Efficacy of tegaserod for functional constipation in Chinese subjects: a randomized double-blind controlled trial in a single centre.
BACKGROUND
Tegaserod has been shown to be effective in chronic constipation in Western population. Aim We investigated if tegaserod is equally effective in Chinese population.


METHODS
Two hundred and fifty patients were randomized to a double-blinded 8-week treatment of tegaserod 6 mg b.d. or placebo. Response during weeks 1-4 was defined as an increase in complete spontaneous bowel motion >/=1/week. Secondary efficacy included response during weeks 1-8, individual symptoms and scores, quality of life and global assessment of bowel habits and constipation.


RESULTS
One hundred and nine patients from the treatment group and 107 from the placebo group completed the 8-week treatment. Responder rates was 47.7% vs. 29% for the treatment and placebo groups (P = 0.005). The sustained complete spontaneous bowel motion rate was 29.4% vs. 15.7% in the two groups (P = 0.016). The response rates were higher than that reported previously in the Caucasian studies. There was improvement in the scores for stool form scale, bothersomeness of constipation, abdominal distension/bloating and satisfaction of bowel habit (P < 0.05). The mental score was higher in the treatment group (46.8 +/- 9 vs. 43.6 +/- 10, P = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Tegaserod is effective in relieving chronic constipation in Chinese population. The efficacy observed may be higher than that in Western population.
On Chan
A O O
AO
Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. aoochan@hku.hk
On Chan
A O
AO
Mo Hui
W
W
Leung
G
G
Hu
W H C
WH
Lam
S K
SK
Wong
B C Y
BC
D000328:Adult; D002681:China; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D007211:Indoles; C105050:tegaserod