Polyethylene glycol without electrolytes for children with constipation and encopresis

Hyponatremia-induced generalized seizure after taking polyethylene glycol for colon preparation-A case report and brief review of the literature

Severe hyponatremia is life-threatening in hospitalized patients. We present an elderly female who developed severe hyponatremia, seizure, and loss of consciousness after taking polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution before colonoscopy. The risk of hyponatremia with PEG for colon preparation in elderly susceptible patients is high. We review the relevant literature.

Efficacy, safety, and acceptability of polyethylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes vs magnesium hydroxide in functional constipation in children from six months to eighteen years of age: A controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

There are few studies that compare polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 and magnesium hydroxide (MH), as long-term treatment of functional constipation (FC) in children, and they do not include infants as young as 6 months of age. Our aim was to determine the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of PEG vs MH in FC, in the long term, in pediatric patients.

METHODS

An open-label, parallel, controlled clinical trial was conducted on patients from 6 months to 18 years of age, diagnosed with FC, that were randomly assigned to receive PEG 3350 or MH for 12 months. Success was defined as: ≥ 3 bowel movements/week, with no fecal incontinence, fecal impaction, abdominal pain, or the need for another laxative. We compared adverse events and acceptability, measured as rejected doses of the laxative during the study, in each group and subgroup.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients with FC were included. There were no differences in success between groups (40/41 PEG vs 40/42 MH, p = 0.616). There were no differences in acceptability between groups, but a statistically significant higher number of patients rejected MH in the subgroups > 4 to 12 years and > 12 to 18 years of age (P = .037 and P = .020, respectively). There were no differences regarding adverse events between the two groups and no severe clinical or biochemical adverse events were registered.

CONCLUSIONS

The two laxatives were equally effective and safe for treating FC in children from 0.5 to 18 years of age. Acceptance was better for PEG 3350 than for MH in patients above 4 years of age. MH can be considered first-line treatment for FC in children under 4 years of age.

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Changes Stool Consistency and the Microbiome but not Behavior of CD1 Mice

OBJECTIVES

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (PEG3350) is a laxative commonly used to treat constipation in children. The Food and Drug Administration has received reports of increased anxiety, aggression, and obsessive--compulsive behaviors in children administered PEG3350. Thus, we assessed whether daily administration of PEG3350 leads to anxiety-like behavior in mice.

METHODS

Outbred CD-1 IGS mice were administered either a high or a low dose of PEG3350 via daily oral gavage for 2 weeks. As a laxative comparison and control, additional mice were given a high or low dose of magnesium citrate or vehicle (water). Weight and stool consistency were assessed after each gavage to determine laxative effectiveness. Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using light/dark, open field, and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests at baseline, after 2 weeks of daily gavage, and after a 2 week washout in experiment 1, and after 2 weeks of daily gavage in experiment 2. Stool samples were collected for microbiome analysis in experiment 2 at baseline, after 2 weeks of daily gavage, and after 2 weeks washout.

RESULTS

PEG3350 and magnesium citrate significantly changed stool consistency, as well as microbiome alpha and beta diversity. Anxiety-like behaviors were not, however, different in mice administered low or high doses of PEG3350 or magnesium citrate.

CONCLUSIONS

Although changes in stool consistency and the gut microbiome occurred, administration of PEG3350 did not alter anxiety-like behaviors.

Comparing the Effect of a Herbal-based Laxative (Goleghand®) and Polyethylene Glycol on Functional Constipation among Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and document the reported adverse effect of a herbal-based laxative (Goleghand^®) for the maintenance treatment of functional constipation in young children.

Methods:

We conducted a randomized clinical trial from April 2019 to September 2020. Children aged 2–15 years with functional constipation defined according to the Rome IV criteria were eligible for study inclusion. Eligible children were randomly allocated to receive polyethylene glycol (PEG) or Goleghand^®. The number and consistency of stools per day, painful defecation, abdominal pain, and fecal incontinence were reported weekly by parents. The statistical analyses were performed by determining means and standard deviations, t-test, Chi-square test, ANOVA repeated measures, and Fisher's exact test, with significance, accepted at the 5% level.

Findings:

Sixty patients have been enrolled in the study. Parental satisfaction scores did not change significantly in either group or over the follow-up period. Our results showed that the effect of time (P < 0.001) and also the effect of group type (P = 0.01) on the number of fecal defecations was significant. The mean number of defecations increased first and then decreased significantly over time, but this decrease was more significant in the PEG group than in the Goleghand^® group (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the effect of time on the fecal consistency score was significant (P = 0.047). The mean score of fecal consistency in both groups decreased over time.

Conclusion:

Goleghand^® was similar in efficacy to PEG for 8 weeks of pediatric functional constipation treatment in this randomized clinical trial. Goleghand^® can be considered as a new herbal laxative drug for pediatric functional constipation.

Utilisation and Safety of Polyethylene Glycol 3350 With Electrolytes in Children Under 2 Years: A Retrospective Cohort

OBJECTIVES

In the UK, Movicol paediatric plain (polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes [PEG 3350+E], Norgine, UK), is licensed for chronic constipation in children 2 -11 years of age and faecal impaction (FI) from 5 years. This study aimed to investigate usage and characterise the risk profile in children under 2 years of age using PEG 3350+E in the UK.

METHODS

Retrospective, single exposure cohort study, with patients identified from Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD. Patients first prescribed PEG 3350+E under 2 years of age for the treatment of constipation or FI, between September 2003 and July 2019, were included.

RESULTS

There were 13,235 patients with a constipation indication and 40 patients with FI. For the constipation cohort: median age of PEG 3350+E first prescription was 1.2 years [interquartile range (IQR) 0.9, 1.6] and 68.4% had one treatment episode (TE). The mean duration of exposure, in the first TE, was 88.9 days. The most common total daily dose was one sachet (6.9 g).In terms of incident events on treatment, 0.5% of patients had abdominal pain, 3.0% had diarrhoea (may be attributed to treatment) and 4.1% had vomiting. 2.0% had signs/symptoms which could (in extreme cases) be associated with electrolyte disturbance, however, none had abnormal electrolyte values.

DISCUSSION

The safety aspect of this study did not identify any signals of concern in the constipation cohort. The number of patients in the FI cohort were too small for robust conclusions. If information were available, then a safety study would ideally assess treatment intake per kilogram, including electrolyte intake, before reaching safety conclusions. Nevertheless, these data contribute to real-world evidence on the use of PEG 3350+E in this population.

Efficacy of polyethylene glycol 3350 as compared to lactulose in treatment of ROME IV criteria-defined pediatric functional constipation: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Functional constipation is a common childhood problem, with a prevalence of approximately 3% worldwide. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 and lactulose in the treatment of pediatric functional constipation.

METHODS

A total of 100 subjects with functional constipation were enrolled and centrally randomized to receive PEG 3350 (0.7-1.5 mg/kg/day) or lactulose (0.7-2.0 g/kg/day).

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in median (min, max) stool frequency within 1 week in the PEG 3350 group as compared to the lactulose group (1 [0, 3] to 8 [3, 39] vs. 1 [0, 3] to 7 [1, 17]) (p-value < 0.01). The trend was maintained at week 2, week 3 (p-value < 0.01), and week 4 (p-value = 0.05) with the PEG 3350 group reporting higher weekly median stool frequency than the lactulose group. The PEG group reported significant reduction in painful bowel movements from 68.8% subjects at baseline to 43.8% at the end of first week, whereas the lactulose group reported an increase from 48.9% to 73.3% (p-value = 0.05). Other parameters of constipation, i.e. straining, large diameter stool, and large fecal mass as reported subjectively by parents, significantly decreased from baseline to the end of the study in the PEG 3350 arm compared to those in the lactulose arm. At the end of week 4, there was a statistically significant reduction in all the ROME IV-defined criteria between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

This study proved that the PEG 3350 treatment group had early symptom relief and significant improvement compared to the lactulose group in pediatric functional constipation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI/2018/01/011061).

