PICO question:

What is the diagnostic value of the abdominal X-ray in diagnosing constipation in newborns, infants and children?
Patients/Population

Neonates (newborns), infants and all children up to their 18th birthday
Intervention/Exposure

Abdominal X-ray
Control

Digital rectal examination

Abdominal palpation

Abdominal ultrasound

Transit time with radiological isotope markers
Outcomes

Diagnosis of constipation

Accurate diagnosis of constipation

Differential diagnosis of constipation

Sensitivity, specificity

Diagnostic value

Diagnostic accuracy

Positive predictive value

Negative predictive value

From: Appendix I, Search Strategies

Cover of Constipation in Children and Young People
Constipation in Children and Young People: Diagnosis and Management of Idiopathic Childhood Constipation in Primary and Secondary Care.
NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 99.
National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health (UK).
London: RCOG Press; 2010.
Copyright © 2010, National Collaborating Centre for Women's and Children's Health.

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