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4. Ultrasound Abdomen for Investigating Chronic Constipation and Associated Complication in Pediatric Patients
Safia Izhar1, Samia Perwaiz Khan2, Samreen Zaidi3, Shazia Kadri1, Fadieleh A. Sohail4 and Ayesha Mir2
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the significance of ultrasound abdomen as a tool in the diagnosis of idiopathic chronic constipation, and complication in pediatric patients.
Study Design: Comparative Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Medicare cardiac and general hospital from 25th December 2021 to June 2022.
Materials and Methods: This was an observational study. Hundred pediatric patients ( age range 4-7 years) with chronic constipation, Male(n=74) to female(n=46) ratio was 3:1, visiting the Pediatrics outpatient’s department and were also referred from pediatric clinics, the Medicare Cardiac & General hospital, Karachi, Pakistan Pediatric patients with complaints of chronic constipation were included in this study. Ultrasound imaging was done, and anterior and posterior imaging of the abdomen and pelvis in the supine position to visualize intestinal walls, impacted fecal material, and complications.
Results: Ultrasound imaging of the abdomen and pelvis in hundred pediatric patients with chronic constipation, findings included fecal impaction (n =89), hypermobile small bowel (n=67), worm infestation (n =31), perforation and free fluid (n =3) in these patients.
Conclusion: Ultrasound investigation was the most valuable, non-invasive tool in the investigation and management of chronic constipation in pediatric patients. Associated complications such as bowel perforation and behavioral problems were evaluated in these children by appropriate and timely management (PEG, Laxatives, Fluid and fiber along with psychotherapy etc).
Key Words: Ultrasound abdomen, FC functional constipation, Disimpaction, Laxatives, Bowel perforation, behavioral problems.
Citation of article: Izhar S, Khan SP, Zaidi S, Kadri S, Sohail FA, Mir A. Ultrasound Abdomen for Investigating Chronic Constipation and Associated Complication in Pediatric Patients. Med Forum 2022;33(8):16-20.