Incidence of opioid-induced constipation in the pediatric intensive care unit: A descriptive cohort study.

Background: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a well-known phenomenon, although there is limited literature evaluating the incidence of OIC in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence of OIC in the PICU and to determine if it is associated with a higher rate of morbidities or prolonged length of stay (LOS).

Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective chart review from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, in our PICU.