What is the best therapy for constipation in infants?
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER The best treatment for minor, self-limited constipation (infant dyschezia) may be observation and parental education about its benign nature. (Grade of recommendation: D, expert opinion.) For cases requiring treatment, limited evidence suggests that 2 weeks of 2% or 4% lactulose normalizes stool passage and consistency. (Grade of recommendation: C, single cohort study.) No data are available about the benefits or harms of rectal thermometer stimulation, glycerin suppositories, sorbitol or sorbitol-containing juices, barley malt extract, or corn syrup. The significant risks of sodium phosphate enemas and mineral oil consumption make their use contraindicated. (Grade of recommendation: D, case reports and expert opinion.
