Randomized Controlled Trial of Sodium Phosphate Tablets versus 2 L Polyethylene Glycol Solution for Bowel Cleansing prior to Colonoscopy / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Performance of polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) is often unsatisfactory as bowel preparation agent for colonoscopy. In order to provide equivalent efficacy with better patient tolerance, sodium phosphate tablet (SPT) has been developed. This study was carried out to compare the efficacy and compliance of two bowel preparation methods: PEG with ascorbic acid (PEGA) vs. SPT preparation. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial was performed. Primary efficacy variable was overall quality of colon cleansing assessed by Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) during colonoscopy. Patient's satisfaction and adverse events were evaluated by means of symptom questionnaire completed by each patient immediately before colonoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were randomly assigned to undergo pre-colonoscopic bowel preparation with either SPT (n=96) or PEGA (n=93). Overall BBPS score was 8.3+/-1.12 in the SPT group and 8.4+/-0.96 in the PEGA group (p=0.441). Among the 189 patients, 90 had polyps (47.6%) and 50 had adenomas (26.5%). The polyp/adenoma detection rate was 54.2% (n=52)/27.1% (n=26) for SPT group and 40.9% (n=38)/25.8% (n=24) for PEGA group (p=0.079 and 0.790, respectively). More number of patients were unable to take the prescribed dose of PEGA compared with the SPT regimen (8.6% vs. 2.0%, p=0.045). Overall satisfaction score was 7.9+/-1.63 in the SPT group and 7.4+/-1.53 in the PEGA group (p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Degree of colon preparation, polyp/adenoma detection rate and adverse effect were similar between SPT group and PEGA group. Patient compliance and satisfaction were greater in the SPT group.

A Prospective Study of Factors Influencing on the Clinical Characteristics of Colonic Diverticulosis / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in Korea is increasing in conjunction with the adoption of western dietary pattern, extension of lifespan, and advances in diagnostic modalities. The clinical characteristics of colonic diverticulosis seem to be gradually becoming similar to those of Western societies. Therefore, factors associated with the clinical characteristics of colonic diverticulosis in Korea were investigated. METHODS: The data of 200 patients diagnosed with colonic diverticulosis using colonoscopy between May 2010 and April 2012 at Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital (Seoul, Korea) were prospectively collected. Clinical parameters acquired through a questionnaire include age, body mass index, waist circumference, exercise, diet, smoking, drinking habits, etc. Correlation between these factors and the clinical features of diverticulosis were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 54.9+/-11.9 (range 17-79) years and male to female ratio was 2.2:1. Most diverticula were located on the right side of the colon (83%) and the mean number of diverticulum was 4.07+/-3.9. Factor associated with the location of diverticulum on the left side was age (p=0.001). There was a positive correlation between the waist circumference and the number of diverticulum (partial correlation coefficient r'=0.143, p=0.047). Diverticulitis occurred more frequently in younger patients than in older patients (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Colonic diverticulosis in older patients is found more frequently on the left colon, and the number of diverticulosis is associated with central obesity.