Polyethylene glycol powder solution versus senna for bowel preparation for colonoscopy in children.
OBJECTIVE
Safety and effectiveness of large-volume polyethylene glycol-based solution (PEG-ES) have been documented, but the taste and volume can be barriers to successful colonoscopy preparation. Efficacy and safety of small-volume electrolyte-free (PEG-P) preparation (Miralax) for colonoscopy preparation have been rarely studied, although presently used at many pediatric centers. The primary objective of the present study was to determine whether PEG-P results in a more efficacious and safe colonoscopy preparation as compared with senna.


METHODS
The study design was prospective, randomized, and single-blinded. Patients ages 6 to 21 years were randomized to a 2-day clean-out regimen of PEG-P at a dose of 1.5 g/kg divided twice per day for 2 days versus senna 15 mL daily (ages 6-12) or 30 mL daily (ages 12-21) for 2 days. Both preparations required 1 day of clear liquids whereas senna preparation required an additional day of full liquid diet. A blinded endoscopist graded the quality of preparation with a standardized cleanliness tool (Aronchick scale). Serum chemistry panels were obtained. Patients or parents rated symptoms and ease of preparation. The anticipated number of subjects was 166; however, the interim analysis demonstrated inferiority of senna preparation.


RESULTS
Thirty patients were evaluated in the present study. Of the patients in the PEG-P arm, 88% (14/16) received an excellent/good score compared with 29% (4/14), with the senna preparation (P = 0.0022). Both preparations were well-tolerated by patient-graded ease of preparation. Demographics and laboratory values did not differ significantly across the 2 groups. No serious adverse events were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
PEG-P is an effective colonoscopy preparation whereas senna preparation was insufficient. Both were well-tolerated and appear safe in a pediatric population.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Natalie A
NA
Terry
Mei Lin
ML
Chen-Lim
Elizabeth
E
Ely
Muralidhar
M
Jatla
Denise
D
Ciavardone
Salina
S
Esch
Lisa
L
Farace
Frances
F
Jannelli
Anita
A
Puma
Dean
D
Carlow
Petar
P
Mamula
D000293:Adolescent; D002400:Cathartics; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011208:Powders; D029846:Senna Plant
D002400:Cathartics; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011208:Powders; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols