Chronic constipation: Current treatment options (original) (raw)

. 2011 Oct;25(Suppl B):22B–28B.

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Abstract

Chronic constipation is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects patients of all ages. In 2007, a consensus group of 10 Canadian gastroenterologists developed a set of recommendations pertaining to the management of chronic constipation and constipation-dominant irritable bowel syndrome. Since then, tegaserod has been withdrawn from the Canadian market. A new, highly selective serotonin receptor subtype 4 agonist, prucalopride, has been examined in several large, randomized, placebo-controlled trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in the management of patients with chronic constipation. Additional studies evaluating the use of stimulant laxatives, polyethylene glycol and probiotics in the management of chronic constipation have also been published. The present review summarizes the previous recommendations and new evidence supporting different treatment modalities – namely, diet and lifestyle, bulking agents, stool softeners, osmotic and stimulant laxatives, prucalopride and probiotics in the management of chronic constipation. A brief summary of lubiprostone and linaclotide is also presented. The quality of evidence is presented by adopting the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Finally, a management pyramid for patients with chronic constipation is proposed based on the quality of evidence, impact of each modality on constipation and on general health, and their availabilities in Canada.

Keywords: Biofeedback, Chronic constipation, Dyssynergic defecation, Laxative, Prucalopride

Chronic constipation has been reported in 15% to 25% of the general population (1–3). It affects patients of all ages and both sexes, and different cultures and ethnicities. It is more commonly reported in women, elderly patients, residents of chronic care facilities and patients with concurrent psychiatric illnesses. Constipation decreases patients’ quality of life (QoL); its impact on QoL is comparable with patients suffering from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis (4).

The Rome III diagnostic criteria identify patients with functional constipation when 25% of bowel movements are associated with at least two of the following symptoms: straining; hard or lumpy stools; a sense of incomplete evacuation; a sense of anorectal obstruction; the need for manual manoeuvres; or fewer than three defecations per week in the previous three months with an onset of symptoms longer than six months (5). In addition, these patients should also rarely complain of loose stool without the use of a laxative and do not meet the diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort is the hallmark difference that distinguishes patients with functional chronic constipation from constipation-dominant IBS (IBS-C).

Chronic constipation can be subclassified into four categories: normal transit, slow transit, dyssynergic defecation (DD) and slow transit-dyssynergic combination (6,7). The Rome III criteria clearly reflect the fact that patients with chronic constipation who seek medical attention due to dissatisfaction with their bowel function can have normal bowel movement frequency. Not too surprisingly, approximately 50% of constipated patients are found to have normal-transit constipation (1). Slow-transit constipation accounts for 13% to 15% of chronically constipated patients, whereas DD can be found in 25% to 30% of patients (6). Combined slow-transit dyssynergic constipation has been reported in 10% to 15% of patients with chronic constipation. In patients with dyssynergic defecation, up to 50% are found to have concurrent slow-transit constipation. In some of these patients, the transit abnormality can be normalized after the DD is resolved.

In 2007, a group of 10 Canadian gastroenterologists conducted a systematic review of the literature and developed a set of consensus treatment recommendations for chronic constipation and IBS-C (6). More recently, in part driven by the development of new pharmacological agents, several review articles addressing the treatment of chronic constipation have been published in Europe (3) and the United States (7,8). However, some of these pharmacological agents and investigational tools are not widely available in Canada. The present article reviews the evidence regarding the use of different therapeutic interventions in the treatment of primary chronic constipation and highlights the options that are available in Canada.

