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

BackgroundPolyethylene 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.ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a 1-day PEG 3350 regimen for bowel preparation in children before colonoscopy.DesignRetrospective review.SettingTertiary-care center.PatientsThis study involved all children prescribed a 1-day PEG 3350 bowel preparation regimen before colonoscopy at our center in 2008.InterventionWe reviewed medical records of patients (≤18 years of age) who underwent colonoscopy during 2008 and received the 1-day bowel preparation regimen.Main Outcome MeasurementsAdequate preparation for colonoscopy, success of colonoscopy, and factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation.ResultsInclusion 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.LimitationsA retrospective study at one tertiary-care center.ConclusionThe 1-day PEG 3350 bowel preparation regimen is safe and effective and should be considered for use as preparation for colonoscopy in children.