Efficacy of oral magnesium therapy in the treatment of chronic constipation in spastic cerebral palsy children: a randomized controlled trial

• Published in: World journal of pediatrics : WJP 2021-02, Vol.17 (1), p.92-98
• Main Authors: Hassanein, Sahar M. A., Deifallah, Shaymaa M., Bastawy, Hend A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Critical Care Medicine; Imaging; Intensive; Maternal and Child Health; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article; Pediatric Surgery; Pediatrics; Radiology; Surgery
• ISSN: 1708-8569; 1867-0687
• DOI: 10.1007/s12519-020-00401-0

Background Constipation is a common problem in children with spastic cerebral palsy (sCP) with a prevalence that reaches 75%. We hypothesized that treating constipation in those children will improve their health and shorten time spent in daily care. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral magnesium sulfate for treating chronic constipation in children with sCP. Methods A prospective, double-blinded randomized control trial was carried out involving 100 children aged 2–12 years with sCP (level III–V of the Gross Motor Functional Classification system) and chronic constipation. They were followed up in the Pediatric neurology clinic, Children’s hospital, Ain Shams University, May 2017- January 2019. The intervention group (O–Mg) received oral magnesium sulfate 1 mL/kg/day daily for 1 month compared to the placebo. Outcome measures were constipation improvement and decrease in bowel evacuation time after 1 month. Results Initially, weekly bowel movements, constipation scores and stool consistency were comparable in both groups. After 1 month of regular administration of oral magnesium sulfate, the constipation score, stool frequency and consistency improved compared to the placebo group ( P