Abstract | OBJECTIVES: METHODS: A total of 20 children were treated with liquid paraffin and 20 with lactulose for 8 weeks and at an initial dose of 1 mL/kg per day for both drugs. The dose was adjusted every 3 days as required and a diary was kept to monitor dose, side-effects, stool frequency and consistency, and other symptoms. RESULTS: During first 4 weeks, improvement in stool consistency and frequency was significantly higher in liquid the paraffin group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Improvement in the number of stools per week was also significantly higher in the liquid paraffin group during the last 4 weeks of therapy (P < 0.05). Compliance rates averaged 95% in the liquid paraffin group and 90% in the lactulose group during the first 4 weeks of therapy and 90% in the liquid paraffin group and 60% in the lactulose group during the last 4 weeks of therapy (chi(2) = 4.8, SD = 1, P = 0.02). During the first 4 weeks of therapy and during the last 4 weeks of therapy, mostly side-effects and poor symptom control, respectively, influenced the compliance in the liquid paraffin group. CONCLUSIONS:
Liquid paraffin is more effective in the treatment of children with constipation. Patients treated with liquid paraffin responded more rapidly than patients responding to lactulose and showed fewer side-effect. It is considered that late response and side-effects in conjunction with poor symptom control influence the patient compliance and the successful treatment of childhood constipation.
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Authors | Nafiye Urganci, Basak Akyildiz, Tugçin Bora Polat |
Journal | Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
(Pediatr Int)
Vol. 47
Issue 1
Pg. 15-9
(Feb 2005)
ISSN: 1328-8067 [Print] Australia |
PMID | 15693860
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Cathartics
- Gastrointestinal Agents
- Lactulose
- Mineral Oil
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Topics |
- Cathartics
(therapeutic use)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Constipation
(prevention & control)
- Female
- Gastrointestinal Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Lactulose
(therapeutic use)
- Male
- Mineral Oil
(therapeutic use)
- Patient Compliance
- Prospective Studies
- Time Factors
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