A significant cause of constipation and growth retardation: hirschsprung's disease

Aim: In this study we aimed to draw attention to HD which may lead to mortal complications if early diagnosis and treatment are not provided for infants with gastrointestinal symptoms. Material and Method: In Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics between September 2016 and March 2018 the data of the patients who were diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease were retrospectively analyzed. In this study age, gender, percentile values of growth and development (height, weight, head circumference), neurodevelopment stages (ability to tonic neck reflex, ability to sit supported and unsupported ability to sit), first meconium time, the most common complaints and physical examination findings were examined. Results: The mean age of the 19 patients was 7.42 months (48 days-40 months). Sixteen (%84) of the patients were male and 3 (%16) of the patients were female. Growth and development values were detected in 8 of the patients in the range of 10-25, 6 of the patients in the 3-10 percentile range and 5 of the patients were under the 3rd percentile. The first meconium excretion time of the patients was an average of 3 days (49 hours-5 days). Discussion: It should be kept in mind that organic causes such as HD should be considered in children with history of delayed meconium passage in the anamnesis and if complaints have been present before the age of one year and in whom growth retardation is detected in theft examinations. In this way, late diagnosis, complications, unnecessary and costly tests and treatments can be prevented in the HD.