3], 185-186 | Clinical note |
| Clayden. Management of chronic constipation. 1992. Archives of Disease in Childhood 67[3], 340-344United Kingdom. | Review paper |
| Nolan et al. Randomised controlled trial of biofeedback training in persistent encopresis with anismus. 1998. Archives of Disease in Childhood 79[2], 131-135United Kingdom. | Biofeedback + conventional medical treatment vs. conventional medical treatment only. Will be considered for review on psychological/behavioural therapies |
| Sharif et al. Liquid paraffin: a reappraisal of its role in the treatment of constipation. 2001. Archives of Disease in Childhood 85[2], 121-124 | Review paper |
| Clayden et al. The management of chronic constipation and related faecal incontinence in childhood. 2005. Archives of Disease in Childhood: Education and Practice Edition 90[3], ep58-ep67United Kingdom. | Review paper |
| Arora et al. Is polyethylene glycol safe and effective for chronic constipation in children? 2005. Archives of Disease in Childhood 90[6], 643-646 | Low quality systematic review. Mixed outcomes for disimpaction and maintenance. Individual studies already included in our review. (also analysed individually for review on adverse effects) |
| Patel et al. Predictive factors for short-term symptom persistence in children after emergency department evaluation for constipation. 2000. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 154[12], 1204-1208United States. | Prospective case series. Outcomes not related to specific interventions. Better studies available |
| Bigelli et al. Anorectal manometry in children with chronic functional constipation. 2005. Arquivos de gastroenterologia 42[3], 178-181 | Outcomes not relevant |
| Bellomo-Brandao et al. Use of erythromycin for the treatment of severe chronic constipation in children. 2003. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 36[10], 1391-1396Brazil. | Intervention not relevant |
| Fenn et al. A general practice study of the efficacy of Regulan in functional constipation. 1986. British Journal of Clinical Practice 40[5], 192-197 | Adult population |
| Ebelt et al. Constipation in childhood. 1992. Canadian Family Physician 38[SEP.], 2167-2174Canada. | Review paper |
| Rubin. Constipation. 2002. Clinical Evidence [7], 292-296 | Non SR. Relevant individual studies already included in our review |
| Rubin. Constipation. 2002. Clinical Evidence [8], 313-318 | Non SR. Relevant individual studies already included in our review |
| Rubin. Constipation in children. 2003. Clinical Evidence [10], 369-374 | Non SR. Relevant individual studies already included in our review |
| Rubin. Constipation in children. 2004. Clinical Evidence [11], 385-390 | Non SR. Relevant individual studies already included in our review |
| Rao et al. Randomized controlled trial of biofeedback, sham feedback, and standard therapy for dyssynergic defecation. 2007. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 5[3], 331-338 | Adult population |
| Gleghorn et al. No-enema therapy for idiopathic constipation and encopresis. 1991. Clinical Pediatrics 30[12], 669-672United States. | Retrospective case series. |
| Sutphen et al. Long-term follow-up of medically treated childhood constipation. 1995. Clinical Pediatrics 34[11], 576-580 | Retrospective case series. Combined interventions: pharmacological + dietary modifications. Nothing reported on adverse effects |
| Snape, Jr. The effect of methylcellulose on symptoms of constipation. 1989. Clinical Therapeutics 11[5], 572-579 | Mainly adult population (mean age 53.9 years, range 9-96) |
| Siegel et al. Medical treatment of constipation. 2005. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery 18[2], 76-80United States. | Review paper |
| Evans et al. Tegaserod for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation. 2007. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews #2007. Article Number[4]United Kingdom. | Intervention not relevant |
| Price et al. Stimulant laxatives for constipation and soiling in children. 2008. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [2] | Empty SR |
| Connolly et al. Comparison of “Duphalac” and “irritant” laxatives during and after treatment of chronic constipation: a preliminary study. 1974. Current Medical Research and Opinion 2[10], 620-625 | Age range 4 to 90 years, but not other age-related descriptive variables reported. Age subgroup analysis not performed |
