Objective: To determine the prevalence of constipation in children ≤ 2 years , describe the symptoms of constipation, and review how often specific intervent ions were effective. Study design: Retrospective chart review. Results: Of 4 1 57 children < 2 years of age, 185 children had constipation. The prevalence rate for constipation in the first year of life was 2.9% , and in the second year o f life, the rate was 10.1% . Functional constipation was the cause in 97% of the children. Boys and girls were affected with equal frequency. Constipation wa s caused by an underlying organic disease in 1.6% of cases. Dietary changes an d corn syrup were the initial treatment suggestions for 116 children; 93% of t hese children underwent follow- up examinations, and the constipation resolved in 25% of the children. Of 100 children treated with milk of magnesia or polye thylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes, 93 children underwent follow- up exam inations, and the constipation was resolved with treatment in 92% of the child ren. Conclusions: Dietary changes, corn syrup, or both resolved constipation in 25% of children, and laxatives resolved constipation in 92% of children. Bot h milk of magnesia and polyethylene glycol were efficient and safe in infants an d toddlers.
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