Efficacy of the drug containing sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate in bowel preparation for colonoscopy in children

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the drug containing sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate (SPMC) used for bowel preparation in children. Patients and methods. We have assessed the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy in 80 children aged between 9 and 18 years (40 of them received SPMC for it and another 40 were prepared by cleansing enemas). The effectiveness of bowel preparation was evaluated using the Boston and Chicago Bowel Preparation Scales (BPS). Tolerability of the SPMC preparation scheme was estimated using a specially designed questionnaire. Results. Effective bowel preparation was achieved in 85% children receiving SPMC (excellent in 27.5% of cases and good in 57.5% of cases), whereas children in the control group have demonstrated significantly lower quality of bowel preparation (p = 0.021). We have observed that the right colon was significantly better prepared in the SPMC group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Ninety percent of children were satisfied with the SPMC preparation scheme and agreed to use it in the future. Conclusion. Preparation of children for colonoscopy with SPMC was effective, safe, and well tolerated by them; therefore, SPMC is preferable over traditional cleansing enemas. Key words: children, inflammatory bowel diseases, colonoscopy, bowel preparation, sodium picosulfate–magnesium citrate