Comparative evaluation between the laxaplus barij® and polyethylene glycol (4000) in the pediatric functional constipation in children 2–15 years old

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.

Medications for constipation in 2020

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic constipation is a common problem that substantially impacts the quality of life of patients and families, healthcare professionals, and resources. The purpose of this review is to discuss the medications that are available for management of chronic constipation, including medications that have been approved by the FDA for adults, other been studied in pediatrics now, and might become available within the upcoming years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent developments in the evaluation of childhood constipation are providing a better understanding into defecation disorders in children and not only new therapies are becoming available, including medications, but also other therapies, such as biofeedback for treatment of functional defecation disorders, electrical stimulation, and surgeries. The aim of this article is to provide an update on the medications that are available for management of chronic constipation, especially with the development and study of newer medications, such as Linaclotide and Lubiprostone with promising results in both adult and pediatric patients.

SUMMARY

This review will help us identify and have a better understanding regarding what medications are available for use and the indications, so that we can better manage patients with chronic constipation. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Polyethylene Glycol Dosing for Constipation in Children Younger Than 24 Months: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate safety and effectiveness of Polyethylene glycol (PEG) for chronic constipation in children aged younger than 24 months. Identify the optimum dose of PEG to manage chronic constipation in children aged younger than 24 months.

METHODS

In this systematic review, Embase, Medline Ovid, Pubmed, and the Cochrane Library were searched between January 1, 2000 and February 1, 2019. Studies investigating functional constipation, in which patients younger than 24 months of age were treated with PEG, were considered as potentially eligible for review. Two authors screened the studies against inclusion/exclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed with the PEDro quality assessment, Cochrane risk of bias tool, and/or the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Five studies (2 randomized controlled trials, 3 retrospective chart reviews) satisfied selection criteria (n = 459). All studies employed different dosage categories: mean effective maintenance dose, mean initial dose, mean short-term and long-term dose, and mean daily dose. Dosage regimens were variable, with 0.45 to 1.1 g · kg · day for PEG3350 and 0.48 to 0.65 g · kg · day for PEG4000. Adverse effects were transient across all studies for all types of PEG; these included diarrhea and abdominal pain.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review provided evidence for a lack of reported side effects from PEG for children aged younger than 24 months. Evidence to establish appropriate dosage regimens does not exist.An infographic accompanying this article can be found at http://links.lww.com/MPG/B839.

Safety of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Regulatory Issues

Background:

Pharmaceutical excipients are critical in the formulation of any dosage form. Not many additives employed in the drug product manufacture have properties, which meet the desired qualities that the finished product must have. Therefore, it is mandatory to mix the drug substance with other substances to overcome the deficiencies. As a result, almost all pharmaceutical products are mixtures of active pharmaceutical ingredient and additives. So, there is a compelling need of these substances and normally they occupy the major part of any drug product. Excipients are of different chemical categories that have varying physicochemical properties like solubility, miscibility and the nature and source of these materials vary. With growing number of pharmaceutical excipients and polymers, the question of evaluating their toxicity is becoming a complex issue. Many polymers and novel excipients are now available in the market and with their diverse chemical nature and different sources and presence of impurities and their adverse effects will further complicate the safety profiling of these excipients.

Conclusion:

This review article will discuss the unwanted biological activities of some commonly used excipients and issues of the supply of the pharmaceutical excipients that need to be highly regulated and monitored to ensure availability of quality and pure excipient compounds.

Aetiological spectrum, clinical differentiation and efficacy of polyethylene glycol over lactulose in children with constipation: Experience of 316 cases

AIM

To find the aetiological spectrum, clinical features to differentiate organic from functional constipation (FC) and the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) over lactulose in the treatment of childhood constipation.

METHODS

From January 2007 to December 2014, 316 consecutive children (up to 18 years) with constipation were included in this study. FC was defined as per Rome III criteria. Standard treatment protocol (disimpaction with PEG followed by laxatives) was followed in FC. Lactulose was used in the first 4 years of study and PEG in the last 4 years. Success of therapy was assessed at 3 months.

RESULTS

The median age was 44 (25.00-78.00) months, and 227 (72%) were boys. The majority, 245 (77.5%), had FC, while Hirschsprung disease was the most common organic cause (39.4%). On multivariate analysis, delayed passage of meconium, growth failure, absence of retentive posturing and absent faecal impaction significantly (P < 0.05) determined an organic aetiology. In FC, successful outcome at 3 months was achieved equally with PEG and lactulose (81 vs. 76%, respectively). However, more children in lactulose group had to be switched over to PEG due to lack of efficacy (P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

FC is the most common cause of constipation in children. Presence of delayed passage of meconium, growth failure and absence of retentive posturing and absent faecal impaction raise the suspicion of an organic cause. Both lactulose and PEG are equally effective. PEG has an edge over lactulose as the need for switch over was uncommon.

High-resolution anorectal manometry in children with functional constipation: a single-centre experience before and after treatment

INTRODUCTION

Constipation is a common disorder among children, and most of the cases are functional in aetiology. Few studies have reported the manometric data of normal and constipated children.

AIM

To evaluate the manometric parameters in children with functional constipation and to assess any possible changes in these parameters after treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective descriptive study was conducted at a single centre, enrolling 50 children diagnosed with functional constipation based on Rome IV criteria. Their age ranged from 6 to 14 years with a mean of 7.31 ±1.72 years. High-resolution manometry was performed on all children at the initial presentation and after six months of treatment.

RESULTS

The studied children showed markedly abnormal rectal sensation parameters (increased first sensation, first urge, intense urge, and maximum tolerable volume) during rectal balloon distension. These parameters were even higher in children with stool incontinence (p = 0.005). Manometric data after 6 months of treatment showed that the resting and squeeze pressures were increased when compared to pre-treatment recordings; however, both were statistically insignificant (p = 0.474 and p = 0.155, respectively). Abnormalities in rectal sensations and the manometric parameters reached near normal values following treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Anorectal manometry is sensitive in predicting improvement in patient condition even before complete clinical cure, and it has a prognostic role in the management of childhood constipation. More research is still needed before recommending anorectal manometry as a routine diagnostic or prognostic tool in paediatric constipation management.

Hospital-Level Variation in Practice Patterns and Patient Outcomes for Pediatric Patients Hospitalized With Functional Constipation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Constipation is a common pediatric condition with a prevalence of 3% to 5% in children aged 4 to 17 years. Currently, there are no evidence-based guidelines for the management of pediatric patients hospitalized with constipation. The primary objective was to evaluate practice patterns and patient outcomes for the hospital management of functional constipation in US children's hospitals.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of children aged 0 to 18 years hospitalized for functional constipation from 2012 to 2014 by using the Pediatric Health Information System. Patients were included by using constipation and other related diagnoses as classified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision. Patients with complex chronic conditions were excluded. Outcome measures included percentage of hospitalizations due to functional constipation, therapies used, length of stay, and 90-day readmission rates. Statistical analysis included means with 95% confidence intervals for individual hospital outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 14 243 hospitalizations were included, representing 12 804 unique patients. The overall percentage of hospitalizations due to functional constipation was 0.65% (range: 0.19%-1.41%, P < .0001). The percentage of patients receiving the following treatment during their hospitalization included: electrolyte laxatives: 40% to 96%; sodium phosphate enema: 0% to 64%; mineral oil enema: 0% to 61%; glycerin suppository: 0% to 37%; bisacodyl 0% to 47%; senna: 0% to 23%; and docusate 0% to 11%. Mean length of stay was 1.97 days (range: 1.31-2.73 days, P < .0001). Mean 90-day readmission rate was 3.78% (range: 0.95%-7.53%, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant variation in practice patterns and clinical outcomes for pediatric patients hospitalized with functional constipation across US children's hospitals. Collaborative initiatives to adopt evidence-based best practices guidelines could help standardize the hospital management of pediatric functional constipation.

