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The Efficacy and Palatability of Developed Polyethylene Glycol-based Formula for Children With Functional Constipation

Not Applicable
Not yet recruiting
Conditions
Functional Constipation
Interventions
Drug: Local PEG4000
Drug: Commercial PEG4000
Registration Number
NCT06357897
Lead Sponsor
Chulalongkorn University
Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and palatability of a developed polyethylene glycol-based formula compared with the standard polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the treatment of children with functional constipation for 8 weeks. Besides, we also aim to assess the side effects of a developed PEG-based formula as well as evaluate the change of rectal diameter from baseline at each visit between 2 groups.

Detailed Description

Total 52 children age 6 months to 18 years old diagnosed with functional constipation will be enrolled in this study. They will be randomised in Group A or Group B.

Children in group A will receive PEG-Chula at a dose of 0.5 - 1 g/kg/day for a duration of 56 days.

Children in group B will receive the standard PEG formula (Forlax) at a dose of 0.5 - 1 g/kg/day for a duration of 56 days.

PEG-Chula and standard PEG will be prepared in sachets with similar packaging and appearance labelled A, B, C, D.

Children in both groups will also receive counseling on toilet training, water intake, and fiber intake in the same manner.

Parents will be advised to record symptoms, dietary intake, and dose of medication in a logbook.

Children will visit the researchers on days 7, 14, 28, and 56 to collect data on symptoms, stool diameter, bowel size measured by ultrasound, side effects, and medication compliance. Children with poor compliance will be excluded from the study.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
52
Inclusion Criteria

Children will be enrolled in this study when they meet 2 criteria:

  • Age from 6 months to 18 years old
  • Children are diagnosed with FC according to ROME IV criteria
Exclusion Criteria

Children will be excluded from the study if they meet any of the following criteria:

  • Having an organic cause of constipation such as anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung disease, myelomeningocele, hypothyroidism, etc.
  • Suspected GI obstruction
  • Receiving medication affecting bowel movement
  • Having a history of allergy to PEG and stevia.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
PEG-ChulaLocal PEG4000PEG-Chula is developed from local PEG 4000 used at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH) with the addition of sweetener and flavours and prepared into sachets labelled A, B, C and D.
Standard PEGCommercial PEG4000Standard PEG (Forlax) is prepared into the sachets labelled A, B, C and D with similar packaging and appearance.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The frequency of stoolAt 7 days, 14 days, 28 days and 56 days

The frequency of stool per day

Stool consistency assessed by Bristol stool chartAt 7 days, 14 days, 28 days and 56 days

The Bristol stool chart has 7 pictures of stool appearance. The number 1 mean hard stool and number 7 mean watery stool

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Fecal incontinenceAt 7 days, 14 days, 28 days and 56 days

Number of fecal incontinence occurs per day

Adverse eventsAt 7 days, 14 days, 28 days and 56 days

Adverse events (i.e diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea or vomiting)

Palatability of medication assessed by facial Hedonic scaleAt 7 days, 14 days, 28 days and 56 days

The facial Hedonic scale contains 5 pictures of facial expression and number 1 mean dislike very much while number 5 means like very much

Rectal diameterAt 7 days, 14 days, 28 days and 56 days

The rectal diameter was measured by abdominal USG

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University

🇹🇭

Bangkok, Thailand

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