One-day bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol 3350: an effective regimen for colonoscopy in children

Abstract

Background: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 is commonly used and has been proven safe and effective for the treatment of chronic constipation and as a 4-day bowel preparation in children. A 1-day PEG 3350 bowel preparation regimen has been recently developed for adults; however, data regarding its use in children are lacking.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a 1-day PEG 3350 regimen for bowel preparation in children before colonoscopy.

Design: Retrospective review.

Setting: Tertiary-care center.

Patients: This study involved all children prescribed a 1-day PEG 3350 bowel preparation regimen before colonoscopy at our center in 2008.

Intervention: We reviewed medical records of patients (< or = 18 years of age) who underwent colonoscopy during 2008 and received the 1-day bowel preparation regimen.

Main outcome measurements: Adequate preparation for colonoscopy, success of colonoscopy, and factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation.

Results: Inclusion criteria were met by 272 patients. The median age of the children receiving the 1-day PEG 3350 preparation regimen was 13.7 years (range 1.08-17.92 years). Fifty-two percent were male; 48% were female. The most common indications for colonoscopy included abdominal pain (65%), bloody stools (29%), diarrhea (21%), and weight loss (18%). The 1-day bowel preparation regimen was effective in 253 patients (93%). The indication for colonoscopy, the age of the child, or a history of constipation did not significantly alter the success rate of colonoscopy.

Limitations: A retrospective study at one tertiary-care center.

Conclusion: The 1-day PEG 3350 bowel preparation regimen is safe and effective and should be considered for use as preparation for colonoscopy in children.