| Youssef. Childhood and adolescent constipation: Review and advances in management. 2007. Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology 10[5], 401-411United Kingdom. | Review paper |
| Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Review of the treatment literature for encopresis, functional constipation, and stool-toileting refusal (Provisional record). 2008. Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects [3] | Provisional record of a SR |
| Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. How useful is docusate in patients at risk for constipation: a systematic review of the evidence in the chronically ill (Structured abstract). 2008. Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects [3] | Structured abstract of SR |
| Elawad et al. Management of constipation in children with disabilities. 2001. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 43[12], 829-832United Kingdom. | Review paper |
| Hamilton et al. Clinical evaluation of methylcellulose as a bulk laxative. 1988. Digestive Diseases and Sciences 33[8], 993-998 | Adult population |
| Staiano et al. Cisapride in neurologically impaired children with chronic constipation. 1996. Digestive Diseases and Sciences 41[5], 870-874United States. | Intervention not relevant |
| Tack et al. A risk-benefit assessment of cisapride in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. 1995. Drug Safety 12[6], 384-392New Zealand. | Intervention not relevant |
| Kiristioglu et al. Quantitation of defecation function using radionuclide artificial stool in children with chronic constipation. 2000. European Journal of Pediatric Surgery 10[6], 382-386Germany. | Diagnostic study. No clinical outcomes. |
| van Ginkel et al. Childhood constipation: Longitudinal follow-up beyond puberty. 2003. Gastroenterology 125[2], 357-363United States. | Prospective case series. Insufficient data on interventions/outcomes. |
| Smith et al. Patient and physician evaluation of a new bulk fiber laxative tablet. 2003. Gastroenterology Nursing 26[1], 31-37 | Adult population |
| Elkington. Lactulose. 1970. Gut 11[12], 1043-1048 | Review paper |
| Loening-Baucke. Constipation in early childhood: patient characteristics, treatment, and longterm follow up. 1993. Gut 34[10], 1400-1404 | Mixed intervention: pharmacological, behavioural, diet. Outcomes not related to specific interventions. |
| Gattuso et al. Clinical features of idiopathic megarectum and idiopathic megacolon. 1997. Gut 41[1], 93-99United Kingdom. | Prospective case series. Population outside remit of guideline. Insufficient data on laxatives as maintenance. |
| Corazziari et al. Long term efficacy, safety, and tolerabilitity of low daily doses of isosmotic polyethylene glycol electrolyte balanced solution (PMF-100) in the treatment of functional chronic constipation. 2000. Gut 46[4], 522-526 | Adult population |
| Ferguson et al. New polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution for the treatment of constipation and faecal impaction. 1999. Italian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 31 Suppl 3, S249-S252 | Adult population. Age range 17-84 (mean, median not reported) |
| Bass et al. The laxative effects of lactulose in normal and constipated subjects. 1981. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 3 Suppl 1, 23-28 | Adult population |
| Rockney et al. Encopresis treatment outcome: long-term follow-up of 45 cases. 1996. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 17[6], 380-385 | Retrospective case series. Insufficient data on treatment outcomes |
| Ellis et al. What is the best therapy for constipation in infants? 2002. Journal of Family Practice 51[8], 682United States. | Review paper |
| Szojda et al. Differences in taste between two polyethylene glycol preparations. 2007. Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases 16[4], 379-381 | Adult population |
| Langer et al. IPEG colorectal panel. 2007. Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques 17[1], 77-100United States. | Panel discussion at Annual Congress for Endosurgery in Children |
| Abrahamian et al. Chronic constipation in childhood: A longitudinal study of 186 patients. 1984. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 3[3], 460-467United States. | Retrospective case series. |
| Nurko et al. Treatment of intractable constipation in children: Experience with cisapride. 1996. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 22[1], 38-44United States. | Intervention not relevant for this review |
