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J Pediatr 2000 Jan;136(1):41-5  

Effect of the dietary fiber glucomannan on chronic constipation in neurologically impaired children.

Staiano A, Simeone D, Del Giudice E, Miele E, Tozzi A, Toraldo C.

Department of Pediatrics, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.

OBJECTIVE: Inadequate dietary fiber intake is a widely accepted explanation for chronic constipation in children with severe brain damage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of glucomannan, a soluble fiber, as a treatment for chronic constipation in these children. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty children with severe brain damage and chronic constipation were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with either glucomannan (n = 10) or placebo (n = 10) for 12 weeks. Stool habits, total and segmental gastrointestinal transit times, and anorectal motility were evaluated in all children before and after the treatment period. RESULTS: Glucomannan significantly increased (P <.01) stool frequency, whereas the effect of placebo was not significant. Laxative or suppository use was significantly reduced (P <.01) by glucomannan but was not affected by placebo. Clinical scores of stool consistency were significantly improved and episodes of painful defecation per week were significantly reduced by glucomannan (P <.01) but not by placebo. However, neither glucomannan nor placebo had a measurable effect on total and segmental transit times. CONCLUSIONS: In neurologically impaired children, glucomannan improves stool frequency but has no effect on colonic motility.

Publication Types:
  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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