OP‐22 PERCEPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CONSTIPATION IN ARGENTINE PEDIATRICIANS. RESULTS OF A PRELIMINARY SURVEY.

Abstract

Introduction:Constipation is a frequent cause of medical consultation in pediatric practice. However a lack of knowledge about good practice in the management and treatment of these patients is evidenced.Aim:To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and current practices of pediatricians with regard to constipation.Methods:A closed‐ended structured questionnaire was implemented in a cohort of pediatricians belonging to a continuous medical education program. Sample size: 123.Results:123 doctors were included. Females 70.8%. Age: 60.2% above 40 years. Professional practice: 56.6% more than 15 years with 43% working in both public and private practice. 95.6% ask about bowel habits in their patients, but only 40% know well Rome III criteria. 53.9% make the initial evaluation with abdominal palpation and inspection of the anal region but 76% never make a digital rectal examination on the first visit. The Bristol stool scale was known by 41.3% of doctors and they consider useful 98.1%. Only 19.4% ask additional studies, being the abdominal x‐ray the most frequent (95%). Diet with fiber was the first line treatment for constipation (97%). Only 32% use laxatives to treat a constipated child, being lactulose the most used (64.4%). For disimpaction the use of Murphy enema (36.5%) and phosphate enemas (34.4%) were the most frequent. 63% of doctors consider that a diet with adequacy of soluble and insoluble fiber was the best (63%). Psychological assessment was “sometimes” considered in constipated children (64%).Conclusions:Although argentine pediatricians ask about bowel habits in pediatric practice only a few know well Bristol stool scale and Rome III criteria. Dietary fiber is the first line treatment. Only one in every three pediatricians indicates laxatives in constipation showing the need to enhance medical education about this problem.