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PEG3350 in the treatment of childhood constipation: a multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Samuel Nurko1, Nader N Youssef, Mahmoud Sabri

  • 1Center for Motility and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Children's Hospital Boston, MA 02115, USA. Samuel.Nurko@childrens.harvard.edu

The Journal of Pediatrics
|June 7, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG3350) effectively treats functional constipation in children. A starting dose of 0.4 g/kg per day is recommended for optimal efficacy and safety.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Functional constipation is a common pediatric issue.
  • Effective short-term treatment options are crucial for improving children's quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the efficacy and optimal starting dose of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG3350) for short-term treatment of functional constipation in children.
  • To compare PEG3350 efficacy against a placebo in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study.
  • Children received placebo or PEG3350 at 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 g/kg/day for two weeks, alongside behavior modification.
  • Treatment response was defined as at least three bowel movements in the second week.

Main Results:

  • PEG3350 demonstrated significantly higher treatment success rates (73-77%) compared to placebo (42%).
  • Significant improvements in bowel movement frequency and straining were observed with PEG3350.
  • Higher doses (0.4 g/kg and above) improved stool consistency, but 0.8 g/kg was associated with increased abdominal pain and fecal incontinence.

Conclusions:

  • Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG3350) is an effective and safe treatment for short-term management of functional constipation in children.
  • A starting dose of 0.4 g/kg per day of PEG3350 is recommended.
  • Further research may explore long-term efficacy and safety profiles.
Abstract

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