| Baker et al. Constipation in infants and children: Evaluation and treatment. 1999. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 29[5], 612-626United States. | Individual studies cited already included in our review. |
| Halabi. Cisapride in management of chronic pediatric constipation. 1999. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 28[2], 199-202 | Intervention not relevant |
| Nurko et al. Cisapride for the treatment of constipation children: A double-blind study. 2000. Journal of Pediatrics 136[1], 35-40United States. | Intervention not relevant |
| Bishop. Miracle laxative? 2001. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 32[5], 514-515 | Editorial |
| Benninga et al. Childhood constipation: is there new light in the tunnel? 2004. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 39[5], 448-464 | Review paper |
| Loening-Baucke. Functional fecal retention with encopresis in childhood. 2004. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 38[1], 79-84 | Retrospective case series. |
| Loening-Baucke et al. Polyethylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes for the treatment of functional constipation in infants and toddlers. 2004. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 39[5], 536-539 | Retrospective case series. |
| Loening-Baucke. Prevalence, symptoms and outcome of constipation in infants and toddlers. 2005. Journal of Pediatrics 146[3], 359-363 | Retrospective case series. Better studies available. Poorly reported outcomes. Not clear whether laxatives were administered separately or simultaneously. Duration of treatment not clear |
| Benninga et al. New treatment options in childhood constipation? 2005. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 41 Suppl 1, S56-S57 | Editorial |
| Constipation Guideline Committee of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology. Evaluation and treatment of constipation in infants and children: recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. 2006. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 43[3], e1-13 | Excluded for analysis. Used as reference guideline. Individual references checked. |
| Davies et al. The influence of ispaghula husk on bowel habit. 1998. Journal of the Royal Society of Health 118[5], 267-271 | Adult population |
| Erickson et al. Polyethylene glycol 3350 for constipation in children with dysfunctional elimination. 2003. Journal of Urology 170[4 Pt 2], 1518-1520 | Retrospective case series |
| Velde et al. Achieving Fecal Continence in Patients With Spina Bifida: A Descriptive Cohort Study. 2007. Journal of Urology 178[6], 2640-2644United States. | Population outside remit of this guideline |
| Camilleri et al. A placebo-controlled trial of prucalopride for severe chronic constipation. 2008. New England Journal of Medicine 358[22], 2344-2354 | Adult population |
| Snow. Hyperkinesis and chronic constipation. 1975. New Zealand Medical Journal 81[541], 515-517 | Case reports |
| DiPalma et al. Polyethylene glycol laxative: A new option for constipation. 2002. Today's Therapeutic Trends #20[1], 59-67United States. | Review paper. Individual references checked |
| Li et al. Functional constipation in children: investigation and management of anorectal motility. 2008. World Journal of Pediatrics 4[1], 45-48 | Intervention not relevant |
| Miller et al. Emergency department management and short-term outcome of children with constipation. 2007. Pediatric Emergency Care 23[1], 1-4United States. | Retrospective case series. Insufficient data on treatment outcomes |
| Levitt et al. Laparoscopically assisted colon resection for severe idiopathic constipation with megarectosigmoid. 2003. Pediatric Endosurgery and Innovative Techniques 7[3], 285-289United States. | Intervention not relevant |
| Kobayashi et al. Acetylcholinesterase distribution and refractory constipation - A new criterion for diagnosis and management. 2002. Pediatric Surgery International 18[5-6], 349-6Germany. | Clinical outcomes poorly reported |
| Keshtgar et al. Role of anal dilatation in treatment of idiopathic constipation in children: Long-term follow-up of a double-blind randomized controlled study. 2005. Pediatric Surgery International 21[2], 100-105Germany. | Intervention not relevant |
| Loening-Baucke et al. Effect of treatment on rectal and sigmoid motility in chronically constipated children. 1984. Pediatrics 73[2], 199-205 | Main outcomes not relevant for review (non-clinical). Clinical outcomes very poorly described |
