Polyethylene Glycol Plus Electrolytes with Stimulant Laxative in Paediatric Faecal Disimpaction: A Randomised...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Functional constipation is a prevalent global health issue in children.
• Effective fecal disimpaction is crucial for initiating constipation management.
• Current polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes (PEG+E) regimens for disimpaction are not always satisfactory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of a 2-day disimpaction regimen using PEG+E plus sodium picosulphate (PEG+E+PS) versus PEG+E alone in children.
• To evaluate the long-term management outcomes of constipation following initial disimpaction.

Main Methods:

• A randomized prospective study conducted in a tertiary pediatric gastroenterology center.
• 101 children were allocated to either the PEG+E+PS group or the PEG+E group.
• Outcomes were assessed based on disimpaction success and long-term constipation management parameters.

Main Results:

• The PEG+E+PS group demonstrated significantly superior efficacy compared to the PEG+E group.
• Improvements were observed in both initial disimpaction and long-term constipation management.
• This study provides the first comparative data on these disimpaction strategies.

Conclusions:

• The addition of sodium picosulphate to PEG+E enhances disimpaction and improves long-term outcomes in pediatric functional constipation.
• This combination therapy represents a more effective approach for managing childhood constipation.
• Further research comparing disimpaction methods is warranted.