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Published on: August 1, 2019
Efficacy of Single- Versus Split-dose Polyethylene Glycol for Colonic Preparation in Children: A Randomized Control
Parijat Ram Tripathi1, Ujjal Poddar, Surender Kumar Yachha
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Insights
Split-dose polyethylene glycol (PEG) is more effective for pediatric bowel preparation than single-dose regimens. This method offers better tolerability and improved sleep quality in children undergoing colonoscopy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Endoscopy
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a primary agent for colon cleansing, but its large volume can cause adverse effects.
- While split-dose PEG is common in adults, its use in pediatric populations lacks comparative studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and tolerability of split-dose versus single-dose PEG for bowel preparation in children.
- To evaluate the impact on patient comfort and sleep quality.
Main Methods:
- A randomized trial involving children aged 1-18 years comparing single-dose and split-dose PEG regimens.
- Bowel preparation effectiveness assessed using the Aronchik scale by a blinded endoscopist.
- Interobserver variability analyzed by comparing with a blinded endoscopy nurse's scoring.
Main Results:
- Split-dose PEG demonstrated superior efficacy (76.34% satisfactory preparation vs. 43.02% for single-dose, P < 0.001).
- Adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbance were significantly reduced with split-dose PEG (P < 0.05).
- Patients receiving split-dose PEG consumed the solution faster and experienced better sleep quality.
Conclusions:
- Split-dose PEG is a more effective and better-tolerated bowel preparation method for pediatric colonoscopy.
- This regimen improves patient comfort and sleep quality in the pediatric population.
- The findings support the use of split-dose PEG for children requiring colon cleansing.
Objectives:
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the most effective colon-cleansing agent but volume-related adverse effects are common. Though split-dose PEG is used in adults, no pediatric study so-far has compared split-dose with single-dose PEG. We aimed at comparing the efficacy and tolerability of split-dose versus single-dose PEG for bowel preparation in children.
Methods:
Consecutive children (1-18 years) were randomized into either single-dose or split-dose PEG. Single-dose group received 4000 mL/1.73 m PEG solution day before colonoscopy whereas split-dose group received half dose day before and the remaining half on the day of colonoscopy. Effectiveness of bowel preparation was assessed on Aronchik scale, by the endoscopist who was blinded to the type of preparation. Interobserver variability was analyzed by comparing with independent scoring by the blinded trained endoscopy-nurse. The trial was registered with Clinical Trials Registry of India (Trail number 2017/08/009303).
Results:
Of the 220 randomized children, 179 completed the study (split-dose: 93, single-dose: 86). The mean age of the study population was 11.51 (4.82) years (72.6% boys). The efficacy of bowel preparation was better with split-dose (satisfactory preparation:76.34% vs 43.02%, P < 0.001) with almost perfect inter-observer agreement (k = 0.803). Nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbance were significantly less in split-dose than single-dose group (P < 0.05). Split-dose patients were able to drink PEG solution faster (P = 0.002). Total sleep duration and uninterrupted sleep duration was also better in split-dose group as compared with single-dose (P = 0.001).
Conclusions:
Split-dose PEG is more effective than single-dose regimen for bowel preparation with better tolerability and improved sleep quality in pediatric population.
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