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Effect of polyethylene glycol versus lactulose on abdominal pain in children occult constipation: a randomized

Mehran Hakimzadeh1, Sayeh Mottaghi1, Mitra Ahmadi1

  • 1Dept. of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Abuzar Children's Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Ahvaz, Iran.

Revista De Gastroenterologia Del Peru : Organo Oficial De La Sociedad De Gastroenterologia Del Peru
|February 26, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is more effective than lactulose for treating functional abdominal pain caused by occult constipation in children. PEG showed a 48% efficacy rate, compared to 37% for lactulose.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Functional abdominal pain (FAP) is a common pediatric gastrointestinal issue.
  • Occult constipation (OC) is a frequent cause of FAP in children.
  • Laxatives are increasingly explored for treating FAP associated with OC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and lactulose in treating children with occult constipation.
  • To investigate factors influencing treatment outcomes for FAP in pediatric OC.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 51 pediatric patients (4-18 years) diagnosed with OC via X-ray.
  • Patients received either PEG (1g/kg) or lactulose (1cc/kg) for at least two weeks.
  • Pain reduction was assessed using a pain measurement scale post-treatment.

Main Results:

  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) demonstrated a higher efficacy (48%) in reducing abdominal pain compared to lactulose (37%).
  • Treatment efficacy was not significantly influenced by patient sex or fecal odor.
  • Age, body weight, duration, and severity of abdominal pain impacted the effectiveness of both PEG and lactulose.

Conclusions:

  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a more effective therapeutic option for pediatric functional abdominal pain associated with occult constipation than lactulose.
  • Optimal outcomes with PEG appear to be associated with older age and more severe abdominal pain.
Abstract

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