Approach to Constipation in Children

PURPOSE

There is a scarcity of literature, and prevalent misconceptions about constipation in India.

METHODS

A literature search in PubMed was conducted with regard to epidemiology, clinical features, and management of constipation. Special emphasis was paid to functional constipation and refractory constipation. English language studies available full text over the last 25 years were considered and relevant information was extracted.

CONCLUSIONS

Estimated prevalence of constipation is 3% among toddlers and pre-school children worldwide and 95%, of them are considered functional. A careful history and thorough physical examination is all that is required to diagnose functional constipation. Management includes disimpaction followed by maintenance therapy with oral laxative, dietary modification and toilet training. A close and regular follow-up is necessary for successful treatment. In most of the cases laxative needs to be continued for several months and sometimes years. Early withdrawal of laxative is the commonest cause of recurrence. Refractory constipation is less common in primary care set up. Radiological colon transit study is useful in picking up Slow transit constipation. Antegrade continence enema plays an important role in the management of slow transit constipation.

Pharmacological interventions on early functional gastrointestinal disorders

BACKGROUND

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms without structural or biochemical abnormalities. FGIDs are multifactorial conditions with different pathophysiologic mechanisms including altered motility, visceral hyperalgesia, brain-gut disturbance, genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Although in most cases gastrointestinal symptoms are transient and with spontaneous resolution in infancy multiple dietary changes and pharmacological therapy are often started despite a lack of evidence-based data. Our aim was to update and critically review the current literature to assess the effects and the clinical appropriateness of drug treatment in early (occurring in infants and toddlers) FGIDs.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Medline and GIMBE (Italian Group on Medicine Based on Evidence) databases, according to the methodology of the Critically Appraised Topics (CATs). We included reviews, clinical studies, and evidence-based guidelines reporting on pharmacological treatments. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning pharmacologic therapies in children with early FGIDs were included, and data were extracted on participants, interventions, and outcomes.

RESULTS

We found no evidence-based guidelines or systematic reviews about the utility of pharmacological therapy in functional regurgitation, infant colic and functional diarrhea. In case of regurgitation associated with marked distress, some evidences support a short trial with alginate when other non pharmacological approach failed (stepped-care approach). In constipated infants younger than 6 months of age Lactulose is recommended, whilst in older ages Polyethylene glycol (PEG) represents the first-line therapy both for fecal disimpaction and maintenance therapy of constipation. Conversely, no evidence supports the use of laxatives for dyschezia. Furthermore, we found no RCTs regarding the pharmacological treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome, but retrospective studies showed a high percentage of clinical response using cyproheptadine, propanolol and pizotifen.

CONCLUSION

There is some evidence that a pharmacological intervention is necessary for rectal disimpaction in childhood constipation and that PEG is the first line therapy. In contrast, for the other early FGIDs there is a lack of well-designed high-quality RCTs and no evidence on the use of pharmacological therapy was found.

Comparison Between the Cassia Fistula`s Emulsion With Polyethylene Glycol (PEG4000) in the Pediatric Functional Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

There are few effective drugs for pediatric functional constipation (FC).

OBJECTIVES

Comparing the effectiveness of Cassia fistula's emulsion (CFE) with Polyethylene glycol (PEG4000) in FC; and evaluation of safety of both drugs in the treatment of FC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized open label, prospective, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was carried on 109 children (M/F: 63/46; mean age ± SD: 59.7 ± 28.8 months) in Amirkola children's hospital, Babol, Iran. The inclusion criteria were based on diagnosis of FC according to the Rome III criteria and age range between 2 - 15 years. They received CFE or PEG randomly for 4 weeks. Frequencies of defecation, severity of pain, consistency of stool, fecal incontinence and retentive posturing were compared between the two groups and with baselines. Children were counted as improved when they exited from Rome III criteria of FC.

RESULTS

Fifty seven patients were assigned to receive PEG and 52 patients received CFE. After 4weeks of medication, 86.5% of children in CFE group and 77.1% in PEG group (RR = 1.121, CI95%:0.939 - 1.338) exited from the criteria of FC. All measurable criteria improved in both groups without any significant difference, except in the frequency of defecation that in CFE group (10.96 ± 5.7) was significantly more than PEG group (6.9 ± 3.5) (P < 0.0001). Compliances of PEG were significantly better in the 2 first weeks (P = 0.002, 0.008) but not in third and fourth week (P = 0.061, 0.062). None of these two drugs cause clinically significant side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

CFE can be as effective as PEG in the 4-weeks treatment of children with FC.

Management of Functional Constipation in Children: Therapy in Practice

Functional constipation is a common healthcare problem among children worldwide and accounts for high healthcare usage and costs. Functional constipation is a clinical diagnosis; the evaluation primarily consists of a thorough medical history and a complete physical examination. Additional investigations are not necessary in most cases. Treatment consists of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Non-pharmacological interventions involve education and demystification, toilet training (with a reward system), and a defecation diary. Pharmacological treatment comprises three steps: disimpaction, maintenance treatment, and weaning. The treatment of first choice is oral laxatives, preferably polyethylene glycol. When this is insufficient, other therapeutic agents are available. This review discusses the evaluation and management of functional constipation in the pediatric population and provides a summary of drug treatment options.

Contrast enema as a guide for senna-based laxatives in managing overflow retentive stool incontinence in pediatrics

OBJECTIVES

Overflow retentive stool incontinence (ORSI) is secondary to constipation and fecal loading. In our study, the dose and duration of senna-based laxatives (SBL) treatment to achieve full defecatory control will be examined for possible correlation with new parameters measured from the initial contrast enema.

METHODS

Initially, an observational study was conducted prospectively on a group of patient with ORSI to define the optimum dose of SBL to achieve full defecatory control with measurement of six parameters in the initial contrast enema (level of colonic dilatation, recto-anal angle, ratio of maximal diameter of dilated colon to last lumbar spine, ratio of maximum diameter of dilated colon to normal descending colon, immediate and after 24-h post-evacuation residual contrast). The result was analyzed statistically to reach a correlation between the radiological data and prescribed dose.

RESULTS

Over 2 and half years, 72 patients were included in the study; their mean age was 6.3 ± 3.33 years. The mean effective starting dose of SBL was 57 ± 18.13 mg/day and the mean effective ending dose was 75 ± 31.68 mg/day. Time lapsed till full defecatory control ranged from 1 to 16 weeks. Statistical correlation revealed that mean effective ending dose of SBL treatment significantly increased with higher levels of colonic dilatation. A weak positive correlation was found for both the mean effective starting and ending doses with the ratio of maximum colonic diameter to last lumbar spine and descending colonic diameters ratio.

CONCLUSION

Senna-based laxatives are effective treatment for overflow retentive stool incontinence and their doses can be adjusted initially depending on the analysis of the radiological data.

Practice patterns of pediatricians and trainees for the management of functional constipation compared with 2006 NASPGHAN guidelines

OBJECTIVES

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition has formulated guidelines for managing functional constipation. There have been no studies that have investigated how pediatricians apply the constipation guideline since it was revised in 2006. The purpose of this study was to examine how pediatricians approach functional constipation and how closely their approaches adhere to the guidelines.