IDENTIFYING PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY FUNCTIONAL CHRONIC CONSTIPATION

A thorough and meticulous history is most helpful in ruling out constipation secondary to drugs (eg, opioids, calcium-channel blockers and anticholinergics) or other underlying medical illness (eg, connective-tissue, neurological or metabolic diseases). Patients with alarming symptoms, such as new onset of symptoms after 50 years of age, rectal bleeding, nocturnal symptoms, significant weight loss, fever, anemia or abnormal physical examination, warrant further investigations to rule out secondary causes (6). The Bristol stool chart is easy to use and validated to correlate stool consistency with colonic transit time (9). Stool type 1 or 2 indicates slow-transit constipation. The importance of a comprehensive pelvic floor and anorectal digital examination has been emphasized by several experts, with the goal of evaluating the presence of pelvic floor dyssynergy (7,8). The Rome III diagnostic criteria define functional defecation disorders in a subset of patients with functional constipation entirely based on anorectal manometry (ARM) or imaging studies, namely, having two of the following criteria: impaired evacuation based on a failed balloon expulsion test or imaging, inappropriate contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (ie, anal sphincter or puborectalis); less than 20% relaxation of basal resting sphincter pressure assessed by ARM, imaging or electromyography; or inadequate propulsive forces assessed by ARM or imaging (10). However, ARM, defecography and electromyography are not widely available in Canada. A careful digital rectal examination by an expert is reported to have a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 87% in identifying DD in patients with chronic constipation (11). The pelvic floor examination should start with a careful perianal examination for visible lesions, followed by assessing the perianal sensory and anocutaneous wink reflex of all four quadrants. The digital rectal examination enables the examiner to reveal the resting tone of the anal sphincter and, more importantly in the context of constipation, to evaluate whether there is an adequate elevation of intrarectal pressure associated with coordinated anal sphincter relaxation while the patient is asked to strain. At the same time, descending perineum syndrome is suspected in a female patient if the perineum reaches or descends below the ischial tuberosities during the Valsalva maneouvre.

LIFESTYLE AND DIETARY MODIFICATION

Although there are insufficient data to support the notion that diet and lifestyle modification can improve chronic constipation, it is widely accepted and recommended by experts as first-line therapy (6,8,12).

Constipation and immobility

Studies supporting physical activity in the management of constipation are sparse and inconsistent. In healthy individuals, physical activity either prolongs (13) or has no effect (14,15) on bowel transit time. In a randomized control trial (RCT) (16), regular exercise did not significantly improve constipation symptoms or the need for regular laxative use in institutionalized, elderly patients (64 to 94 years of age [n=157]) over a six-month period. These participants engaged in moderately intense activity with a median duration of 32 min per day. A questionnaire study identified 140 of 1069 employees in a Veterans Administrative Database who met the Rome I criteria for constipation (17); self-reported physical activity was not related to the risk of constipation but was associated with improved QoL. A small uncontrolled study (18) reported that individualized multimodal conservative intervention comprised of advice on dietary supplementation, fluid intake, exercise, position to defecate, the gastrocolic reflex and over-the-counter laxative use improved QoL and decreased the severity of constipation in 27 patients. Although these studies did not consistently show that physical activity improved constipation, they suggest that physical activity improves QoL. A similar association has also been reported in patients with IBS-C. In a small 12-week study involving 56 patients who met the Rome II diagnostic criteria for IBS (19), exercise significantly improved constipation compared with the standard of care. A recent RCT (20) showed that an individualized, supervised physical activity program (20 min to 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous activity, three to five days per week) over a 12-week period significantly improved the symptom severity scores of IBS patients. These studies consistently illustrated that although physical activity may not improve stool frequency, it is recommended because it appears to improve QoL and decrease bowel symptom severity in addition to offering other general health benefits.

Bulking agents: Fibre supplementation

Bulking agents are organic polysaccharides that increase stool weight and improve stool consistency by retaining fluid in the stool. Evidence supporting the use of bulking agents in the management of chronic constipation has previously been summarized (6,12). Psyllium is the most commonly used bulking agent in Canada. In placebo-control trials, psyllium has been shown to decrease stool transit time (21), and improve stool frequency, consistency and weight (22); when psyllium was compared with lactulose, the magnitude of effects on stool frequency was similar (23,24). Although these were small studies with a short treatment duration (four weeks), and given the associated benefit of dietary fibre in reducing coronary heart disease (25) and lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (26), it is generally recommended as the initial conservative treatment for chronic constipation.

STOOL SOFTENERS

Stool softeners are anionic surfactants with an emulsifying detergent-like property that increase the content of water in stool. Although stool softeners are commonly used in the treatment of constipation, evidence supporting their use is weak. A small RCT conducted in 1968 involving 15 elderly patients (27) suggested that sodium docusate increased stool frequency; however, its effect could not be reproduced in a later RCT using calcium docusate (28). Whether the lack of effect in the latter study was related to the use of a calcium instead of a sodium salt is debatable. In a more recent two-week, multicentre, double-blinded RCT involving 170 patients (29), sodium docusate was found to be less effective than psyllium at improving stool frequency.