| McClung et al. Is combination therapy for encopresis nutritionally safe? 1993. Pediatrics 91[3], 591-594 | Poorly described “cleanout phase”: a mix of interventions and no doses reported |
| Borowitz et al. Treatment of childhood constipation by primary care physicians: efficacy and predictors of outcome. 2005. Pediatrics 115[4], 873-877 | Prospective case series. Some data regarding maintenance with laxatives, but better studies available |
| Cordero et al. Protocols for ailments minor of the TESEMED project: Constipation. 2001. Pharmaceutical Care Espana 3[3], 155-174Spain. | Protocol |
| Godding. Therapeutics of laxative agents with special reference to the anthraquinones. 1976. Pharmacology 14 Suppl 1, 78-101 | Review paper |
| MacCarthy. Encopresis. 1976. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine 69[1], 19-20 | Meeting paper |
| Benninga. Children with constipation: What happens to them when they grow up? 2004. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, Supplement 39[241], 23-26Norway. | Review paper |
| McDonald et al. Constipation and soiling - Outcome of treatment at one year. 2004. Scottish Medical Journal 49[3], 98-100United Kingdom. | Retrospective case series. No relevant outcomes |
| Keshtgar et al. Diagnosis and management of children with intractable constipation. 2004. Seminars in Pediatric Surgery 13[4], 300-309United States. | Review paper |
| Schnaufer et al. Differentiation and management of incontinence and constipation problems in children. 1970. Surgical Clinics of North America 50[4], 895-905 | Review paper |
| Quah et al. Prospective randomized crossover trial comparing fibre with lactulose in the treatment of idiopathic chronic constipation. 2006. Techniques in Coloproctology 10[2], 111-114 | Adult population |
| Ingebo et al. Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution for intestinal clearance in children with refractory encopresis. A safe and effective therapeutic program. 1988. American Journal of Diseases of Children 142[3], 340-342 | 16 children of a total sample of 24 had pathologies different from constipation, outcomes for 8 constipated children poorly reported. Adverse effects immediate and not long-term |
| Sondheimer et al. Lubricant versus laxative in the treatment of chronic functional constipation of children: a comparative study. 1982. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 1[2], 223-226 | No clinical outcomes for disimpaction reported. Included for maintenance. |
| Secco. Review: behavioural interventions plus laxatives are effective for defecation disorders in children, but biofeedback does not add benefit. 2002. Evidence-Based Nursing 5[3], 76 | Abstract of a SR |
| Godbole et al. Idiopathic megarectum in children. 2001. European Journal of Pediatric Surgery 11[1], 48-51 | Prospective case series. Poorly reported outcomes. Better study designs available |
| van den Berg et al. Functional constipation in infants: a follow-up study. 2005. Journal of Pediatrics 147[5], 700-704 | Prospective case series. Intervention poorly described. Better study designs available |
| Ni et al. Use of cisapride with magnesium oxide in chronic pediatric constipation. 2001. Acta Paediatrica Taiwanica 42[6], 345-349 | Intervention not relevant |
| Speridiao et al. Dietary fiber, energy intake and nutritional status during the treatment of children with chronic constipation. 2003. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 36[6], 753-759Brazil. | Intervention not relevant |
| Bush. Lactulose: an ideal laxative for children. 1970. New Zealand Medical Journal 71[457], 364-365 | Prospective case series. Very small sample size (n=11). Poorly reported outcomes. Better studies available |
| Chrzan et al. Colonic Washout Enemas for Persistent Constipation in Children with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Based on Dysfunctional Voiding. 2008. Urology 71[4], 607-610United States. | No clinical outcomes for constipation reported |
| Boccia et al. Dyspeptic symptoms in children: the result of a constipation-induced cologastric brake? 2008. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 6[5], 556-560 | Prospective case series. Small sample size (n=28). Poorly reported outcomes. Better studies available |
