Retrospective Analysis of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Results in the Follow-Up of Paediatric Functional Constipation.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) findings in children with functional constipation who achieved complete clinical improvement following standard treatment in accordance with international guidelines.

Material and methods: The study included 58 children (31 boys) aged 0.9-16.1 (mean age 5.22 ± 3.24), diagnosed with functional constipation, who attended two visits: First due to constipation-related symptoms and second to evaluate the treatment response. Each patient underwent a complete abdominal ultrasound examination before or during the first visit and a POCUS assessment at follow-up.

Results: The median time to follow-up was 3.7 months (IQR: 2.5-7.4), with a range of 0.9-29.2 months. The mean rectal diameter decreased from 38.93 ± 10.7 mm at baseline to 24.46 ± 11.54 mm after treatment. Initially, hard stool predominated in the rectal ampulla (96.6%) and sigmoid colon (93.1%). At follow-up, hard stool decreased to 63.7% in the rectum and 45.5% in the sigmoid colon. Although symptom resolution and physical examination would suggest continuing the current treatment, it was intensified in 51.7% of patients based on POCUS findings.

Conclusion: In the studied children with functional constipation, POCUS findings provided additional, clinically meaningful information for evaluating treatment response.