Related Experiment Videos
Polyethylene glycol 4000 treatment for children with constipation: A randomized comparative multicenter study.
Yishi Wang1, Baoxi Wang, Xun Jiang
1Department of Pediatrics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038;
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|September 13, 2012
Summary
Polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) significantly improved stool frequency and reduced abdominal pain in children with constipation. PEG 4000 demonstrated superior efficacy and safety compared to lactulose for pediatric constipation treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Constipation is a common pediatric gastrointestinal disorder.
- Effective and safe treatment options are crucial for improving children's quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) in treating constipation in children over 8 years of age.
- To compare PEG 4000 with lactulose for pediatric constipation management.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 216 children aged over 8 years with constipation.
- Patients received either oral PEG 4000 (20 g/day) or lactulose (15 ml/day) for two weeks.
- Stool frequency, consistency, and abdominal pain were monitored.
Main Results:
- PEG 4000 significantly increased median weekly stool frequency from 2 to 6-7 times within two weeks.
- Clinical remission rates were higher with PEG 4000 (70.48%-72.38%) compared to lactulose (39.64%-41.44%).
- Abdominal pain resolved in 74.6% of patients treated with PEG 4000; no significant adverse effects were noted.
Conclusions:
- Polyethylene glycol 4000 is a safe and more effective treatment for constipation in children over 8 years compared to lactulose.
- PEG 4000 offers a favorable risk-benefit profile for pediatric constipation.
- Further research may explore long-term efficacy and safety in pediatric populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
01:22Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...
Adsorbents...
01:23Lower GI Series: Barium Enema
A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...