Polyethylene Glycol vs. Lactulose in Infants and Children with Functional Constipation

Abstract

In this randomized, multicentric trial, patients with functional constipation received either polyethylene glycol (PEG) or lactulose for 12 weeks and were subsequently followed for 4 weeks. The primary outcome variables were the number of defecations per week after 12 weeks of treatment, and improvement in stool consistency of at least 2 points in the Bristol scale. Bowel movements ≥3 per week and stool consistency ≥2 (Bristol scale) were considered as successful treatment. Investigators enrolled 102 patients with mean (SD) age of 3.62 (1.42) years, out of which 88 completed the study. The mean (SD) number of defecations per week was more in PEG group as compared to the lactulose group (7.9 (0.6) vs 5.7 (0.5), P=0.008). Both groups had similar frequency of painful defecation, stool retention, large volume of stools, and hard stools. There were more patients with side effects of bloating and abdominal pain in the lactulose group (23 vs 15, P=0.02). The authors concluded that PEG 3350 is more effective and causes fewer side effects compared to lactulose in the treatment of constipation in infants and children.