Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Dergisi
2013 , Vol 56 , Num 1
Comparison of probiotic and lactulose treatments in children with functional constipation and determination of the effects of constipation treatment on quality of life
Başkent Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi 1Pediatri Uzmanı, 2Pediatri Profesörü
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM
17938) and lactulose on functional constipation and to determine their impact
on quality of life (QoL) of patients. One hundred and three children (53 in
treatment, 50 in the control group) were evaluated. A generic QoL questionnaire
was applied to all children and families. Children with functional constipation
were treated with probiotics (n=25) or lactulose (n=28) for four weeks.
Patients were asked to keep a bowel diary during treatment. The generic QoL
questionnaire was re-applied after the treatment period. Defecation frequency,
stool consistency, abdominal pain, painful defecation, and stool-withholding
behavior improved significantly in both treatment groups. Probiotics were
more effective on abdominal pain and flatulence than lactulose. Average
QoL scores were significantly lower in children with functional constipation
than in healthy children. No differences were found between the effects of
treatments on QoL. Improvement in the family perspectives of QoL was
significant in the lactulose group.
Anahtar Kelimeler :
fonksiyonel kabızlık, probiyotikler, laktuloz, yaşam kalitesi.