Efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological treatments for paediatric functional constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent studies have expanded the evidence on novel and existing non-pharmacological treatments for paediatric functional constipation (FC). This study aimed to systematically review the efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological therapies for FC in children.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and trial registries were searched from inception to March 2025. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including children (0-18 years) with FC treated with non-pharmacological interventions compared with placebo, no treatment or other interventions, were included. Primary outcomes were treatment success, defecation frequency and withdrawals due to adverse events. Dual data extraction and appraisal was conducted. Certainty was assessed using Grading of

SUBMITTER: Arruda Navarro Albuquerque D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12853543 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature