Manejo de la Constipación en Pacientes Pediátricos. Dieta versus Laxantes. Revisión Sistemática.

Abstract

Background: Pediatric constipation is a prevalent condition that significantly affects children’s quality of life, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.7% to 29.6% (1). It is treated with high-fiber diets and laxatives. Objective: To describe the effectiveness of constipation management, comparing non-pharmacological approaches with pharmacological treatments. Method: It is a qualitative-descriptive study. Studies published since 2019 were analyzed, using PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. The focus was on children up to 14 years of age, prioritizing research with significant clinical outcomes, excluding reviews, opinions, and studies that were not focused on pediatric patients or lacked direct clinical relevance. Results: The research provides a detailed comparison of the efficacy and safety of these evidence-based therapeutic interventions for treating pediatric constipation. These findings provide healthcare professionals with updated, reliable, and scientific information, supporting improved clinical decision-making and effective management of this condition in children. Conclusions: The treatment of functional constipation in children is effective when using PEG 3350, which significantly improves stool frequency and consistency, and is well tolerated. Lactulose, although it responds more slowly, is safe and inexpensive. A high-fiber diet is essential for the long-term control of constipation, improving bowel regularity, and fostering healthy habits. Alternatives, such as green banana biomass and Rosa damascena, are also effective and well-accepted, providing additional options for pediatric management. Keywords: constipation, dietary fiber, laxatives, child health