Feasibility and safety of bowel cleansing using low-volume polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid before pediatric colonoscopy: A pilot study

Background and AimTo assess the feasibility and safety of same-day regimen of low-volume polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy in children. MethodsData on children who received polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid for bowel cleansing in our department were retrospectively analyzed. On the day before the procedure, patients ate a low-residue diet and received sodium picosulfate in the evening. The following day, patients took polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid in the morning; the procedure was carried out in the afternoon. Dosages of sodium picosulfate and polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid were adjusted based on bodyweight. Bowel cleansing efficacy was rated on a scale of 1-5 by the colonoscopist. ResultsBetween July 2013 and November 2014, polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid was used in 112 cases (96 patients; male : female 73:39; median age 10.9 years, range 4-19 years). Ninety-one cases (81%) were able to orally ingest the prescribed amount of polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid. Satisfactory bowel cleansing (cleansing grade 3) was attained in 87% on intention-to-treat analysis and 85% on per-protocol analysis. Cleansing grade was significantly better in children who ingested polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid within 60 min (P < 0.05). There were no serious adverse events. ConclusionSame-day regimen of polyethylene glycol solution with ascorbic acid is effective and safe for bowel cleansing in children.