title: Comparison of polyethylene glycol 3350 and lactulose for treatment of chronic constipation in children.
abstract: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 and lactulose were compared in an unblinded, randomized, crossover design for treatment of constipation in 37 children aged 2 to 16 years. Subjects received lactulose (1.3 g/kg/d divided twice daily up to 20 g) or PEG 3350 (10 g/m2/day) for 2 weeks. PEG 3350 significantly decreased the total colonic transit time compared to lactulose (47.6+/-2.7 vs 55.3+/-2.4 hours, mean +/- SE, PEG 3350 vs lactulose, respectively, p = 0.038). The stool frequency, form, and the ease of passage were similar for each laxative. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is an effective laxative for the treatment of chronic constipation in children.
authors.affiliation: The Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile 36604, USA.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Gremse
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hixon
authors.forename: Alysia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Crutchfield
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007792:Lactulose / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D007792:Lactulose