Primary Care Lunch and Learn: Treatment Strategies for Childhood Constipation

Objectives (Educational Content) :

1..Review the prevalence and clinical impact of pediatric constipation.

2.Understand how major laxative classes work at a physiologic level.

3. Analyze the benefits & limitations of commonly used agents for constipation.

Target Audience:

General pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, psychologists, and nurses.

Identified Gap:

Children with constipation experience significant clinical burden, yet gaps persist in clinician knowledge and application of evidence-based management strategies. Many providers have limited understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of constipation and the physiologic mechanisms of action of commonly used laxative classes, contributing to variability in treatment selection and inconsistent adherence to guideline-recommended care. This can lead to suboptimal symptom control, prolonged disease course, and unnecessary escalation of care. Addressing these gaps by improving knowledge of the prevalence, clinical impact, and comparative benefits and limitations of available therapies is essential to optimize patient outcomes and align practice with current standards.

Estimated Time to Complete the Educational Activity:

1 hour(s)

Expiration Date for CE/CME Credit:

06-22-2027

Method of Participation in the Learning Process:

The learner will view the presentation, successfully complete a post-test and complete an activity evaluation.

Evaluation Methods:

All learners must successfully complete a post-test, as well as an activity evaluation, to claim CE/CME credit.

Disclosure:

The speaker(s) has returned the disclosure form, indicating that there are no financial relationships with ineligible companies: Christine Carter-Kent, MD The following CME Committee/Planning Committee member(s) has the following financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose: All remaining CME and planning committee members have returned their disclosure forms, indicating that they have no financial relationships with ineligible companies

Accreditation Statement:

Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron is accredited by the Ohio State Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CHMCA designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit TM.  Physicians should only claim the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Bibliography:

1. Rodriguez L, American Gastroenterological Association-North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Pediatric Functional Constipation Clinical Care Pathway, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2026, Articles in Press (epub).

2. Tabbers MM, Evaluation and Treatment of Functional Constipation in Infant and Children, Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 2014; 58: 258-274.

3. Rao SSC, Efficacy and Safety of Over-the-Counter Therapies for Chronic Constipation, American Journal of Gastroenterology 2021; 116: 1156-1181.