Published online Aug 28, 2017. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i32.5986
Peer-review started: April 12, 2017
First decision: May 16, 2017
Revised: June 10, 2017
Accepted: July 22, 2017
Article in press: July 24, 2017
Published online: August 28, 2017
Processing time: 138 Days and 4.3 Hours
To compare the efficacy of fixed-time split dose and split dose of an oral sodium picosulfate for bowel preparation.
This is study was prospective, randomized controlled study performed at a single Institution (2013-058). A total of 204 subjects were assigned to receive one of two sodium picosulfate regimens (i.e., fixed-time split or split) prior to colonoscopy. Main outcome measurements were bowel preparation quality and subject tolerability.
There was no statistical difference between the fixed-time split dose regimen group and the split dose regimen group (Ottawa score mean 2.57 ± 1.91 vs 2.80 ± 2.51, P = 0.457). Cecal intubation time and physician’s satisfaction of inspection were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.428, P = 0.489). On subgroup analysis, for afternoon procedures, the fixed-time split dose regimen was equally effective as compared with the split dose regimen (Ottawa score mean 2.56 ± 1.78 vs 2.59 ± 2.27, P = 0.932). There was no difference in tolerability or compliance between the two groups. Nausea was 21.2% in the fixed-time split dose group and 14.3% in the split dose group (P = 0.136). Vomiting was 7.1% and 2.9% (P = 0.164), abdominal discomfort 7.1% and 4.8% (P = 0.484), dizziness 1% and 4.8% (P = 0.113), cold sweating 1% and 0% (P = 0.302) and palpitation 0% and 1% (P = 0.330), respectively. Sleep disturbance was two (2%) patients in the fixed-time split dose group and zero (0%) patient in the split dose preparation (P = 0.143) group.
A fixed-time split dose regimen with sodium picosulfate is not inferior to a split dose regimen for bowel preparation and equally effective for afternoon colonoscopy.
Core tip: Fixed-time split dose bowel preparation was not inferior to a split dose regimen in bowel cleansing using the Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale. The average score using the Ottawa Scale was 2.57 ± 1.91 in the fixed-time split dose group and 2.80 ± 2.51 in the split dose group (P = 0.457). There was no statistical difference in mean Ottawa score between the two groups when the procedure was performed in the morning or afternoon (2.56 ± 1.78 vs 2.59 ± 2.27, P = 0.932). Therefore fixed-time split dosing with soduim picosulfate is as effective as split dosing for subjects scheduled for colonoscopy in the afternoon.