The effect of lactulose in the treatment of chronic functional constipation in children

Abstract

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem in children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of lactulose in the management of functional constipation in children. An open clinical trial was conducted in 140 children aged 1 – 5 years at the National Children Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam with a diagnosis of functional constipation. The reslult suggest that frequency and consistency of defecation, as well as clinical symptoms were improved significantly when using lactulose with 2 ml/kg/day. The mean weekly stool frequency improved from 1.9 ± 0.8 times to 4.9 ± 1.8 times after 1 month and to 5.9 ± 1.4 times after 3 months of treatment (p < 0.01). The rate of effective treatment (the weekly stool frequency ≥ 3 times and fecal incontinence ≤ 1 time every two weeks) was 68% after 1 month and increased to 72.8% after 2 and 3 months of treatment. In addition to using laxatives, fiber and fluid intake per day > 80% standard recommendation improve the effect in the treatment. In conclusion, lactulose is a safe, effective and well-tolerated long-term treatment for constipation. Regular supplement of fiber and fluid in children with constipation is important to improve the effect in the treatment of constipation.