Polyethylene Glycol for Childhood Constipation
Polyethylene Glycol for Childhood Constipation
Background:

 Aim:

 Clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of two different polyethylene glycol doses for the
 maintenance treatment of functional constipation in children.

 Study design:

 Randomized, open-label trial.

 Randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.
Children will be randomly assigned into 2 groups receiving polyethylene glycol 4000 (Forlax)
 with an initial dose of either 0.3g/kg, or 0.7 g / kg.

 In case of ineffectiveness the dose of medication will be increased every two weeks with 0.2
 g/kg. The indication for the increase in dose will be less than 3 bowel movements per week.
 For children with diarrhea defined as more than 3 loose stools for minimum 2 days or/and
 severe abdominal pain the macrogol dose of will be reduced every two weeks by 0.2 g/kg. The
 intervention will last 6 weeks.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  age 1 - 18 age

 -  functional constipation according to the Rome III Criteria

 -  consent of parents or guardians of the child to participate and study

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  organic cause constipation (including surgeries within the lower GI tract)