LAXATIVES

Osmotic laxatives

Osmotic laxatives contain poorly absorbable substances that serve as osmotic agents to draw water into the intestinal lumen. The most commonly used osmotic laxatives in Canada are ‘Milk of Magnesia’ (Phillips, Bayer Inc, Canada) (magnesium hydroxide), lactulose and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Although there have been no RCTs demonstrating the efficacy of magnesium salts in the management of mild to moderate chronic constipation, expert opinions and clinical experiences support its use (6). Because magnesium is renally excreted, its use in patients with renal insufficiency is not recommended.

Lactulose was shown to be safe and effective in normalizing stool frequency. Three RCTs (two in patients with functional constipation [30,31], and one in patients with opiate-associated constipation [32]) showed that lactulose significantly improved stool frequency with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 3.9 (6).

PEG is a nonabsorbable and nonmetabolized polymer that draws fluid into the bowel lumen. Both electrolyte-enriched PEG (33–35) (commonly used to prepare patients for colonoscopy) and electrolyte-free PEG (PEG 3350) (36,37) have been shown to be effective in improving stool frequency and consistency in RCTs. When PEG 3350 was compared with lactulose, PEG significantly improved constipation symptoms. Although both PEG 3350 and lactulose were similarly well-tolerated, patients treated with PEG reported less flatus (38). In the United Kingdom, using the Health Improvement Network Database, PEG was shown to be more cost effective than lactulose in the treatment of chronic constipation (39). A recent meta-analysis, which included five placebo-controlled RCTs, demonstrated that the NNT to improve constipation using osmotic laxatives (lactulose was used in one study and PEG in four studies) was 3 (95% CI 2 to 4) (40).

Stimulant laxatives

The commonly available stimulant laxatives in Canada are bisacodyl, senna, cascara and sodium picosulfate (SPS). Senna and cascara can frequently be found in herbal remedies or tea. The active ingredients of Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana, also known as sacred bark or California buckthorn) are hydroxyanthraquinone glycosides found in the dried bark of the plant. The fresh bark, however, causes nausea, vomiting and griping abdominal pain. Senna alexandrina has also been widely used for the treatment of constipation, even though there is no clinical controlled trial to support its use in the management of chronic constipation (6,12). Senna can be found in several herbal remedies (eg, Black draught, Chatoliocon, Daffy’s Exlixir, Diasenna, Swedish bitters and many diet teas). Due to the widespread use of senna in herbal remedies, Health Canada has issued a product monograph as a guide to industry for the preparation of product licence applications and labels for natural health product market authorization. Similar to cascara, the active ingredients found in senna plants are anthraquinone glycosides.

Bisacodyl is a phenolphthalein that is activated by the action of endogenous deacetylase enzymes found in the mucosa of the small intestine and colon, whereas SPS is converted by desulfatases of the colonic microflora. Bisacodyl and SPS are both prodrugs that are converted in the gut into the same active metabolite, bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane, which exhibits an antiabsorptive-secretory and prokinetic effect (41). In a recent meta-analysis including two RCTs (one from the United Kingdom using bisacodyl published in abstract form, and another from Germany using SPS) (40), the NNT to achieve at least three complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week was 3. Both were short-term studies (four weeks); hence, long-term safety and efficacy are unclear. In long-term use, dependency and cathartic colon are of concern, albeit not supported by well-documented evidence (6,42). Stimulant laxatives tend to be recommended for occasional use.

PROKINETIC AGENTS

Cisapride and tegaserod were two previously widely used prokinetic agents in Canada. Their prokinetic properties mediate primarily through the agonistic effect of the seratonin subtype 4 (5-HT4) receptor. Cisapride was approved in 1980 for the treatment of chronic constipation. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter concerning its cardiotoxicity in July 2000. Cisapride was subsequently withdrawn from the market. In 2002, tegaserod was initially approved for short-term treatment in women with IBS-C. It was later approved for use in adults with chronic constipation in 2004. In March 2007, Novartis, as mandated by the FDA, reported a retrospective pool analysis of 29 clinical trials (11,614 patients treated with tegaserod and 7031 patients with placebo) that indicated an increased risk of cardiovascular events (angina, myocardial infarction and cerebral vascular accidents), with a number needed to harm of 1000 (the event rate was 0.11% in tegaserod-treated patients versus 0.01% in placebo-treated patients) (43). Although the cardiovascular event rate in tergaserod-treated patients was similar to the general population, Novartis voluntarily withdrew tegaserod from the market in March 2007. Using a health insurance database containing data of five million people from across the United States, a recent large cohort observation study (44) matched 52,229 patients who were initiated on tegaserod with 52,229 individuals with similar characteristics who were not. It showed no increase in cardiovascular ischemic events. Currently, tegaserod is not available in Canada, but it can be accessed under emergency situations as defined and approved by the FDA in the United States. In Canada, cisapride can be accessed with strict patient monitoring through the compassionate limited-access program of Health Canada.

