Comparison of efficacy and tolerance of low-volume preparations prior to colonoscopy a randomized trial.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of polyethylene glycol/ascorbic acid (PEGA), sodium picosulfate/ magnesium citrate (SPMC) and the oral sulfate formula (SIR) in a single- or split-dose regimen for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy. Methods: Randomised, multicentre, open-label study. The subjects received either PEGA, SPMC or SIR in the single- or split-dose regimen before the colonoscopy. Quality and tolerability of the preparation and complaints during preparation were recorded using a 5 point scale. Results: 558 subject were analysed. Preparation quality was comparable in the single-dose regimen. The rate of satisfactory bowel cleansing (Aronchick score 1+2) was higher for split-dose SIR and PEGA compared to SPMC (95.6%, 86.2% vs. 72.5%, p<0.028). The highest tolerance rate (score 1+2) was reported for SPMC (82.3%, p<0.003) and the lowest for single-dose SIR (34.8%, p=0.008). The lowest frequency of nausea (10.4%) was observed for SPMC. The highest prevalence of bloating was linked with the use of PEGA (34.0%). Conclusion: Differences in bowel preparation quality were apparent only in the split-dose regimen, with SIR rated as most efficient. SPMC was the best tolerated formula. The split-dose regimen is more effective than single-dose preparation used in the evening before the examination.