Table 2

Baseline characteristics of infants with functional constipation by randomized group

Characteristics
SF (n = 18)
NF (n = 20)
P- value

Number of boys (%)
11 (61)
8(40)
0.19
Age at intake (in months)



     median
1.8
1.7
0.80
     min-max
1.1–5.0
0.7–3.7

Age of onset (in weeks)



     median
2.0
2.0
0.45
     min-max
0–20
0–6

Defecation frequency



     N/week (mean ± SD)
3.6 ± 1.8
3.5 ± 2.6
0.64
     < 3 times/week
39%
50%
0.49
Hard stool consistency
72%
50%
0.16
Painful defecation
89%
75%
0.27
Abdominal scybalus
44%
20%
0.13
Rectal scybalus
29%
21%
0.51
Meconium passage < 48 hours
100%
90%
0.32
Positive family history
61%
58%
0.84

Bongers et al. Nutrition Journal 2007 6:8   doi:10.1186/1475-2891-6-8