Prucalopride

The cardiovascular toxicity of cisapride and tegaserod is related to their nonspecific effect on the delay rectifying potassium (HERG-K) channel that leads to prolong QT interval, precipitating torsade de pointes. Prucalopride is a new, highly selective 5HT4 receptor agonist with a binding affinity to 5HT4 receptors greater than 150 times the affinity to the HERG-K channel (45).

A meta-analysis of seven RCTs comparing prucalopride (2 mg or 4 mg orally daily) with placebo in 2639 patients with chronic constipation (40) reported an NNT of 6. There was no significant heterogeneity among these trials. The treatment duration of the three pivotal trials (46–48 [Table 1]) was 12 weeks, and four weeks in the remaining four trials. The efficacy of prucalopride to help patients achieve at least three CSBMs was similar in the 2 mg and 4 mg groups. Headache, nausea and diarrhea, but not abdominal pain, were more common in the prucalopride-treated group, with a number needed to harm of 10. It is important to note that these side effects in the active treatment group frequently occurred within the first 24 h, when the first CSBM was commonly reported after initiation of therapy. When the side effect profile was analyzed after the initial 24 h, no significant increase in these side effects was detected in the prucalopride-treated group (49). In all three pivotal trials (46–48), and two recent four-week placebo-controlled studies involving elderly patients older than 65 years of age (n=389) (50,51), prucalopride was efficacious and safe without any significant effect on the QT interval or increase in cardiovascular events. Long-term efficacy and safety up to the 18-month follow-up has recently been reported (52).

TABLE 1.

Summary of pivotal trials of prucalopride

First author (reference), year Country, number of sites, n Patients, n (% female) Achieved primary end point, % Number needed to treat
Placebo 2 mg 4 mg 2 mg 4 mg
Camilleri (46), 2008 United States, 38 620 (87.9) 12 30.9** 28.4** 5.3 5.7
Quigley (47), 2009 United States, 41 641 (86.6) 12.1 23.9* 23.9* 8.5 8.8
Tack (48), 2009 International, 65 713 (90.8) 9.6 19.5* 23.6* 10.1 7.1

In Canada, prucalopride is currently under review by Health Canada but has not been approved and is, therefore, not yet available in this country.

OTHER AGENTS

Lubiprostone is a bicyclic fatty acid derived from prostaglandin E1. It activates the apical membrane of the chloride channel in the intestinal epithelium that stimulates intestinal fluid secretion. Three RCTs, comparing lubiprostone (24 μg orally twice/day) with placebo in 610 chronically constipated patients over a treatment duration of four weeks, showed an overall NNT of 4. No significant heterogeneity was noted in these studies (40). Diarrhea and nausea were more frequently reported in the lubiprostone group; abdominal pain and headache were not different. Lubiprostone is not available in Canada.

Linaclotide is an oligopeptide that increases the intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate of enterocytes by activation of guanylate cyclase-C, resulting in an increase in intraluminal chloride and bicarbonate secretion. One phase II trial of four weeks’ treatment duration and two RCTs of 12 weeks’ duration (published in abstract form) demonstrated that linaclotide improved stool consistency and frequency (12), and decreased abdominal bloating and discomfort (40).

PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. There is immense interest and demand from the public for probiotics. The global market for probiotics increased from 14.9billionin2007to14.9 billion in 2007 to 14.9billionin2007to15.9 billion by the end of 2008. It is speculated that the sales of probiotics will reach $19.6 billion by 2013. Over the past decade, there has been growing popularity in using probiotics for the management of chronic constipation. The most widely studied organisms are in the genera Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Recently, a systematic review (53) was performed to evaluate the use of probiotics in adults and children for the treatment of functional constipation; five RCTs (three involving adults [54–56] and two involving children) were included in the analysis. It showed that probiotics statistically improved stool consistency and frequency. A more recent double-blinded, placebo-controlled RCT divided 300 chronically constipated patients (151 males and 149 females) into three groups (placebo, Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03, or Bifidobacterium lactis BS01) for a treatment duration of 30 days (57). The treatment groups significantly improved in all aspects of constipation symptoms. Symptom improvement was not significantly different between the two probiotic-treated groups. The authors concluded that both probiotic regimens were effective in the management of their patients. Although this was the largest study, it included patients with very mild constipation and did not use the Rome diagnostic criteria. The mean weekly stool frequencies at baseline were 5.61±2.24 in the placebo group, and 5.30±2.24 and 5.79±2.19 in the two active treatment groups. The generalizability of this study to patients with chronic constipation is questionable. No adverse events were reported in these trials.

