[Randomized controlled trial of sodium phosphate tablets versus 2 L polyethylene glycol solution for bowel cleansing...

Performance of polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) is often unsatisfactory as bowel preparation agent for colonoscopy. In order to provide equivalent efficacy with better patient tolerance, sodium phosphate tablet (SPT) has been developed. This study was carried out to compare the efficacy and compliance of two bowel preparation methods: PEG with ascorbic acid (PEGA) vs. SPT preparation.

A multicenter, randomized controlled trial was performed. Primary efficacy variable was overall quality of colon cleansing assessed by Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) during colonoscopy. Patient's satisfaction and adverse events were evaluated by means of symptom questionnaire completed by each patient immediately before colonoscopy.

A total of 189 patients were randomly assigned to undergo pre-colonoscopic bowel preparation with either SPT (n = 96) or PEGA (n = 93). Overall BBPS score was 8.3 ± 1.12 in the SPT group and 8.4 ± 0.96 in the PEGA group (p = 0.441). Among the 189 patients, 90 had polyps (47.6%) and 50 had adenomas (26.5%). The polyp/adenoma detection rate was 54.2% (n = 52)/27.1% (n = 26) for SPT group and 40.9% (n = 38)/25.8% (n = 24) for PEGA group (p = 0.079 and 0.790, respectively). More number of patients were unable to take the prescribed dose of PEGA compared with the SPT regimen (8.6% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.045). Overall satisfaction score was 7.9 ± 1.63 in the SPT group and 7.4 ± 1.53 in the PEGA group (p = 0.022).

Degree of colon preparation, polyp/adenoma detection rate and adverse effect were similar between SPT group and PEGA group. Patient compliance and satisfaction were greater in the SPT group.