METHODS

An anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire was developed by general pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists. This was distributed to pediatricians and pediatric residents at 7 academic institutions, and to the American Academy of Pediatrics section on medical students, residents, and fellowship trainees mailing list.

RESULTS

A total of 1202 responses were received (952 trainees, 250 attendings). Of these, 84.3% reported being unfamiliar/slightly familiar with the guidelines. The most common initial interventions for constipation without fecal incontinence included fluids (92.1%), fiber (89.5%), juice (77.7%), behavioral interventions (71.2%), follow-up (53.4%), and reducing constipating foods (50.1%). The most common initial interventions for constipation with fecal incontinence included bowel cleanout (73.4%), maintenance medication (70.0%), fluids (67.9%), behavioral interventions (67.6%), fiber (66.1%), and follow-up (57.8%). Osmotics were the most commonly prescribed as needed (83.0%) and maintenance medications (96.8%), with stimulants prescribed PRN by 35.6% and as maintenance by 16.8%. Some individuals (39.7%) reported concern that osmotics could result in dependence, addiction, or electrolyte imbalances, compared with 73.0% for stimulants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that more education regarding medication in functional constipation is necessary, including the use of medication reducing time to remission, the necessity of disimpaction, and misconceptions regarding adverse effects.

An occurrence of sepsis during inpatient fecal disimpaction

Functional constipation is a common pediatric problem that is often treated through well-established algorithms. Fecal disimpaction is the initial therapeutic step, and severe cases require hospitalization for intensive therapies. We describe a significant unexpected complication of this common clinical situation. An 8-year-old boy with suspected chronic functional constipation was hospitalized for disimpaction by continuous nasogastric administration of polyethylene glycol electrolyte (PEG-E) solution. On the sixth day of disimpaction, the patient abruptly developed fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Evaluation included blood culture, which grew Escherichia coli, and treatment with a course of appropriate antibiotics was provided. The safety of PEG-E solutions has been shown in studies of children with constipation, which made this patient's illness surprising. Several potential etiologies of his infection were considered, including bacterial translocation (BT). BT is defined as the passage of live microbes and microbial products from the gastrointestinal tract to extraintestinal sites, such as the bloodstream. It has been shown to occur in a variety of clinical conditions but is of unclear clinical significance. In this case, physical damage to the intestinal mucosa was thought to contribute to the potential occurrence of BT, and prolonged disimpaction was considered as a risk factor. E coli sepsis in a child undergoing inpatient nasogastric fecal disimpaction with PEG-E represents a clinical problem never before reported in the literature and should increase clinicians' indices of suspicion for uncommon complications of common procedures.

Prospective evaluation of 1-day polyethylene glycol-3350 bowel preparation regimen in children

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a pediatric colonoscopy bowel preparation regimen composed of polyethylene glycol-3350 (PEG-3350) and a sports drink completed in a few hours.

METHODS

A prospective, open-label trial of a colonoscopy bowel preparation in children ages 8 to 18 years that included 238 g of PEG-3350 mixed with 1.9 L of Gatorade completed in a few hours. Efficacy was determined using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. Basic metabolic profiles and questionnaires were obtained that assessed for safety, adverse effects, tolerability, and patient acceptability.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients completed the study. Patients were predominately boys (56.5%) with a mean age of 14.50 years (SD ± 2.9 years). Forty-three (93.5%) were able to complete the regimen. All of the colonoscopies were completed to the cecum and 84% had terminal ileum visualization. Seventy-seven percent were found to be effective preparations. Nausea/vomiting were the most common reported adverse effect (60%) followed by abdominal pain/cramping (44%) and fatigue/weakness (40%). Overall, the regimen was acceptable with 1 exception being the large volume to drink. There were no clinically significant changes in basic metabolic profiles, although there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean potassium (0.16 mEq/L; P = 0.016), blood urea nitrogen (2.68 mg/dL; P < 0.0001), and carbon dioxide (1.89 mmol/L; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that PEG-3350 + Gatorade administered in a few hours is an effective, safe, and moderately tolerable bowel preparation regimen for colonoscopy in children.

The effect of cassia fistula emulsion on pediatric functional constipation in comparison with mineral oil: a randomized, clinical trial

Background

The prevalence of Pediatric Functional Constipation (FC) has been reported between 0.7% to 29.6%. This study was conducted to compare the laxative effect of cassia fistula emulsion (CFE) with mineral oil (MO) on FC. Cassia fistula is named in Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) as “Folus”.

Materials and methods

A randomized clinical trial was carried on 81 children (age range: 4–13 years) with FC, according to Rome III criteria in Amirkola Children’s Hospital, Babol, Iran. They received CFE or MO randomly for three weeks. CFE was produced according to the order of TIM references. Children were counted as improved when they exited from Rome III criteria of FC. Frequency of defecation, fecal incontinence, retentive posturing, severity of pain, consistency of stool and anal leakage of oily material were compared between the two groups and with baselines. An intent-to-treat analysis was used. Safety of drugs was assessed with the evaluation of clinical adverse effects.

Results

41 children were assigned randomly to receive CFE and 40 children received MO. After three weeks of medication, 84% of children in CFE group and 50% in MO group (p = 0.002) exited from the criteria of FC, so called improved. All measurable criteria improved in both groups. The frequency of defecation in CFE group improved from 1.7 per week (before the study) to 10.6 per week (at the third week) while this parameter differed in MO group from 2 to 6.1 (p < 0.001). The severity of pain during defecation and consistency of stool improved significantly better in CFE group than MO group (p < 0.05), but there were not any significant differences between the two groups in fecal incontinence and retentive posturing. Anal leakage of oily material occurred as an important complication in MO group while the children in CFE group did not complaint it. Drug’s compliances were not significantly different in the two groups. CFE and MO did not cause clinically significant side effects.

Conclusions

CFE was most effective than MO in the 3-week treatment of children with FC.

Efficacy and tolerability of peg-only laxative on faecal impaction and chronic constipation in children. A controlled double blind randomized study vs a standard peg-electrolyte laxative

BACKGROUND

PEG-based laxatives are considered today the gold standard for the treatment of constipation in children. PEG formulations differ in terms of composition of inactive ingredients which may have an impact on acceptance, compliance and adherence to treatment. We therefore compared the efficacy, tolerability, acceptance and compliance of a new PEG-only formulation compared to a reference PEG-electrolyte (PEG-EL) formulation in resolving faecal impaction and in the treatment of chronic constipation.

METHODS

Children aged 2-16 years with functional chronic constipation for at least 2 months were randomized to receive PEG-only 0.7 g/kg/day in 2 divided doses or 6.9 g PEG-EL 1-4 sachets according to age for 4 weeks. Children with faecal impaction were randomized to receive PEG-only 1.5/g/kg in 2 divided doses until resolution or for 6 days or PEG-EL with an initial dose of 4 sachets and increasing 2 sachets a day until resolution or for 7 days.

