ArticleNutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition2026
Factors associated with constipation in critically ill children: A retrospective study.
Article in Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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- Factors associated with constipation in critically ill children: A retrospective study.Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition · 2026Article
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8 authors.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND
aimConstipation affects half of critically ill children in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). The primary aim was to identify factors associated with constipation.
methodsA multicenter retrospective review of nutrition support, medication, and defecation in critically ill children in five PICUs with an expected length of stay greater than 48 h. Constipation: defined as ≥3 days from admission without a bowel movement.
resultsA total of 250 children, mean age 38.1 ± 56.2 months, of which 155 (62%) were male. Among the 47% (117/250) of children who were constipated, compared to no constipation group, the mean time to passage of first stool was 6.0 ± 3.7 days vs.1.0 ± 1.1 days, respectively (P < 0.001). Children with and without constipation achieved 43% of energy and 36% of protein recommendations, compared with 67% and 56%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, factors that increased the risk of constipation included children prescribed opioids and muscle relaxants, a cardiac diagnosis (P < 0.0001), and sex (males) (P = 0.04). Conversely, children had a reduced risk of constipation if they were following a bowel-management protocol (30% reduced risk) or prescribed laxatives (P = 0.001).
conclusionIn this retrospective study, the incidence of constipation among children admitted to the PICU was 47%. Risk factors for constipation included the use of opioid and muscle relaxants, a cardiac diagnosis, and sex (males). Children with constipation had significantly lower energy and protein intake during their PICU admission. Implementation of a bowel-management protocol and prescription of laxatives was associated with a reduced risk of constipation.
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