Efficacy of Home-Based Versus Hospital-Based Disimpaction with Polyethylene Glycol in Pediatric Functional Constipation: A Randomized Control Study.

Background/aims: Functional constipation (FC) is the most common cause of childhood constipation. Children with FC and fecal impaction need to undergo disimpaction. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is commonly used for disimpaction either in a hospital setting as a continuous lavage or in a home-based setting over 3-6 days. Randomized control trials comparing the two regimens are not available. The study objectives were to compare the efficacy, side effects, cost-effectiveness, and parental satisfaction of home- and hospital-based disimpaction.

Methods: Consecutive children attending our hospital (age: 1-18 years) and diagnosed to have FC as per ROME IV and requiring disimpaction were enrolled. Fecal impaction was established clinically (per-abdomen or per-rectal examination) or radiologically (X-ray abdomen- Barr criteria). Stratified block randomization was done. PEG was administered accordingly in a hospital-based or a home-based setting. The side effects, patient acceptability as per the treatment satisfaction questionnaire for medications (TSQM) and cost incurred were noted.

Results: One hundred and fifteen children (hospital-based [n = 58], home-based [n = 57]) were enrolled. Successful disimpaction in hospital- and home-based disimpaction arm was 100% and 94.7%, respectively (p = 0.12). Vomiting (27.6% vs 5.3%, p = 0.001) and abdominal distension (31% vs 3.5%, p < 0.001) were higher in patients undergoing hospital-based disimpaction. Cost of treatment was higher in hospital-based disimpaction arm (INR 6,250 [2,228-15,585] vs INR 3,355 [850-18,350], p = < 0.001). Parental satisfaction was greater in home-based disimpaction.

Conclusions: Home-based disimpaction using PEG is as effective as hospital-based disimpaction. Disimpaction in a friendlier home environment, at a lower cost and with fewer side effects makes home-based disimpaction preferable in children.