PEG 3350 (Transipeg) versus lactulose in the treatment of childhood functional constipation: a double blind, randomised, controlled, multicentre trial
Open Access
- 1 November 2004
- Vol. 53 (11), 1590-1594
- https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.2004.043620
Abstract
Background: Recently, polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350) has been suggested as a good alternative laxative to lactulose as a treatment option in paediatric constipation. However, no large randomised controlled trials exist evaluating the efficacy of either laxative. Aims: To compare PEG 3350 (Transipeg: polyethylene glycol with electrolytes) with lactulose in paediatric constipation and evaluate clinical efficacy/side effects. Patients: One hundred patients (aged 6 months–15 years) with paediatric constipation were included in an eight week double blinded, randomised, controlled trial. Methods: After faecal disimpaction, patients Results: A total of 91 patients (49 male) completed the study. A significant increase in defecation frequency (PEG 3350: 3 pre v 7 post treatment/week; lactulose: 3 pre v 6 post/week) and a significant decrease in encopresis frequency (PEG 3350: 10 pre v 3 post/week; lactulose: 8 pre v 3 post/week) was found in both groups (NS). However, success was significantly higher in the PEG group (56%) compared with the lactulose group (29%). PEG 3350 patients reported less abdominal pain, straining, and pain at defecation than children using lactulose. However, bad taste was reported significantly more often in the PEG group. Conclusions: PEG 3350 (0.26 (0.11) g/kg), compared with lactulose (0.66 (0.32) g/kg), provided a higher success rate with fewer side effects. PEG 3350 should be the laxative of first choice in childhood constipation.Keywords
This publication has 26 references indexed in Scilit:
- Comparison of polyethylene glycol 3350 and lactulose for treatment of chronic constipation in children.Clinical Pediatrics, 2002
- Polyethylene Glycol Without Electrolytes for Children With Constipation and EncopresisJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2002
- Efficacy and optimal dose of daily polyethylene glycol 3350 for treatment of constipation and encopresis in childrenThe Journal of Pediatrics, 2001
- Idiopathic chronic constipation: pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.2001
- A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study of The Safety and Efficacy of A New Polyethylene Glycol LaxativeAmerican Journal Of Gastroenterology, 2000
- Comparison of a low dose polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution with lactulose for treatment of chronic constipationGut, 1999
- Anorectal manometric examination in encopretic-constipated childrenDiseases of the Colon & Rectum, 1997
- Small volume isosmotic polyethylene glycol electrolyte balanced solution (PMF-100) in treatment of chronic nonorganic constipationDigestive Diseases and Sciences, 1996
- Lack of correlation of anorectal manometry with symptoms of chronic childhood constipation and encopresisDiseases of the Colon & Rectum, 1996
- Biofeedback treatment for chronic constipation and encopresis in childhood: long-term outcome.1995