Lack of awareness of constipation puts stress on emergency rooms

A lack of awareness and knowledge about childhood constipation is putting avoidable stress on emergency rooms and costing the Victorian economy millions of dollars a year, according to a study by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute.

The study, which is published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, found there was a significant cost burden in Victoria, with childhood constipation costing public hospitals $5.5 million per year. It also found hospitalisations from paediatric constipations is 10-fold higher in Australia than in the US.

Researchers found nearly 9,000 paediatric admissions to Victorian hospitals with a primary diagnosis of constipation between 2003 and 2009, with stays lasting an average of four and a half days. There were 1,121 readmissions for 668 children and, on average, each admission period cost $4236 per patient. Per admission, costs were similar to diabetes, bowel disease and appendectomy.

Lead researcher, Dr Bridget Southwell, said there needs to be more awareness with GPs and recognition of the condition. Researchers also suggested campaigns aimed at demystifying constipation and encouraging more effective primary care could reduce spending.

"Constipation is commonly viewed as trivial, benign complaint that most children 'will grow out of' and recent studies suggest that recognition and treatment of constipation are often delayed. Public health efforts are required to increase community recognition, awareness and acceptance of constipation as an important medical problem in children.

If we could better treat some of these patients in the primary setting, we would free up emergency department resources and hospital resources."

Researchers at the Institute are currently undertaking a study which is investigating a novel way to treat childhood constipation through electric stimulation therapy.

Physiotherapists use transcutaneous electrical stimulation to treat pain and muscle injury. Researchers at the Institute have been trialing the technique of treating children with constipation with electrical stimulation through electrodes on the belly and back.

Previous clinical trials have shown that stimulation applied externally to the abdomen has improved bowel motility. If successful, it would allow children to be treated in their own setting which would take a significant burden off families and the healthcare system.

More information:
Recruiting for the trial is ongoing, if you are interested in taking part in the study, please contact Healthy Bowels Study Nurse Coordinator (03) 9936 6676.

Provided by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute