A Primary Care Approach to Constipation in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Constipation is a condition that is very prevalent and is reported in up to 40 percent of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Constipation in this patient population is most commonly secondary to neuromuscular abnormalities, immobility, suboptimal diet, and medication side effects. History taking is frequently limited in adults with IDD due to communication barriers, often leading to a missed diagnosis of constipation. Inadequately treated constipation may lead to adverse effects including behavioral disturbances, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, and even death from intestinal perforation and sepsis. As a result, a high index of suspicion must exist for this patient population. Treatment in these patients requires an individualized approach, to reduce the constipation and its associated health complications.

Pathological post-obstructive diuresis following obstructive uropathy due to constipation in the post-partum period: a case report

Background Constipation during pregnancy is not uncommon. Usually, this does not warrant extensive evaluation and settles with minor interventions or lifestyle modifications. Severe fecal impaction in chronically constipated patients can rarely lead to obstructive uropathy. Relief of obstruction can result in a diuretic phase which may be self-limiting or pathological. However, occurrence of pathological post-obstructive diuresis as a result of severe constipation is an extremely rare complication during pregnancy and puerperium which can even be fatal if not promptly diagnosed and adequately monitored and timely intervened. We describe the management of a pathological post-obstructive diuresis which occurred in the immediate postpartum period after treatment of severe constipation and obstructive uropathy. Case presentation A woman who had undergone an emergency caesarean section due to deep transverse arrest 1 week ago, presented with fecal impaction and anuria. On relief of urinary obstruction which had developed secondary to fecal impaction, she developed pathological post-obstructive diuresis. Careful and timely monitoring with exact fluid replacement, correction of electrolyte imbalances and multidisciplinary care ensured complete recovery of the patient. Conclusions Despite obstructive uropathy being uncommon in obstetric practice, clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion to monitor and promptly manage the potentially life-threatening condition of post-obstructive diuresis in pregnant and puerperal women undergoing urinary tract decompression. Due to unreliability of laboratory cutoff values in pregnancy and puerperium, a more vigilant and multidisciplinary approach with lower threshold for intervention is more prudent in the management of these patients.

Fecal Impaction in the Rectum and Rectosigmoid Colon Secondary to Sunflower Seed Ingestion

A 35-month-old male who had eaten a bag of sunflower seeds initially presented to the emergency department (ED) with visible seeds in the anus and was discharged home with a stool softener after manual disimpaction. He then returned to the hospital 2 days later, and abdominal radiographs confirmed significant fecal material within the rectum and rectosigmoid colon. After failed oral and rectal laxative therapy attempts, subsequent disimpaction under anesthesia revealed an undigested sunflower seed bezoar in the rectum extending to the distal segment of his sigmoid colon. This case highlights the dangers and possible complications of seed ingestion even in small quantities in children along with the pathophysiology of impaction. This is one of the youngest cases reported in the United States involving the rectum and rectosigmoid colon with a sunflower bezoar.

Tackling constipation in patients on high dose antipsychotics

AimsThe aim of this audit was to look into patients on high dose antipsychotics who had developed complications of constipation in the PICU setting .BackgroundAntipsychotics are usually used in the treatment of Schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses. Drug such as Clozapine mainly has a higher risk profile due to gastrointestinal hypo motility. It could present as constipation, fecal impaction or a bowel obstruction and could even lead to death.MethodDuring ward rounds enquired on bowel habits and diet.Physical examination of patients complaining of abdominal pain.Screened notes in past to see how many patients complained of constipation and interventions suggested and used.I65.Result3 of the 10 patients on PICU were on high dose antipsychotics and 2 of them had reported constipation. Of which one required daily review and vigorous treatment with laxatives and dietary changes.RecommendationBristol stool chart introduced as part of care plan for all patients.Teaching presentation of constipation and its treatment management was given to the PICU team.Involving medical team early on for assessment and prophylactic laxatives prescription.Liaison with the pantry team to include more options of fruits and vegetables into daily meal plan for patients.Data and material handed over to next trainee to Re-audit and complete audit cycle.ConclusionAppropriate prevention and early management of side effects can enhance the benefits of antipsychotics. Bowel function monitoring and the use of prophylactic laxatives for patient on high dose antipsychotics such as clozapine is advisable to prevent complications related to it.