Clinical research on the effects of prucalopride combined with hyperbaric oxygen on middle and old-aged people with functional constipation

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of prucalopride combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on middle and old-aged people with functional constipation, and also to explore possible mechanism involved. Methods Three hundred and fifty-two middle and old-aged people with functional constipation were randomly divided into the treatment group (n=180) and the control group (n=172). The treatment group was treated with prucalopride orally a pill a day combined with HBO, one session a day, with a treatment course of 12 weeks, while the control group received just prucalopride, a pill a day, also with a treatment course of 12 weeks. The number of people with complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) within 24 hours after treatment, the number of people with complete spontaneous bowel movements equal or over 3 times (CSBM≥ 3 times) per week, improvement in constipation symptoms and life quality in patients after treatment were closely observed and recorded. Results After treatment, total effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group, and statistical significance could be seen, when comparison were made between the 2 groups (P 0.05). Conclusions Prucalopride combined with HBO in the treatment of middle and old-aged patients with functional constipation could evidently alleviate constipation symptoms, improve their mental status and life quality, which was worth further clinical extension. Key words: Prucalopride; Functional constipation; Hyperbaric oxygen