RESULTS

Ninety-six children were randomized into the study. Five patients withdrew consent before starting treatment. Three children discontinued treatment for refusal due to bad taste of the product (1 PEG-only, 2 PEG-EL); 1 (PEG-EL) for an adverse effect (abdominal pain). Intent-to-treat analysis was carried out in 49 children in the PEG-only group and 42 in the PEG-EL group.No significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups at baseline.Adequate relief of constipation in terms of normalized frequency and painless defecation of soft stools was achieved in all patients in both groups. The number of stools/week was 9.2 ± 3.2 (mean ± SD) in the PEG-only group and 7.8 ± 2.4 in the PEG-EL group (p = 0.025); the number of days with stool was 22.4 ± 5.1 in the PEG-only group and 19.6 ± 7.2 in the PEG-EL group (p = 0.034).In the PEG-only group faecaloma resolution was observed in 5 children on the second day and in 2 children on the third day, while in the PEG-EL group it was observed in 2 children on the second day, in 3 children on the third day and in 1 child on the fifth day.Only 2 patients reported mild treatment-related adverse events: 1 child in the PEG-only group had diarrhoea and vomiting and 1 child in the PEG-EL group had abdominal pain requiring treatment discontinuation. The PEG-only preparation was better tolerated as shown by the lower frequency of nausea than in the PEG-EL group.In the PEG-only group, 96% of patients did not demonstrate any difficulties associated with treatment, as compared with 52% of patients in the PEG-EL group (p < 0.001). Also, the PEG-only formulation taste was better than that of PEG-EL (p < 0.001). The difference between the percentage of subjects who took > 80% of the prescribed dose was in favour of the PEG-only group (98% vs. 88%), though it did not reach a conventional statistical level (p = 0.062).

CONCLUSION

PEG-only was better tolerated and accepted than PEG-EL in children with chronic constipation. At the higher PEG doses recommended by the manufactures children in the PEG-only group had higher and more regular soft stool frequency than PEG-EL.

A randomized, prospective, comparison study of a mixture of acacia fiber, psyllium fiber, and fructose vs polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes for the treatment of chronic functional constipation in childhood

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of a mixture of acacia fiber, psyllium fiber, and fructose (AFPFF) with polyethylene glycol 3350 combined with electrolytes (PEG+E) in the treatment of children with chronic functional constipation (CFC); and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of AFPFF in the treatment of children with CFC.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a randomized, open label, prospective, controlled, parallel-group study involving 100 children (M/F: 38/62; mean age ± SD: 6.5 ± 2.7 years) who were diagnosed with CFC according to the Rome III Criteria. Children were randomly divided into 2 groups: 50 children received AFPFF (16.8 g daily) and 50 children received PEG+E (0.5 g/kg daily) for 8 weeks. Primary outcome measures were frequency of bowel movements, stool consistency, fecal incontinence, and improvement of other associated gastrointestinal symptoms. Safety was assessed with evaluation of clinical adverse effects and growth measurements.

RESULTS

Compliance rates were 72% for AFPFF and 96% for PEG+E. A significant improvement of constipation was seen in both groups. After 8 weeks, 77.8% of children treated with AFPFF and 83% of children treated with PEG+E had improved (P = .788). Neither PEG+E nor AFPFF caused any clinically significant side effects during the entire course of the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized study, we did not find any significant difference between the efficacy of AFPFF and PEG+E in the treatment of children with CFC. Both medications were proved to be safe for CFC treatment, but PEG+E was better accepted by children.

Osmotic and stimulant laxatives for the management of childhood constipation

BACKGROUND

Constipation within childhood is an extremely common problem. Despite the widespread use of osmotic and stimulant laxatives by health professionals to manage constipation in children, there has been a long standing paucity of high quality evidence to support this practice.

OBJECTIVES

We set out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of osmotic and stimulant laxatives used to treat functional childhood constipation.

SEARCH METHODS

The search (inception to May 7, 2012) was standardised and not limited by language and included electronic searching (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Functional Bowel Disorders Group Specialized Trials Register), reference searching of all included studies, personal contacts and drug companies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared osmotic or stimulant laxatives with either placebo or another intervention, with patients aged 0 to 18 years old were considered for inclusion. The primary outcome was frequency of defecation. Secondary endpoints included faecal incontinence, disimpaction, need for additional therapies and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Relevant papers were identified and the authors independently assessed the eligibility of trials. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.The Cochrane RevMan software was used for analyses. Patients with final missing outcomes were assumed to have relapsed. For continuous outcomes we calculated a mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a fixed-effect model. For dichotomous outcomes we calculated an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using a fixed-effect model. The chi square and I(2) statistics were used to assess statistical heterogeneity. A random-effects model was used in situations of unexplained heterogeneity

MAIN RESULTS

Eighteen RCTs (1643 patients) were included in the review. Nine studies were judged to be at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding, incomplete outcome data and selective reporting. Meta-analysis of two studies (101 patients) comparing polyethylene glycol (PEG) with placebo showed a significantly increased number of stools per week with PEG (MD 2.61 stools per week, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.08). Common adverse events in the placebo-controlled studies included flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea and headache. Meta-analysis of 4 studies with 338 participants comparing PEG with lactulose showed significantly greater stools per week with PEG (MD 0.95 stools per week, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.44), although follow up was short. Patients who received PEG were significantly less likely to require additional laxative therapies. Eighteen per cent of PEG patients required additional therapies compared to 30% of lactulose patients (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.89). No serious adverse events were reported with either agent. Common adverse events in these studies included diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and pruritis ani. Meta-analysis of 3 studies with 211 participants comparing PEG with milk of magnesia showed that the stools/wk was significantly greater with PEG (MD 0.69 stools per week, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.89). However, the magnitude of this difference is quite small and may not be clinically significant. One child was noted to be allergic to PEG, but there were no other serious adverse events reported. Meta-analysis of 2 studies with 287 patients comparing liquid paraffin (mineral oil) with lactulose revealed a relatively large statistically significant difference in the number of stools per week favouring paraffin (MD 4.94 stools per week, 95% CI 4.28 to 5.61). No serious adverse events were reported. Adverse events included abdominal pain, distention and watery stools. No statistically significant differences in the number of stools per week were found between PEG and enemas (1 study, 90 patients, MD 1.00, 95% CI -1.58 to 3.58), dietary fibre mix and lactulose (1 study, 125 patients, P = 0.481), senna and lactulose (1 study, 21 patients, P > 0.05), lactitol and lactulose (1 study, 51 patients, MD -0.80, 95% CI -2.63 to 1.03), and PEG and liquid paraffin (1 study, 158 patients, MD 0.70, 95% CI -0.38 to 1.78).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The pooled analyses suggest that PEG preparations may be superior to placebo, lactulose and milk of magnesia for childhood constipation. GRADE analyses indicated that the overall quality of the evidence for the primary outcome (number of stools per week) was low or very low due to sparse data, inconsistency (heterogeneity), and high risk of bias in the studies in the pooled analyses. Thus, the results of the pooled analyses should be interpreted with caution because of quality and methodological concerns, as well as clinical heterogeneity, and short follow up. However, PEG appears safe and well tolerated. There is also evidence suggesting the efficacy of liquid paraffin (mineral oil), which was also well tolerated.There is no evidence to demonstrate the superiority of lactulose when compared to the other agents studied, although there is a lack of placebo controlled studies. Further research is needed to investigate the long term use of PEG for childhood constipation, as well as the role of liquid paraffin.

Medical management of constipation

Constipation is a common clinical problem. Initial management of chronic constipation should include lifestyle maneuvers, and increased fiber and fluids. Polyethylene glycol, sodium picosulfate, bisacodyl, prucalopride, lubiprostone, and linaclotide were all more effective than placebo for treating chronic idiopathic constipation. Many commonly used agents lack quality evidence supporting their use.

