title: [Bulk-forming agents as laxatives in geriatric patients].
abstract: Constipation in elderly long-care patients is an important problem. We compared the daily administration of three bulk-forming agents, semen psyllii (Effersyllium), wheat bran with karaya gum (Crusca di Fior) and bruised linseed, with the routine laxative therapy in our clinic based on lactulose (Duphalac) and a combination of paraffin oil and phenolphthalein (Agarol). To evaluate these two laxative regimens the following parameters were monitored: quantity and quality of the feces and of additional laxatives used for regular defecation; acceptance by the patient; costs per patient and day. The results of this study show that daily administration of a laxative is significantly more efficient than periodic administration, and that daily administration of a bulk-forming agent is, at the same level of effectiveness, less expensive (-35%) than therapy with lactulose alone.
authors.affiliation: Medizinisch-geriatrische Klinik, Kantonsspital Basel.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Meier
authors.forename: W O
authors.initials: WO
authors.lastname: Seiler
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Stähelin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003248:Constipation / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D004043:Dietary Fiber
vernacular_title: Quellmittel als Laxativa bei geriatrischen Patienten.