These studies examined different strains of probiotics used in different dosages (Table 2). Except for the most recent trial (57), there has been no direct comparison of different probiotic regimens. Currently, conclusions regarding the efficacy of a particular strain can only be made based on a single study with methodological limitations that investigated a small number of participants. Thus, it is unclear whether any one particular strain of probiotic is more effective than another. Due to the paucity and quality of the existing data, and until further evidence becomes available, the use of probiotics in the management of chronic constipation remains experimental.

TABLE 2.

Summary of probiotic trial characteristics in adult patients with chronic constipation

Author (reference), year Country Probiotic Daily dosage (colony-forming units) n Duration
Del Piano et al (57), 2010 Italy Lactobacillus plantarum (LP01) and Bifidobacterium breve (BR03)versus 2.5×109 110 30 days
2.5×109
Bifidobacterium lactis (BS01)versus 5×109 110
Placebo 80
Koebnick et al (56), 2003 Germany Lactobacillus casei (Shirota)versus 6.5×109 35 4 weeks
Placebo 35
Mollenbrink and Bruckschen (54), 1994 Germany Escherichia coli (Nissle 1917)versus 25×109 35 4/4 weeks*
Placebo 35
Yang et al (55), 2008 China Bifidobacterium lactis (DN-173 010)versus 1.25×105 63 2 weeks
Placebo 63

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis has been the most adopted procedure performed in patients with severe slow-transit constipation refractory to medical therapies. Although studies with short-term follow-up periods suggest that surgery appears to be effective in alleviating constipation symptoms, its popularity has been declining since the mid-1990s because of poor long-term functional outcomes (58). A study from a single tertiary centre in the United Kingdom (59) followed 44 women who had a median bowel frequency of once every four weeks before surgery. Over the 15-year follow-up period, 50% of patients normalized their bowel frequency; however, 34% had diarrhea and 11% experienced persistent or recurrent constipation requiring the use of laxatives. Seventy per cent of patients continued to experience abdominal pain. Psychiatric treatment for severe psychological disorders was needed in 23% of patients. It is important to emphasize to patients that abdominal pain and bloating generally do not improve after surgery.

A PROPOSED STRATEGY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC CONSTIPATION

Patients who present frequently to the gastroenterology clinic with chronic constipation have experienced constipation for years to decades. An investigative and attentive history that addresses patient’s concerns and fears not only enables the physician to assess the secondary causes of constipation and evaluate alarming systems, but also serves as an initial step in establishing a therapeutic relationship. Although physicians commonly consider constipation as fewer than three bowel movements per week, patients more frequently complain of straining, bloating and a sense of incomplete evacuation (60). Target investigations that directly address patient fears and additional tests that were omitted from previous assessments are generally adequate to ameliorate patient concerns.

An important part of the history and physical examination is to evaluate whether the patient is experiencing DD. These patients generally complain of excess straining even when there is a strong urge for defecation, or even if the stool is soft (Bristol type 4 or higher). The need for digital manipulation to stimulate or facilitate stool evacuation is predictive of DD. A careful digital rectal examination is able to identify at least two-thirds of patients with DD. In patients with an indeterminant history or physical examination, ARM with the balloon expulsion test can be used to ascertain the diagnosis. Even when DD is suspected, a therapeutic trial of medical management is sensible when ARM is not easily accessible in the practice region. If the patient does not achieve the expected therapeutic response(s), a referral for expert assessment with ARM is recommended.

The main stage of therapy for DD is biofeedback. Biofeedback is an audio-visual training program that teaches a patient how to optimally use his or her abdominal and pelvic floor muscles to effectively perform the evacuation manoeuvre. It can also be used to optimize rectal sensitivity and provide targeted, objective guidance for patients to practice Kegel exercises to improve anal sphincter motor profile. Three RCTs (one comparing biofeedback with PEG [61]), one with sham biofeedback [62] and one with diazepam or placebo [63]) consistently showed that biofeedback improved constipation symptoms in patients with DD. The NNT to improve CSBM, straining and abdominal pain, and to decrease the need of rescue laxative use were 1.5 to 2.5 in all three trials. Up to 75% of patients with DD achieve satisfactory bowel functions after biofeedback in specialized centres. It is important to emphasize that a cognitive, motivated patient and a well-trained and experienced therapist are both instrumental in achieving the optimal therapeutic outcome.