Polyethylene glycol 4000 treatment for children with constipation: A randomized comparative multicenter study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) for the treatment of constipation in children over 8 years of age. A total of 216 children from 7 hospitals were enrolled. A total of 105 patients received oral PEG 4000 (20 g/day) and 111 patients received oral lactulose (15 ml/day) for 2 weeks. The stool frequency, stool consistency and abdominal pain of the patients were monitored. In the PEG group, following one week and two weeks of treatment, the median weekly stool frequency improved from 2 times prior to treatment to 6 and 7 times, respectively, following treatment. The clinical remission rates of the PEG and lactulose groups following one week of treatment were 70.48 and 39.64%, respectively, and following two weeks of treatment were 72.38 and 41.44%, respectively. Abdominal pain disappeared in 74.6% of patients following two weeks of PEG 4000 treatment. No significant clinical adverse effects or abnormalities in the laboratory tests were observed in the two treatment groups. In conclusion, PEG 4000 is a safe and more effective drug compared to lactulose for the treatment of constipation in children.

[NO TITLE AVAILABLE]

OBJETIVO: Rever a literatura sobre o uso do polietile-noglicol no tratamento da constipação intestinal crônica funcional em crianças. FONTES DOS DADOS: Foram selecionadas publicações entre 1998 e 2009, utilizando as bases de dados Medline e SciELO. Foram incluídos estudos relevantes referentes à constipação, ao uso do polietilenoglicol em adultos, a diretriz recente da NASPGHAN e os critérios de ROMA III relativos às doenças intestinais funcionais. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: O tratamento da constipação intestinal em crianças é dividido em várias etapas não consecutivas. O uso prolongado de laxativos é uma dessas etapas; no entanto, as opções terapêuticas são restritas. Os efeitos adversos e a dificuldade de aceitação pela criança são os principais problemas que surgem com o uso prolongado de laxativos. O polietilenoglicol é um laxativo osmótico utilizado para o tratamento da constipação, com absorção de 0,2%, insípido e inodoro, disponível com os pesos moleculares 3350 e 4000 Dalton, com ou sem adição de eletrólitos. Estudos randomizados e controlados demonstraram ser o polietilenoglicol um agente efetivo na melhora dos sintomas, além de ser seguro, pois não foram relatados efeitos colaterais significativos. CONCLUSÕES: O polietilenoglicol é superior aos outros agentes osmóticos em relação ao sabor e à aceitação pelas crianças. O uso diário é seguro e efetivo e pode ser considerado uma opção terapêu-tica na constipação intestinal crônica funcional em pediatria.

Coexistence of constipation and incontinence in children and adults

The coexistence of constipation and fecal incontinence has long been recognised in paediatric and geriatric populations, but is grossly underappreciated in the rest of the adult population. In children, functional fecal incontinence is usually associated with constipation, stool retention and incomplete evacuation, and is frequently allied to urinary incontinence. Pathophysiology of the incontinence is incompletely understood, although both in children and adults, it is thought to be secondary to overflow, while in adults it may also be related to pelvic floor dysfunction and denervation. Incontinence has an important impact on quality of life and daily functioning, and in children may be associated with behaviour problems. The treatment of underlying constipation usually results in improvement in incontinence. This review broadly addresses the epidemiology and pathophysiology of coexistent constipation and incontinence in both children and adults, and also reviews clinical presentation and treatment response in pediatrics.

Constipation in children: novel insight into epidemiology, pathophysiology and management

Constipation in children is a common health problem affecting 0.7% to 29.6% children across the world. Exact etiology for developing symptoms is not clear in children and the majority is considered to have functional constipation. Alteration of rectal and pelvic floor function through the brain-gut axis seems to play a crucial role in the etiology. The diagnosis is often a symptom-based clinical process. Recently developed Rome III diagnostic criteria looks promising, both in clinical and research fields. Laboratory investigations such as barium enema, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry and colonic transit studies are rarely indicated except in those who do not respond to standard management. Treatment of childhood constipation involves several facets including education and demystification, toilet training, rational use of laxatives for disimpaction and maintenance and regular follow-up. Surgical options should be considered only when medical therapy fails in long standing constipation. Since most of the management strategies of childhood constipation are not evidence-based, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to assess the efficacy of currently available or newly emerging therapeutic options. Contrary to the common belief that children outgrow constipation as they grow up, a sizable percentage continue to have symptoms beyond puberty.

Long-term safety of PEG 4000 in children with chronic functional constipation: A biochemical perspective

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 in children with constipation, particularly the biochemical aspects of safety.

Methods

Medical records were evaluated, and 100 children, who had been taking PEG 4000 for more than 6 months, and who had been under clinical and biochemical monitoring, were enrolled. Ages; 6.11±3.12 years, Duration of therapy; 16.93±7.02 months, dose of PEG 4000; 0.72±0.21 g/kg/d.

Results

None of the children complained of clinical adverse effect. The first biochemical test was performed at 8.05 months after beginning of PEG 4000. Serum phosphate (SP) value was high in 10 children, and leucopenia was noted in one child. The second test was performed in 44 children at 7.57 months after the first test. The SP value was high in four children, including the three children whose initial SP value was high and one new child. Six out of 10 children with high initial SP value became normal and one was lost. Hypernatremia was noted in one child. The third test was done in 15 children at 7.5 months after the second test. The SP value of the new child from the second test was high, but became normal after finishing treatment. Two out of 3 children with high SP value at the second test became normal and one was lost. The fourth test was done in 2 children few months after the third test. All of the results were normal. There were no relation between duration of therapy and hyperphosphatemia, or between dose of PEG 4000 and hyperphosphatemia.

Conclusions

PEG 4000 is safe for long-term therapy in children with constipation with respect to biochemical parameters.

Childhood constipation: evaluation and management

Constipation is a common problem in children. It is also a long-term problem persisting for many months to years in children. Approximately 95% of childhood constipation is functional in nature without any obvious cause. Evaluation of a child with constipation requires a thorough history and physical examination. Hirschsprung's disease is an important cause of constipation arising in infancy and requires a thorough diagnostic evaluation and surgical treatment. Treatment of functional constipation in children requires a well-designed plan and a team approach involving the child, parents, and a health care provider. Treatment involves education of the family about constipation and encopresis, fecal disimpaction, and long-term maintenance therapy of laxatives and behavioral modification. Laxatives such as magnesium hydroxide, lactulose, and mineral oil have been used in children for a long time. A new laxative, polyethylene glycol 3350, has been used successfully in children with constipation and encopresis. Several novel therapeutic interventions have been tried for children presenting with intractable constipation, refractory to conventional treatment.

Comparison of preference and safety of powder and liquid lactulose in adult patients with chronic constipation

Background:

Chronic constipation is an important clinical condition which can result in serious discomfort and even require hospitalization. Powder and liquid lactulose are designated as clinically equivalent for the treatment of constipation, but there are significant differences in the taste, consistency, and portability of the products, which may affect patient compliance and therefore clinical outcome.

Aim:

To evaluate patient preference between powder and liquid lactulose in terms of overall preference, taste, consistency, and portability, and safety in terms of adverse events.

Methods:

Three sites randomized patients (total n = 50) to powder or liquid lactulose for seven days with crossover. Patient preference was assessed by a questionnaire, and the occurrence of adverse events was monitored.

Results:

Of those expressing a preference, 44% and 57% more patients preferred the taste and consistency, respectively, of powder over liquid lactulose. More than six times as many patients preferred the portability of powder compared with liquid lactulose and, overall, 77% more patients preferred powder over liquid lactulose. There was no difference between treatment groups in terms of adverse events (P = 0.635).

Conclusions:

More patients preferred powder compared with liquid lactulose and the products were equally safe. These findings may impact patient compliance, and therefore may affect clinical outcome.