| Sprague-McRae et al. Encopresis: a study of treatment alternatives and historical and behavioral characteristics. 1993. Nurse Practitioner 18[10], 52-53 | Outcomes not relevant |
| Corazziari et al. Laxative consumption in chronic nonorganic constipation. 1987. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 9[4], 427-430 | Outcomes not related to specific interventions |
| Felt et al. Guideline for the management of pediatric idiopathic constipation and soiling. 1999. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 153[4], 380-385United States. | Excluded as a guideline. Individual references already checked |
| Hanson et al. The clinical effectiveness of Movicol in children with severe constipation: an outcome audit. 2006. Paediatric Nursing 18[2], 24-28 | Retrospective case series. Small sample size (n=23). Better studies available |
| Evaluation and treatment of constipation in children: Summary of updated recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. 2006. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 43[3], 405-407United States. | Excluded as a guideline. Individual references already checked |
| Keuzenkamp-Jansen et al. Diagnostic dilemmas and results of treatment for chronic constipation. 1996. Archives of Disease in Childhood 75[1], 36-41 | Retrospective case series. Outcomes not related to specific interventions. Nothing reported on adverse effects |
| Michail et al. Polyethylene glycol for constipation in children younger than eighteen months old. 2004. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 39[2], 197-199 | Retrospective case series. Small sample size (n=28). Excluded for maintenance, but included for adverse effects |
| Borowitz et al. Treatment of childhood constipation by primary care physicians: efficacy and predictors of outcome. 2005. Pediatrics 115[4], 873-877 | Prospective cohort. Interventions not explicitly described. Outcomes not clearly related to specific interventions |
| van Ginkel et al. Childhood constipation: Longitudinal follow-up beyond puberty. 2003. Gastroenterology 125[2], 357-363United States. | Prospective cohort. Interventions not clearly described |
| Pashankar et al. Long-term efficacy of polyethylene glycol 3350 for the treatment of chronic constipation in children with and without encopresis. 2003. Clinical Pediatrics 42[9], 815-819 | Retrospective cohort. No outcomes for disimpaction. Better studies available for maintenance. Included for side effects |
| Taubman et al. Overflow encopresis and stool toileting refusal during toilet training: A prospective study on the effect of therapeutic efficacy. 1997. Journal of Pediatrics 131[5], 768-771United States. | Non RCT. 2 arms organised according to previous toilet training. All children on the same laxative treatment |
| Levine et al. Children with encopresis: a study of treatment outcome. 1976. Pediatrics 58[6], 845-852 | Prospective case series. Combined interventions. Better studies available |
| Hardikar et al. Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes for chronic constipation in children: a single-centre, open-label study. 2007. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 43[7-8], 527-531 | Prospective case series. Better studies available |
| van der Plas et al. Biofeedback training in treatment of childhood constipation: a randomised controlled study. 1996. Lancet 348[9030], 776-780 | RCT: conventional treatment vs. conventional treatment + biofeedback. Will be considered for review on psychological/behavioural therapies |
| Banaszkiewicz et al. Ineffectiveness of Lactobacillus GG as an adjunct to lactulose for the treatment of constipation in children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. 2005. Journal of Pediatrics 146[3], 364-369 | RCT: laxative + lactobacillus vs. laxative + placebo. Will be considered for review on dietary modifications |
| Cox et al. Additive benefits of laxative, toilet training, and biofeedback therapies in the treatment of pediatric encopresis. 1996. Journal of Pediatric Psychology 21[5], 659-670 | RCT: laxative + toilet training vs. laxative + toilet training + biofeedback. Will be considered for review on psychological/behavioural therapies |
| Borowitz et al. Treatment of childhood encopresis: A randomized trial comparing three treatment protocols. 2002. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 34[4], 378-384United States. | RCT: laxatives vs. laxatives + behaviour management vs. laxatives + behaviour management + biofeedback. Will be considered for review on psychological/behavioural therapies |
