Polyethylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes: a new safe, effective, and palatable bowel preparation for colonoscopy in children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess safety, efficacy, and acceptance of polyethylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes (PEG) for bowel preparation for colonoscopy in children. Study design In a prospective study, 46 children (mean age, 11.2 years; range, 2.8-17.8) were given PEG at a dose of 1.5 g/kg/day for 4 days before colonoscopy. Patients were allowed to mix PEG in the beverage of their choice. Stool frequency and adverse effects were monitored during PEG therapy. Compliance, tolerance, and quality of colonic preparation were assessed. Serum electrolytes were measured before and after PEG therapy in 29 children. RESULTS: Daily stool frequency increased with PEG therapy from baseline of 2.6+/-0.3 to 3.0+/-0.5 on day 1, 4.6+/-0.4 on day 2, 5.5+/-0.7 on day 3, and 6.0+/-0.6 on day 4 (days 2, 3, and 4, P<.001 for difference vs baseline). The colonic preparations were rated as excellent or good in 91% and 95% in the right and left colon, respectively, at endoscopy. Adverse effects were mild nausea (13%), abdominal pain (11 %), and vomiting (11%). Electrolyte profile revealed small, clinically insignificant changes with PEG therapy. Compliance and tolerance were rated as excellent by 89% and 85% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Electrolyte-free PEG 3350 can be used as an effective and safe bowel preparation that is well accepted by children for colonoscopy.