Integrative Literature Review on Constipation Assessment Methods in Pediatric Cancer Patients

Introduction: Constipation is a common problem experienced by many pediatric cancer patients, as a side-effect of opioid therapy, chemotherapy drugs and lifestyle changes secondary to the disease process. Aim: The aim of this study is analyze the available knowledge on the constipation assessment methods in pediatric oncology to understand which ones are the advantages from each scale reported in the literature, and to find out if there is a shared method. Methods: An integrative review was performed. The electronic databases MEDLINE, CINHAL, and COCHRANE (The Cochrane Database) were searched for articles that explored assessment methods for constipation in pediatric cancer patients. Then both the bibliographies and related citations of the whole articles selected have been analyzed. There was no limitation by language or publication dates, but there was age limitation (Child: birth – 18 years) in PUBMED database. The literature search was performed in September 2020. Results: Seventeen articles have been selected, all in English. Seven of those were concerned with the pediatric population, while the other ten did not specify an age, relating to both adults and pediatrics alike. All the assessment methods proposed were compared, and those developed for pediatrics have been analyzed. Conclusion: What emerges from the review of the literature is the current lack of a shared method that allows for the assessment of constipation in pediatric oncology patients, there being, as yet no univocal and concurring opinions on the method for the evaluation of constipation. The review showed the need for further studies in this field to raise awareness and increase knowledge.