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Multicentre Study Into the Use of Polyethylene Glycol With Electrolytes Over at Least 6 Months to Treat Constipation
Adolfo Bautista-Casasnovas1, Federico Argüelles-Martín2, Benjamín Martín-Martínez3
1From the Pediatric Surgery Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela.
Insights
Long-term use of polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes (PEG+E) in children significantly improves constipation symptoms and normalizes bowel movements. Parents reported high satisfaction with this effective treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Constipation is a common pediatric issue, often treated with osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (PEG).
- Short-term PEG use frequently leads to relapses upon withdrawal.
- Limited research exists on the long-term efficacy (≥6 months) of PEG 3350 with electrolytes (PEG+E).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate bowel movements and related symptoms in children with constipation undergoing long-term PEG+E treatment (≥6 months).
- To assess parent/caregiver satisfaction with PEG+E therapy in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, observational, multicenter study included 74 children with functional constipation (ROME IV criteria) on PEG+E for ≥6 months.
- Bowel movements were assessed using the Bristol Stool Scale.
- Parent/caregiver perception of treatment efficacy and satisfaction was evaluated via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Children with >1 year of constipation showed significant improvements in bowel movements and stool consistency with PEG+E.
- The average treatment duration was 18.6 months, with no dose adjustments needed for weight changes.
- All clinical symptoms, except bloating, improved significantly, with parents confirming these positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Long-term PEG+E treatment (≥6 months) effectively normalizes bowel movements in children with constipation.
- The treatment demonstrated a good safety profile, with no serious adverse events or weight-related dosage issues.
- Parents/caregivers expressed high satisfaction with the clinical improvements observed during PEG+E therapy.
Background:
Constipation is a common clinical problem in children, for which the first-line therapeutic options are osmotic laxatives, mainly polyethylene glycol (PEG). These treatments are often prescribed for short or limited periods, with progressive treatment withdrawal often resulting in relapses. However, there are a few studies into the long-term use (≥6 months) of PEG 3350 with electrolytes (PEG+E) in terms of the patients' clinical evolution.
Objectives:
To assess bowel movement and other relevant symptoms in children with constipation receiving PEG+E (≥6 months), as well as parent/caregiver satisfaction with this treatment.
Methods:
A retrospective, observational, descriptive, longitudinal, and multicentre study was carried out on 74 children diagnosed with functional constipation (ROME IV criteria) who had received PEG+E (≥6 months). Bowel control was assessed using the Bristol stool scale, and the parent's/caregiver's perception of the treatment was also evaluated employing a nonvalidated questionnaire.
Results:
Children with an average duration of constipation >1 year experienced a significant improvement in bowel movements and stool consistency when using PEG+E. The mean duration of use was 18.6 (±13.4) months, without the need to adjust the dose for weight. All clinical symptoms improved significantly except bloating, and all the parents/caregivers confirmed these clinical improvements.
Conclusions:
Children treated with PEG+E (≥6 months) normalised their bowel movements, improving the clinical symptoms related to constipation in the absence of serious advert events or the need for dosage adjustments due to weight gain. Parents/caregivers reported good satisfaction with PEG+E treatment.
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