Efficacy and optimal dose of daily polyethylene glycol 3350 for treatment of constipation and encopresis in children.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine efficacy, safety, and optimal dose of a laxative, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350, in children with chronic constipation.

STUDY DESIGN:

Children with chronic constipation (n = 24) were treated with PEG for 8 weeks at an initial dose of 1 g/kg/d. The dose was adjusted every 3 days as required to achieve 2 soft stools per day. A diary was kept to monitor dose, stool frequency and consistency, soiling, and other symptoms. Stool consistency was rated from 1 (hard) to 5 (watery). Subjects were examined for fecal retention. The Student t test and the Fisher exact test were used for data analysis.

RESULTS:

All 20 children who completed the study found PEG to be palatable and were satisfied with the treatment. There were no significant adverse effects. Weekly stool frequency increased from 2.3 +/- 0.4 to 16.9 +/- 1.6 (P <.0001) during treatment and stool consistency from 1.2 +/- 0.1 to 3.3 +/- 0.1 (P <.0001). In 9 children with soiling, weekly soiling events declined from 10.0 +/- 2.4 to 1.3 +/- 0.7 (P =.003). The mean effective dose was 0.84 g/kg/d (range, 0.27-1.42 g/kg/d).

CONCLUSION:

Daily administration of PEG at a mean dose of 0.8 g/kg is an effective, safe, and palatable treatment for constipation.

• Authors: D S Pashankar, W P Bishop
• Journal: The Journal of pediatrics (J Pediatr) Vol. 139 Issue 3 Pg. 428-32 (Sep 2001) ISSN: 0022-3476 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11562624 (Publication Type: Clinical Conference, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cathartics
• Polyethylene Glycols

Topics

• Cathartics (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Chronic Disease
• Constipation (drug therapy)
• Defecation (drug effects)
• Encopresis (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Patient Satisfaction
• Polyethylene Glycols (therapeutic use)