Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Characteristics of Precipitation-formed Polyethylene Glycol Microgels Are Controlled by Molecular Weight of Reactants
11:32

Characteristics of Precipitation-formed Polyethylene Glycol Microgels Are Controlled by Molecular Weight of Reactants

Published on: December 23, 2013

Use of polyethylene glycol in children less than 3 years of age

Mansoor Ahmed1, Bharathi Pai, Tim Reynolds

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Queen's Hospital, Staffordshire, United Kingdom. mansoor.ahmed@burtonft.nhs.uk

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|April 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) effectively treats chronic constipation in young children, significantly increasing stool frequency. Further research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal issue in pediatric populations.
  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an established treatment for constipation in older children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in infants and children under three years of age.
  • To review existing literature on PEG use in this specific age group.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Medline, Cinahl, and Embase databases.
  • Searched databases for studies published between 1950 and 2010.
  • Included only studies focusing on children under three years old.

Main Results:

  • Only five relevant studies were identified for children under three years old.
  • Pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in stool frequency post-PEG treatment (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Limited evidence currently supports the use of PEG for safety and efficacy in young children.
  • Larger, randomized controlled trials are essential, particularly for infants, to substantiate these findings.

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