Recent advances in chronic constipation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic constipation remains one of the most frequent complaints in primary and subspecialty pediatric clinics. It is associated with significant emotional and economic burden for both the children and the caregivers. Recently, advances have expanded our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment options for children with chronic constipation. Here, we review current strategies addressing the cause, diagnostic technologies and treatments of chronic constipation.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is some new information presented here on techniques for diagnosis and long-term complications associated with chronic childhood constipation. Comparative data on current laxatives and the development of medications with novel mechanisms of action are reviewed for a glimpse into the horizon of possible new treatments for children with chronic constipation. Studies on effects of growth, quality of life, dietary fiber and symptoms, which may coexist with constipation, are discussed.

SUMMARY

The recent literature on chronic constipation has provided some new knowledge providing a more evidence-based approach to treating these patients. We review the scope of this problem and the estimated cost of treating constipation. The availability of long-term outcome data enhances our understanding of the natural history of this problem. Newer pharmacological approaches provide optimism for treatment for this common problem.

A dietary fiber mixture versus lactulose in the treatment of childhood constipation: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Constipation is a common problem in children. As first-line treatment, increased dietary fiber is often advocated. To our knowledge, however, no large studies evaluating the effect of dietary fibers in childhood constipation have been published.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, prospective controlled study was performed. Patients received either a fiber mixture or lactulose in a yogurt drink. After a baseline period of 1 week, patients were treated for 8 weeks followed by 4 weeks of weaning. Polyethylene glycol 3350 was added if no clinical improvement was observed after 3 weeks. Using a standardized bowel diary, parents recorded defecation frequency during the treatment period. In addition, incontinence frequency, stool consistency, presence of abdominal pain and flatulence, necessity for step-up medication, and dry weight of feces were recorded, as were adverse effects.

RESULTS

A total of 147 children were eligible; 12 children wished not to participate. Of the remaining children, 65 were randomized to treatment with fiber mixture and 70 to treatment with lactulose. In all, 97 children completed the study. No difference was found between the groups after the treatment period concerning defecation frequency (P = 0.481) and fecal incontinence frequency (P = 0.084). However, consistency of stools was softer in the lactulose group (P = 0.01). Abdominal pain and flatulence scores were comparable (P = 0.395 and P = 0.739, respectively). The necessity of step-up medication during the treatment period was comparable (P = 0.996), as were taste scores (P = 0.657). No serious adverse effects were registered.

CONCLUSIONS

A fluid fiber mixture and lactulose give comparable results in the treatment of childhood constipation.

Diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence and functional fecal incontinence (encopresis) in children

The ability to maintain normal continence for urine and stools is not achievable in all children by a certain age. Gaining control of urinary and fecal continence is a complex process, and not all steps and factors involved are fully understood. While normal development of anatomy and physiology are prerequisites to becoming fully continent, anatomic abnormalities, such as bladder exstrophy, epispadias, ectopic ureters, and neurogenic disturbances that can usually be recognized at birth and cause incontinence, will require specialist treatment, not only to restore continence but also to preserve renal function. Most forms of urinary incontinence are not caused by an anatomic or physiologic abnormality and, hence, are more difficult to diagnose and their management requires a sound knowledge of bladder and bowel function.

PEG3350 in the treatment of childhood constipation: a multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To establish the efficacy and best starting dose of polyethylene glycol (PEG)3350 in the short-term treatment of children with functional constipation.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of PEG3350 in children with functional constipation. Patients were randomly assigned to either placebo or 0.2 g/kg per day, 0.4 g/kg per day, or 0.8 g/kg per day of PEG3350 after a 1 week run-in period, followed by 2 weeks of treatment. All received behavior modification. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a successful treatment response: >or=3 bowel movements (BM) in the second week.

RESULTS

103 children (mean, 8.5 +/- 3.1 years) were enrolled. 77%, 74%, and 73% of the 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 g/kg groups were successfully treated, as compared with 42% receiving placebo (P < .04). There was a significant increase in BM (P < .001) and straining improvement (P < .05) with the different PEG3350 doses. Stool consistency improved significantly for doses 0.4 g/kg or higher (P < .001). There was more abdominal pain and fecal incontinence in patients receiving 0.8 g/kg. PEG3350 was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

This placebo-controlled study confirms the efficacy and safety of PEG3350 for the short-term treatment of children with functional constipation. We recommend a starting dose of 0.4 g/kg per day.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 plus electrolytes for chronic constipation in children: a double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol 3350 plus electrolytes (PEG+E) for the treatment of chronic constipation in children.

DESIGN

Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial, with two 2-week treatment periods separated by a 2-week placebo washout.

SETTING

Six UK paediatric departments.

PARTICIPANTS

51 children (29 girls, 22 boys) aged 24 months to 11 years with chronic constipation (lasting > or =3 months), defined as < or =2 complete bowel movements per week and one of the following: pain on defaecation on 25% of days; > or =25% of bowel movements with straining; > or =25% of bowel movements with hard/lumpy stools. 47 children completed the double blind treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Number of complete defaecations per week (primary efficacy variable), total number of complete and incomplete defaecations per week, pain on defaecation, straining on defaecation, faecal incontinence, stool consistency, global assessment of treatment, adverse events and physical examination.

RESULTS

The mean number of complete defaecations per week was significantly higher for children on PEG+E than on placebo (3.12 (SD 2.05) v 1.45 (SD 1.20), respectively; p<0.001). Further significant differences in favour of PEG+E were observed for total number of defaecations per week (p = 0.003), pain on defaecation (p = 0.041), straining on defaecation (p<0.001), stool consistency (p<0.001) and percentage of hard stools (p = 0.001). Treatment related adverse events (all mild or moderate) occurred in similar numbers of children on PEG+E (41%) and placebo during treatment (45%).

CONCLUSIONS

PEG+E is significantly more effective than placebo, and appears to be safe and well tolerated in the treatment of chronic constipation in children.

[Encopresis]

Encopresis is defined as functional faecal incontinence at 4 years of age or older and affects 1-3% of all school children. The two most important subtypes are encopresis with and without constipation. In preschoolers toilet refusal syndrome can occur. Comorbid behavioural disorders and urinary incontinence are common. The current state-of-the-art regarding aetiology, assessment and therapy is presented in this overview. A symptom-oriented behavioural approach (toilet training) is most successful, with the addition of laxatives (polyethylene glycol) if constipation is present. Biofeedback is not effective. Other forms of psychotherapy are indicated only in case of comorbid behavioural disorders. The long-term outcome has been poor and needs improvement.

Management of chronic functional constipation in childhood

Chronic functional constipation is a common problem in childhood, with soiling a significant issue. The morbidity is high and the treatment is complex. There is a very poor evidence base for the drug treatments used and there are considerable differences in practice in different units. The key to successful management is early diagnosis and prompt treatment with an emphasis on holistic care with multidisciplinary support where needed. For example, the practical approach in our unit at the Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, England emphasizes the non-drug aspects including patient education and behavioral modification and uses stimulant laxatives, usually in a high dose as first-line therapy. There is an urgent need for prospective comparative studies to investigate different treatment regimens and for longitudinal studies to examine the long-term outcome of chronic constipation and the factors that determine it. The lack of a significant evidence base for the use of the most widely used agents proves a significant challenge in the production of evidence-based guidelines and highlights the paucity of data for most of the widely used treatments for childhood constipation.

Chronic childhood constipation: a review of the literature and the introduction of a protocolized behavioral intervention program

OBJECTIVE

To release a newly protocolized behavioral intervention program for children with chronic constipation aged 4-18 years with guidance from literature about underlying theories from which the treatment techniques follow.

