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Comparative Evaluation between the LaxaPlus Barij® and Polyethylene Glycol (4000) in the Pediatric Functional
Peiman Nasri1,2, Shima Saeidi1, Hosein Saneian1,2
1Metabolic Liver Disease Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Insights
LaxaPlus Barij® and polyethylene glycol (4000) effectively treat pediatric functional constipation. LaxaPlus Barij® showed greater improvement in bowel movement frequency and reduced pain compared to polyethylene glycol.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Digestive Health
Background:
- Functional constipation is a common pediatric gastrointestinal disorder.
- Treatment options for pediatric constipation include osmotic laxatives.
- Comparing the efficacy and safety of different laxatives is crucial for optimal patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of LaxaPlus Barij® and polyethylene glycol (4000) in treating functional constipation in children aged 2-15 years.
- To evaluate outcomes such as stool consistency, bowel movement frequency, and pain intensity.
- To assess patient satisfaction with both treatments.
Main Methods:
- A randomized clinical trial involving 60 children diagnosed with functional constipation.
- Participants were assigned to receive either LaxaPlus Barij® or polyethylene glycol (4000).
- Data were analyzed using SPSS software with a significance level of P < 0.05.
Main Results:
- Both treatments significantly improved stool consistency and increased bowel movement frequency in children.
- LaxaPlus Barij® demonstrated a significantly higher number of bowel movements compared to polyethylene glycol.
- No significant differences were observed in demographic characteristics between the treatment groups.
Conclusions:
- Both LaxaPlus Barij® and polyethylene glycol (4000) are effective in treating pediatric functional constipation.
- LaxaPlus Barij® showed superior effectiveness in increasing bowel movement frequency and reducing pain intensity after 8 weeks.
- Patient satisfaction levels were comparable between the two treatment groups.
Objective:
This study aimed to compare the LaxaPlus Barij® and polyethylene glycol (4000) in pediatric (children 2-15 years old) functional constipation.
Methods:
The present study is a randomized clinical trial. The study population included patients with functional constipation aged 2-15 years who were referred to the gastrointestinal clinic of Imam Hossein hospital in Isfahan in 2019. Patients were randomly assigned into two treatment groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. The significance level in the present study is considered <0.05.
Findings:
Sixty children with functional constipation were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria in this study. The present study results showed no significant difference between demographic characteristics, including age, weight, and gender of children with constipation in the two groups (P > 0.05). The present study results showed that both groups' mean stool consistency and the number of bowel movements increased significantly after the intervention (P < 0.05). However, the number of bowel movements in the first group was significantly higher than in the second group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
The present study results showed that both drugs effectively treat children with functional constipation. However, after 8 weeks of intervention, the frequency of bowel movements, pain intensity, and abdominal pain in the group LaxaPlus Barij® was more effective. However, the level of satisfaction did not differ significantly between the two groups.
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