Non-randomized, comparative study of the occurrence and severity of constipation with Magnesium Sulphate and other laxatives in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy

Introduction
In cerebral palsy (CP), one of the most common nonmotor problems is constipation. Several methods are used to manage constipation, such as increasing fluid intake, using a fiber diet, using oral laxatives, and rectal stimulants. One medication is magnesium sulfate (MgSO), which has a prominent role as an osmotic laxative.
Objectives
To assess the effect of oral MgSO on constipation in patients with CP and to recommend it as a standard therapy to treat constipation in children with CP.
Patients and methods
This nonrandomized clinical study was done at the Neurology Unit of the Pediatric Department in Assiut University Hospital over 1 year (between October 2018 and October 2019).
Results
There was a significant increase of bowel movements in the magnesium group in the second, third, and fourth weeks of follow-ups ( = 0.05, 0.04, and 0.02, respectively). There was a significant difference in the mean number of doses used within a month in both groups ( = 0.03). Although failing to achieve statistical significance, a considerable improvement of straining in both groups was observed ( = 0.65, 0.2, and 0.2, respectively). We noticed a change in stool consistency from hard to soft in some cases, but others progressed to diarrhea with an insignificant difference between both groups ( = 0.72). Last, we recognized a noteworthy improvement in the abdominal pain and distention, even though it could not reach a statistical significance level ( = 0.31, 1, and 0.81).
Conclusion
Oral MgSO is an effective drug for constipation in patients with CP.