Objective Constipation and distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) are common gastrointestinal manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF). The primary aim was to describe the characteristics of constipation and DIOS hospitalisations in a paediatric and adult CF service over a 12-year period. The secondary aims were to determine the proportion of constipation and DIOS presentations which met the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) CF Working Group definitions and to describe management strategies of both conditions.

Method A retrospective study of children and adults with CF who were admitted with a primary diagnosis of constipation or DIOS between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2022. ESPGHAN definitions for constipation and DIOS were retrospectively applied to all admissions to determine if the primary medical diagnosis met ESPGHAN criteria.

Results During the 12-year study period, 42 hospitalisations for constipation were recorded in 19 patients, and 33 hospitalisations for DIOS were recorded in 23 patients. 88.10% of constipation episodes met ESPGHAN definitions, compared with 3.0% of DIOS episodes. Constipation and DIOS were primarily treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The use of sodium amidotrizoate meglumine enemas was significantly higher in the DIOS group (p=0.045). Those admitted with DIOS were significantly less likely to be recommended a weaning dose of PEG (p=0.018).

Conclusion Children and adults with CF are more commonly admitted for the management of constipation than DIOS. There is considerable variation in diagnostic and therapeutic practice, and this study highlights the need to enhance the translation and adoption of existing best-practice guidelines.