Tolerance, safety, and efficacy of PEG3350 + bisacodyl bowel preparation: comparison between two treatments of different duration in pediatric patients

Background: Multiple bowel preparations have been used in children undergoing colonoscopy, with variable limitations due to acceptance, tolerance, and proper cleaning. The objective of this study was to compare the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of colonoscopy preparation with one-day of PEG 3350 (polyethylene glycol) (4 g/kg/day) + bisacodyl compared with two days of preparation with PEG 3350 (2 g/kg/day) + bisacodyl in pediatric patients. Methods: A clinical, randomized, single-blind trial was performed. Patients aged 2 to 18 years scheduled for colonoscopy were included. Patients were randomized into two groups: one day of preparation with PEG 3350 4 g/kg/day + bisacodyl and two days of preparation with PEG 3350 2 g/kg/day + bisacodyl. Through a questionnaire, a physical examination, and an endoscopic evaluation (Boston scale), the tolerance, safety and efficacy of both preparations evaluated were determined. Student’s t-test was performed for quantitative variables and χ2 for qualitative variables. Results: There were no significant differences in compliance rates, adverse effects, and extent of colonoscopic evaluation. Conclusions: Tolerance and safety between the intestinal preparation for 1-day colonoscopy with PEG 3350 (4 g/kg/day) + bisacodyl and the 2-day preparation with PEG 3350 (2 g/kg/day) + bisacodyl were similar. The quality of cleanliness was good in both groups, being partially more effective in the 1-day group with PEG