Retiro de alimentos ricos en pectina y evolución del estreñimiento funcional en niños tratados con polietilenglicol

• Autores: Caballero Alvarado, José, Ormeno Julca, Alexis José
• Formato: artículo
• Fecha de Publicación: 2026
• Institución: Cuerpo Médico Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo
• Repositorio: Revista del Cuerpo Médico Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo
• Lenguaje: español
• OAI Identifier: oai:cmhnaaa.org.pe:article/3030
• Enlace del recurso: https://cmhnaaa.org.pe/index.php/rcmhnaaa/article/view/3030
• Nivel de acceso: acceso abierto
• Materia: Estreñimiento; Pectinas; Alimentos; Niños; constipation; Pectins; Food; Children

Background: Functional constipation (FC) is common in pediatrics, and its management includes polyethylene glycol (PEG) along with adequate intake of fluids and dietary fiber. Pectin, a highly fermentable soluble fiber, may influence the symptoms of this condition. Objective:To evaluate the effect of restricting pectin-rich foods in children with FC treated with PEG. Material and Methods: A quasi-experimental study without a concurrent control group was conducted in a pediatric gastroenterology clinic in northern Peru. Sixty-six children older than 4 years with a diagnosis of FC according to ROME IV criteria were included, excluding organic causes. All participants received PEG (1 g/kg/day for disimpaction and 0.5 g/kg/day for maintenance). Participants followed two weeks of a habitual diet and then two weeks with restriction of pectin-rich foods. Stool consistency and frequency, abdominal pain, flatulence, and abdominal circumference were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. Results: No significant differences were observed between the two periods. Stool consistency was similar (4.03 [IQR: 0.93] vs 4.04 [IQR: 0.68]; p=0.783), and defecation frequency was 15.5 (IQR: 9) versus 18 (IQR: 10) stools over two weeks (p=0.458). Days with abdominal pain were 1 (IQR: 3) versus 0 (IQR: 2) (p=0.412), and days with flatulence were 4 (IQR: 8) versus 2 (IQR: 9) (p=0.712). Abdominal circumference was also comparable between periods (p=0.057). Conclusions: Pectin restriction was not associated with clinical improvement in children with FC treated with PEG. Controlled studies that quantify fiber intake are needed to confirm these findings.