PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Sophie Kuizenga-Wessel AU - Nina Francesca Steutel AU - Marc Alexander Benninga AU - Thierry Devreker AU - Elena Scarpato AU - Annamaria Staiano AU - Hania Szajewska AU - Yvan Vandenplas AU - Merit Monique Tabbers TI - Development of a core outcome set for clinical trials in childhood constipation: a study using a Delphi technique AID - 10.1136/bmjpo-2017-000017 DP - 2017 Aug 01 TA - BMJ Paediatrics Open PG - e000017 VI - 1 IP - 1 4099 - http://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/1/1/e000017.short 4100 - http://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/1/1/e000017.full AB - Objective Patients, their parents and healthcare professionals (HCPs) have a different perception regarding the symptoms of functional constipation (FC). Consequently, a lack of agreement exists on definitions and outcomes used in therapeutic trials of FC. Therefore, our aim was to develop a core outcome set (COS) for FC for children aged 0–1 year and 1–18 years.Design and setting Prospective study design: primary, secondary and tertiary care settings.Methods This COS was developed using a Delphi technique. First, HCPs, parents of children with FC and patients aged ≥12–18 years were asked to list up to five outcomes they considered relevant in the treatment of FC. Outcomes mentioned by >10% of participants were included in a shortlist. In the next phase, outcomes on this shortlist were rated and prioritised by HCPs, parents and patients. Outcomes with the highest scores were included in a draft COS. In a face-to-face expert meeting, the final COS was determined.Results The first phase was completed by 109 HCPs, 165 parents and 50 children. Fifty HCPs, 80 parents and 50 children completed the subsequent phase. The response rate was between 63% and 100% in both steps. The final COS for all ages consisted of: defecation frequency, stool consistency, painful defecation, quality of life, side effects of treatment, faecal incontinence, abdominal pain and school attendance.Conclusion The use of this COS for FC will decrease study heterogeneity and improve comparability of studies. Therefore, researchers are recommended to use this COS in future therapeutic trials on childhood FC.