The reslult suggest that frequency and consistency of defecation, as well as clinical symptoms were improved significantly when using lactulose with 2 ml/ kg/day. The mean weekly stool frequency improved from ± times to ± times after 1 month and to ± times after 3 months of treatment (p < ). | JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH THE EFFECT OF LACTULOSE IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION IN CHILDREN Do Thi Minh Phuong, Nguyen Thi Viet Ha Department of Pediatrics, Hanoi Medical University Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem in children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of lactulose in the management of functional constipation in children. An open clinical trial was conducted in 140 children aged 1 – 5 years at the National Children Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam with a diagnosis of functional constipation. The reslult suggest that frequency and consistency of defecation, as well as clinical symptoms were improved significantly when using lactulose with 2 ml/ kg/day. The mean weekly stool frequency improved from ± times to ± times after 1 month and to ± times after 3 months of treatment (p 80% standard recommendation improve the effect in the treatment. In conclusion, lactulose is a safe, effective and well-tolerated long-term treatment for constipation. Regular supplement of fiber and fluid in children with constipation is important to improve the effect in the treatment of constipation. Keywords: chronic functional constipation, lactulose, children, Rome III I. INTRODUCTION Constipation is one of the mast common constipation digestive complaints in children, and has recently grown into a disproportionate public health problem. A recent systematic review of pediatric patents of the sample reported constipation in to of the sample [1]. Functional constipation was recognized as a separate clinical entity by combining features of functional Corresponding author: Do Thi Minh Phuong, Department of Pediatrics, Hanoi Medical University Email: dominhphuong@ Received: 13 August 2017 Accepted: 16 November 2017 JMR 111 E2 (2) - 2018 fecal retention and functional constipation. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition define
