Efficacy and Tolerability of PEG-only Laxative for Fecal Impaction and Chronic Constipation in Children

Efficacy and Tolerability of PEG-only Laxative for Fecal Impaction and Chronic Constipation in Children. A Controlled Double Blind Randomized Study vs a Standard PEG-EL Laxative

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy, tolerability, acceptance and compliance of a PEG-only formulation compared to a reference PEG-EL formulation in resolving faecal impaction and in the treatment of chronic constipation

Constipation is a very common complaint in childhood. Inadequate daily fiber intake, insufficient fluid intake, and withholding behavior are considered as factors leading to constipation.

Painful defecation is considered a common trigger to faecal retention wich leads to reabsorption of fluids and increase in the size and consistency of stools.

It is often necessary to use laxative therapy to achieve comfortable defecation. PEG-based laxatives are considered today the gold standard for treatment of constipation in children. PEG formulations differ for composition in inactive ingredients which may have an impact on acceptance, compliance and adherence to treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• out-patients children with diagnosis of functional constipation or have faecal impaction on medical history and physical examination

Exclusion Criteria:

• children with organic causes for defecation disorders, such as Hirschsprung disease, spina bifid, hypothyroidism, or other metabolic or renal abnormalities;
• Children receiving medication influencing gastrointestinal motility;
• Children with suspected gastrointestinal obstruction or stenosis