| van der Plas et al. Randomised trial of biofeedback training for encopresis. 1996. Archives of Disease in Childhood 75[5], 367-374 | RCT: laxatives vs. laxatives + biofeedback. Will be considered for review on psychological/behavioural therapies |
| Cox et al. Contribution of behavior therapy and biofeedback to laxative therapy in the treatment of pediatric encopresis. 1998. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 20[2], 70-76 | RCT: laxatives vs. laxatives + toilet training vs. laxatives + toilet training + biofeedback. Will be considered for review on psychological/behavioural therapies |
| Brazzelli et al. Behavioural and cognitive interventions with or without other treatments for the management of faecal incontinence in children. 2008. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [2] | Systematic review. Excluded as such, but relevant individual references checked. Will be considered as SR for review on psychological/behavioural therapies |
| van Dijk et al. Behavioral therapy for childhood constipation: a randomized, controlled trial. 2008. Pediatrics 121[5], e1334-e1341 | RCT: laxatives vs. laxatives + behavioural therapies. Will be considered for review on psychological/behavioural therapies |
| Pijpers et al. Currently recommended treatments of childhood constipation are not evidence based. A systematic literature review on the effect of laxative treatment and dietary measures. 2008. Archives of Disease in Childhood | Systematic review. Excluded as such, but relevant individual references checked. Will also be considered for review on dietary interventions |
| Dupont et al. A dose determination study of polyethylene glycol 4000 in constipated children: factors influencing the maintenance dose. 2006. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 42[2], 178-185 | Dose-binding study |
| Bulut et al. Encopretic children: experience with fifty cases. 1991. Turkish Journal of Pediatrics 33[3], 167-172 | Non RCT. Better quality studies available |
| van Ginkel et al. The effect of anorectal manometry on the outcome of treatment in severe childhood constipation: a randomized, controlled trial. 2001. Pediatrics 108[1], E9 | RCT. Laxatives + advice vs. laxatives + advice + anorectal manometry. Will be considered for review on anorectal manometry |
| Guest et al. Clinical and economic impact of using macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes in an outpatient setting compared to enemas and suppositories and manual evacuation to treat paediatric faecal impaction based on actual clinical practice in England and Wales. 2007. Current Medical Research and Opinion 23[9], 2213-2225 | Excluded for review on maintenance as better quality studies available. Included for review on disimpaction |
| Harrington et al. Complications of Fleet enema administration and suggested guidelines for use in the pediatric emergency department. 1997. Pediatric Emergency Care 13[3], 225-226 | Adverse effects immediate and not long-term |
| Siegers et al. Anthranoid laxative abuse--a risk for colorectal cancer? 1993. Gut 34[8], 1099-1101 | Retrospective case series. 1095 patients, 51 aged 0 to 20 years, age group analysis done, but groups defined as <50, 50 to 70 and >70) |
| Mendoza et al. Systematic review: the adverse effects of sodium phosphate enema. 2007. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 26[1], 9-20 | Adverse effects immediate and not long-term |
| Weinstein. First do no harm: The dangers of mineral oil. 2001. Paediatrics and Child Health 6[3], 129-131Canada. | Case study: girl with constipation and cerebral palsy |
| Friedman et al. Case 2: First do no harm. 2003. Paediatrics and Child Health 8[9], 573-575Canada. | Case study: healthy boy with anterior ectopic anus |
| Kinservik et al. Evidence-based practice. The efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol 3350 in the treatment of constipation in children. 2004. Pediatric Nursing 30[3], 232-237 | Excluded as review because of low quality. Individual references checked |
| Badiali et al. Melanosis of the rectum in patients with chronic constipation. 1985. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 28[4], 241-245 | Mostly adult population and no age groups analysis done |
| Zanetti et al. Lipoid pneumonia in children following aspiration of mineral oil used in the treatment of constipation: high-resolution CT findings in 17 patients. 2007. Pediatric Radiology 37[11], 1135-1139 | Clinical data available for 12 children of the 17 originally included. 9 children had cerebral palsy and 2 children gastroesophageal reflux. |
