Single-dose lubiprostone along with split-dose PEG solution without dietary restrictions for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
Proper colonic cleansing prior to colonoscopy is paramount to ensuring complete mucosal visualization and polyp identification. In a double-blind fashion, we compared single-dose lubiprostone (24 microg) versus placebo pretreatment prior to a split-dose polyethylene glycol electrolyte (PEG-E) bowel preparation without dietary restriction to determine the efficacy, safety, and patient tolerability.


METHODS
Two hundred patients referred for outpatient colorectal cancer screening were randomized to receive a single-dose of unlabeled lubiprostone (24 microg) or placebo prior to a split-dose PEG-E bowel preparation without dietary restriction. The patients were surveyed prior to the colonoscopy on the tolerability of the bowel preparation, and any adverse events were recorded. The cleanliness of the colon was graded by the endoscopist during the procedure utilizing the Ottawa bowel preparation scale.


RESULTS
One hundred ninety-one patients completed the study (95%). Split-dose PEG-E with lubiprostone pretreatment was found to be more effective at bowel cleansing in each segment of the colon when compared with split-dose PEG-E with placebo (P < 0.001). Patients enrolled in the lubiprostone treatment arm rated the overall experience as more tolerable (P 0.003) and complained of less abdominal bloating (P 0.049). No differences were observed between the groups for treatment-emergent side effects or adverse events (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Single-dose lubiprostone prior to split-dose PEG-E without dietary restriction significantly improves colonic mucosa visualization during colonoscopy and is well tolerated by patients.
Stengel
Joel Z
JZ
Gastroenterology Fellow, Gastroenterology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234, USA.
Jones
David P
DP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000068238:Lubiprostone; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012996:Solutions
D002400:Cathartics; D010919:Placebos; D012996:Solutions; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D000068238:Lubiprostone; D000527:Alprostadil