Background: Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (Miralax®) without electrolytes is commonly used for 3-4 days as bowel preparation for colonoscopy in children. One-day preparation has been anecdotally reported to be effective but there are few published prospective studies comparing the safety and efficacy of one-day preparation with that of three-day preparation. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of a one-day bowel preparation with Miralax® with that of a three-day preparation for colonoscopy in children.
Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial with children age 2-21 yrs. undergoing elective colonoscopy. Patients were randomly assigned to receive Miralax® for either one or three days. Children with known electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, fecal impaction, metabolic or renal disease were excluded. A metabolic panel was monitored before and after bowel preparation. Subjects reported the tolerability and side effects of Miralax® via a survey. Effectiveness of the bowel preparation was assessed using a stool diary and a bowel cleansing scale during colonoscopy.
Results: 32 subjects were enrolled; 18 received one-day bowel preparation and 14 received 3-day preparation. There were no differences between the groups in efficacy of bowel preparation based on colonoscopic grading or the safety of the preparation. One-day preparation was as well tolerated as three-day preparation.
Conclusion: Miralax® used one day as bowel preparation for elective colonoscopy in children is safe, effective and well tolerated. Physicians should consider offering a one-day option for bowel preparation, which would allow children to miss fewer days of school prior to colonoscopy.
Trial registration number: NCT02174497. Date of Registration: 02 May, 2014 URL of register: clinicaltrials.gov.