| McAndrew et al. Continent catheterizable conduits: which stoma, which conduit and which reservoir? 2002. BJU International 89[1], 86-89 | Only 4 out of 89 children diagnosed with “constipation”, not clearly idiopathic. No subgroup analysis performed. No relevant clinical outcomes for effectiveness in treating constipation |
| Mellon et al. Treatment of retentive encopresis with diet modification and scheduled toileting vs. mineral oil and rewards for toileting: A clinical decision. 1996. Ambulatory Child Health 1[3], 214-222United Kingdom. | RCT, 25 children. Laxatives + rewards vs. diet modification + scheduled toilet training. Will be considered for review on psychological/behavioural therapies |
| van Ginkel et al. Lack of benefit of laxatives as adjunctive therapy for functional nonretentive fecal soiling in children. 2000. Journal of Pediatrics 137[6], 808-813 | Children with encopresis only and without fulfilling any other criterion of constipation. Encopresis defined as the voluntary or involuntary passage of a normal bowel movement in the underwear after the age of 4 years. Constipation defined as fulfilling at least 2 of the following 4 criteria: 2 or more episodes of encopresis/week, <3 bowel movements/week, periodic passage of very large amounts of stool and a palpable abdominal or rectal mass |
| Nolan et al. Randomised trial of laxatives in treatment of childhood encopresis. 1991. Lancet 338[8766], 523-527 | No clinical outcomes for disimpaction, only radiological ones.
Excluded for maintenance, because it Included children with encopresis, evidence of stool on plain abdominal radiography but excluded children with severe or prolonged constipation necessitating previous hospital admissions for enemas and other treatments. Primary encopresis defined when child had never achieved faecal continence for >1 month. Secondary encopresis if faecal continence had ever been achieved for >1 month. Intervention is a combination of laxatives (liquid paraffin, senna granules and/or bisacodyl tablets) and doses are not clearly reported for all of them. |
| Hyde et al. Using saline solutions for ACE washouts. 2008. Archives of Disease in Childhood 93[2], 149-150 | Very small sample size (only 4 children). Not clear whether children had idiopathic constipation |
| Wang et al. [Forlax in the treatment of childhood constipation: a randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical study]. [Chinese]. 2007. Zhongguo Dangdai Erke Zazhi (Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics) 9[5], 429-432 | Paper written in Chinese |
| Pensabene et al. [Success of antegrade enemas in children with functional constipation]. [Italian]. 2003. Pediatria Medica e Chirurgica 25[2], 126-130 | Paper written in Italian |
| Ekmark et al. The antegrade continence enema (ACE) surgical procedure: patient selection, outcomes, long-term patient management. 2000. European Journal of Pediatric Surgery 10 Suppl 1, 49-51 | All children had myelomeningocele |
| Bani-Hani et al. Tap water irrigation and additives to optimize success with the Malone antegrade continence enema: the Indiana University algorithm. 2008. Journal of Urology 180[4 Suppl], 1757-1760 | 256 children, all but 1 with organic causes of constipation |
| Nanigian et al. Intermediate-term outcome of the simplified laparoscopic antegrade continence enema procedure: less is better. 2008. Journal of Urology 179[1], 299-303 | All children had organic causes of constipation |
| Pijpers et al. Currently recommended treatments of childhood constipation are not evidence based: a systematic literature review on the effect of laxative treatment and dietary measures. 2009. Archives of Disease in Childhood 94[2], 117-131 | All references checked. All relevant studies already retrieved and already included in our review |
| Candy et al. Macrogol (polyethylene glycol) laxatives in children with functional constipation and faecal impaction: a systematic review. 2009. Archives of Disease in Childhood 94[2], 156-160 | All references checked. All relevant studies already retrieved and already included in our review |
| Michaud et al. Outcome of functional constipation in childhood: a 10-year follow-up study. 2009. Clinical Pediatrics 48[1], 26-31 | No data on adverse effects reported |