METHODS

Articles until July 2006 were identified through electronic searches in Medline, PsychInfo and Picarta. There was no limit placed on the time periods searched. Following keywords were used: constipation, encopresis, fecal incontinence, psychotherapy, emotions, randomized controlled trials, parent-child relations, parents, family, psychology, behavioral, behavioral problems, psychopathology, toilet, social, psychosocial, pain, retentive posturing, stool withholding, stool toileting refusal, shame, stress, anxiety. A filter was used to select literature referring to children 0-18 years old. Key constructs and content of sessions for a protocolized behavioral intervention program are derived from literature.

RESULTS

Seventy-one articles on chronic childhood constipation are critically reviewed and categorized into sections on epidemiology, symptomatology, etiology and consequences, treatment and effectivity, and follow-up on chronic childhood constipation. This is followed by an extensive description of our protocolized behavioral intervention program.

CONCLUSION

This is the first article on childhood constipation presenting a full and transparent description of a behavioral intervention program embedded in literature. In addition, a theoretical framework is provided that can serve as a trial paradigm to evaluate intervention effectiveness.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This article can serve as an extensive guideline in routine practice to treat chronically constipated children. By releasing our protocolized behavioral intervention program and by offering a theoretical framework we expect to provide a good opportunity to evaluate clinical effectivity by both randomized controlled trials and qualitative research methods. Findings will contribute to the implementation of an effective treatment for chronic constipation in childhood.

Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes for chronic constipation in children: a single-centre, open-label study

AIM

A Macrogol 3350-based, iso-osmotic laxative has become available for the treatment of chronic constipation in adults. This open-label, non-randomised study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this preparation in the treatment of chronic constipation in children.

METHODS

Seventy-eight children, aged 2-11 years, with chronic constipation for greater than 3 months were enrolled. All children received Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was the number of spontaneous defaecations per week. Secondary efficacy variables were faecal form, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, pain on defaecation, straining, soiling, amount of stool, stool withholding and assessments of efficacy by the investigators and parents. Safety and compliance were also assessed.

RESULTS

The mean number of spontaneous defaecations per week increased from 1.4 +/- 0.55 (SD) at baseline to 6.8 +/- 3.45 after 14 days, and 7.1 +/- 3.45 at 12 weeks (P < 0.001). Similar improvements were found in the secondary efficacy variables. There was a significant reduction in reported abdominal pain from 53 (69%) children at baseline to 3 (4%) at the final visit (P < 0.0001). Similarly, 61 (79%) children had pain on defaecation at baseline, compared with 7 (9%) at the final visit (P < 0.0001). Treatment was well tolerated. Of 318 adverse events, 262 (82%) were considered mild, and 241 (76%) were deemed unrelated to treatment. Only 3 (4%) children were withdrawn because of poor compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes is a safe and effective treatment for constipation in children aged 2-11 years.

Polyethylene glycol and prevalence of colorectal adenomas

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Dietary polyethylene glycol (PEG) is extraordinarily potent in the chemoprevention of experimental colon carcinogenesis. PEG is used to treat constipation in France and in the USA. French laxatives include Forlax (PEG4000), Movicol and Transipeg (PEG3350), and Idrocol (pluronic F68). This study tests the hypothesis that use of a PEG-based laxative might reduce the prevalence of colorectal tumors.

METHODS

In this population-based study, consecutive patients attending for routine total colonoscopy were enrolled during four months by the gastroenterologists of Indre-et-Loire. They were asked if they had previously taken a laxative or a NSAID. Age, gender, previous polyps, family history of colorectal cancer, constipation, digestive symptoms were also recorded. Tumors found during colonoscopy were categorized histologically.

RESULTS

Records from 1165 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 607 women and 498 men, mean age 58.3. Among those, 813 had no tumor, 329 had adenomas, and 23 had carcinomas. In a univariate analysis, older age, male gender, lack of digestive symptom, and previous polyps were more common in patients with colorectal tumors. In contrast, previous Forlax intake was more common in tumor-free patients (odds ratio (OR) any use/no use, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.94). More people used Forlax, which contains a higher dose of PEG than the other PEG-laxatives, whose ORs were smaller than one, but did not reach significance. In multivariate analysis, older age and male gender were associated with higher risk, and NSAIDs use with lower risk, of colorectal tumors.

CONCLUSION

Forlax users had a halved risk of colorectal tumors in univariate analysis, which suggests that PEG may prevent carcinogenesis.

Evaluation and treatment of constipation in children: summary of updated recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Constipation is a common pediatric problem. To assist health care professionals who care for children with constipation, the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) previously published a clinical guideline based on an integration of medical evidence with expert opinion. To evaluate studies published since then, the NASPGHAN Constipation Guideline Committee performed a comprehensive and systematic review of the medical literature since 1997, to identify, review and rate the quality of new evidence. Based on this review, the recommendations of the original clinical guideline were reaffirmed with several modified according to the new evidence. Below is a summary of the evidence reviewed for this update. The complete revised guideline is available online in its entirety.

A randomized, prospective, comparison study of polyethylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes and milk of magnesia for children with constipation and fecal incontinence

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to compare 2 laxatives, namely, polyethylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes and milk of magnesia, evaluating the efficacy, safety, acceptance, and 1-year outcomes.

METHODS

Seventy-nine children with chronic constipation and fecal incontinence were assigned randomly to receive polyethylene glycol or milk of magnesia and were treated for 12 months in tertiary care pediatric clinics. Children were counted as improved or recovered depending on resolution of constipation, fecal incontinence, and abdominal pain after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. An intent-to-treat analysis was used. Safety was assessed with evaluation of clinical adverse effects and blood tests.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine children were assigned randomly to receive polyethylene glycol and 40 to receive milk of magnesia. At each follow-up visit, significant improvement was seen in both groups, with significant increases in the frequency of bowel movements, decreases in the frequency of incontinence episodes, and resolution of abdominal pain. Compliance rates were 95% for polyethylene glycol and 65% for milk of magnesia. After 12 months, 62% of polyethylene glycol-treated children and 43% of milk of magnesia-treated children exhibited improvement, and 33% of polyethylene glycol-treated children and 23% of milk of magnesia-treated children had recovered. Polyethylene glycol and milk of magnesia did not cause clinically significant side effects or blood abnormalities, except that 1 child was allergic to polyethylene glycol.

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized study, polyethylene glycol and milk of magnesia were equally effective in the long-term treatment of children with constipation and fecal incontinence. Polyethylene glycol was safe for the long-term treatment of these children and was better accepted by the children than milk of magnesia.

Polyethylene glycol 4000 vs. lactulose for the treatment of neurogenic constipation in myelomeningocele children: a randomized-controlled clinical trial

AIM

To compare the therapeutic effectiveness and tolerability of low daily doses of polyethylene glycol 4000 vs. lactulose in the treatment of neurogenic constipation in children with myelomeningocele.

METHODS

Sixty-seven children with chronic neurogenic constipation were randomized allocated to receive either polyethylene glycol 4000 (0.50 g/kg) or lactulose (1.5 g/kg) for 6 months. Patients or their parents reported frequency and modality of evacuation and side effects on a diary card. Primary outcome was bowel frequency > or =3/week, and the second one was side effects at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Complete remission of constipation was reported by a significantly (P < 0.01) higher number of patients treated with polyethylene glycol compared with lactulose. At the end of the study, 46% patients of polyethylene glycol group and 22% of the lactulose group were asymptomatic. Compared with lactulose, patients treated with polyethylene glycol reported higher bowel frequency (5.1 vs. 2.9 bowel movements/week, P < 0.01) and reduction of encopresis. Neither lactulose nor polyethylene glycol caused clinically-significant serious side effects and palatability was similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Polyethylene glycol 4000 compared with lactulose provided a higher success rate, without significant side effects, for the treatment of constipation in myelomeningocele children.