title: A prospective randomized trial comparing low-dose oral sodium phosphate plus stimulant laxatives with large volume polyethylene glycol solution for colon cleansing.
abstract: This study examined whether the combination of a single dose (45 ml) oral sodium phosphate (NaP), four bisacodyl tablets (5 mg), and one bisacodyl enema (10 mg) preparation, Fleet Prep Kit 3 (FPK #3), was better tolerated and more efficacious than 4 L polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) for colonic cleansing prior to colonoscopy. One hundred and seventy-one patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, single-blinded study designed to detect a 20% or greater difference in patient tolerance and effectiveness in colonic cleansing between the two agents. The single dose of NaP and the bisacodyl tablets were administered at 1900 h and at 2100 h, respectively, the evening prior to colonoscopy and the bisacodyl enema 2 h before the procedure. PEG was consumed over 1-2 h the evening prior to colonoscopy. Most patients (84%) found the FPK #3 easy or tolerable compared to only 33% receiving PEG (p < 0.001). Over 40% could not complete the PEG. There was no detectable difference in the efficacy between the two preparations (p= 0.74). Comparison of biochemical and hemodynamic values obtained before and after colonic cleansing did not reveal any significant differences apart from hyperphosphatemia in a few patients (16%) receiving FPK #3 and minor changes in blood urea nitrogen and chloride. These findings suggest that FPK #3 is better tolerated and as safe as PEG but does not provide more efficacious cleansing of the colon.
authors.affiliation: Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Lawrence C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Hookey
authors.forename: William T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Depew
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Vanner
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D001726:Bisacodyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003113:Colonoscopy; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016037:Single-Blind Method
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D010710:Phosphates; D001726:Bisacodyl; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C018279:sodium phosphate