Once the diagnosis of functional chronic constipation is established, the foundation of the management pyramid is patient education and setting realistic expectations (Figure 1). Actively engaging the patient to set sensible and achievable treatment goals will help to improve compliance and therapy success. It is unrealistic for a patient to expect complete normalization of stool frequency, or elimination of all bowel symptoms that he or she has been experiencing for years to decades after one visit. It is important to educate the patient about the natural variation of bowel functions and the range of normal stool frequency. Counselling on adequate dietary fibre (aiming to achieve 25 g/day to 35 g/day), fluid intake and physical activity are part of the initial conservative management. The patient must realize that fibre is fermented by intestinal bacteria, which produces gas. Rapid increase of fibre ingestion increases bloating, flatulence, abdominal discomfort and can worsen diarrhea or constipation. Gradual incremental increases of 3 g/week to 4 g/week minimizes these symptoms and improves compliance. Fibre supplementation can be added if necessary.

Figure 1).

Figure 1)

Management pyramid for patients with chronic constipation. The bidirectional arrows indicate that continuous modification of the treatment regimen is necessary depending on the patient’s treatment response and tolerance to the therapy. The patient should be assessed in an expert centre when surgical management is being considered. MoM Milk of Magnesia (Phillips, Bayer Inc, Canada); PEG Polyethylene glycol

Although many of these conservative measures have probably previously been recommended to the patient, it is important to reiterate their importance so that the patient can take an active role in improving their bowel health and function. The quality of evidence supporting different treatment modalities in the management of chronic constipation is summarized in Table 3. The choice of osmotic laxatives is largely dependent on patient tolerance, financial situation and drug coverage. Lactulose is reimbursed by all provincial and private drug programs. Electrolyte-enriched formulas of PEG are covered by some plans. PEG 3350 (electrolyte free) is an over-the-counter medication and is generally not covered. PEG tends to cause less abdominal bloating and flatulence. In my practice, I find osmotic laxatives to be more effective if they are initiated after the colon has been cleansed by colonoscopy-type bowel preparations, particularly in patients with significant fecal loading. Glycerine suppositories frequently help to stimulate bowel movement and are considered to be safe for long-term use (6). They can be used every two to three days as necessary. Stimulant laxative and enema are generally recommended for occasional use as rescue therapy (6).

TABLE 3.

Quality of evidence supporting different treatments for chronic constipation

Treatment modality Quality of evidence Recommended dosage
Physical activity Low –
Psyllium Moderate 6–12 g daily
Sodium ducosate Low 100–200 mg twice daily
Lactulose Moderate 15–30 mL daily
PEG (electrolyte enriched) High 250–500 mL daily
PEG 3350 (electrolyte free) High 17 g daily
Senna* Low Vary
Bisacodyl/SPS* Moderate 10 mg daily as needed
Probiotics Low/very low Vary
Prucalopride High 2 mg daily†

In view of the limitations of existing data and clinical experience in using probiotics in the management of chronic constipation, they cannot be recommended as a standard therapy in the management pyramid (Figure 1). However, probiotics appear to improve functional complaints and may be helpful in patients with mild symptoms. Additional studies to evaluate probiotic strains, dosage and the patient population that will ultimately benefit are required to recommend its use.

In the cisapride and tegaserod era, clinical experience demonstrated that these prokinetic agents are effective in the management of chronic constipation. Unfortunately, these agents are no longer available in Canada, although cisapride can be accessed by the limited-assessed program through Heath Canada. Prucalopride is a new, highly selective 5HT4 agonist and is currently under review by Health Canada. When it is approved, prucalopride will offer an effective and safe option for patients who are not satisfied with the other medical treatments in the management pyramid.

Although surgery is the final treatment option in the management pyramid of chronic constipation (Figure 1), it should be recommended with extreme caution because of the poor long-term functional outcomes. Surgical interventions should only be considered in highly selected, medically refractory patients after a thorough expert assessment.

Footnotes

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Dr Liu has received honoraria as a speaker and attending advisory board member from Nycomed and Janssen-Ortho in the past 12 months.

REFERENCES