title: [Evaluation and use of polyethylene glycol in constipated patients].
abstract: We evaluated the efficiency of polyethylene glycol at low dosage for the treatment of chronic constipation. A prospective, randomized, double blind study was performed in 34 patients (32 female, 2 male) with the following inclusion criteria: age between 20-60 years, history of more than 5 years of constipation and no lower endoscopic findings of infections or malignancies. The solution was administered in a fasting state at the rate of 0.5 liters daily during 8 days. Patients were divided in 2 groups. Group 1 received placebo during the first week and PEG during the 2nd. week. Group 2 received PEG solution during the first week and placebo during the 2nd. A mean of 5.53 bowel movements was observed after placebo and 12.13 after PEG in group 1 (p < 0.005). A mean of 13.56 bowel movements were observed in group 2 after PEG and 7.73 after placebo (p < 0.001). Decreased consistency of the stools was seen after PEG in both groups (p < 0.001). According to our findings, low doses of PEG were useful and safe in the treatment of constipation, with few side effects.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Medicina, Hospital General del Oeste Dr. José Gregorio Hernández.
authors.forename: Y C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Baldonedo
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lugo
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Uzcátegui
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guelrud
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Skornicki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003672:Defecation / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D011092:Polyethylene Glycols
vernacular_title: Evaluación y uso del polietilen glicol en pacientes constipados.