Use of polyethylene glycol in children less than 3 years of age.

Chronic constipation is extremely common gastrointestinal problem in children. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been shown to be effective for both disimpaction and maintenance treatment in older children with chronic constipation. Literature review was carried out using Medline via PubMed (1950 to 2010), Cinahl (1982 - 2010) and Embase (1974 to 2010) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEG in infants and children less than 3 years of age. There were no relevant reviews in the Cochrane Library. Only 5 relevant studies were found for children in the age group below 3 years. Pooled analysis of all the studies showed a statistically significant difference in the stool frequency before and after treatment with polyethylene glycol (p < 0.001). Although, limited published evidence to date supports its use in terms of safety and efficacy, larger randomized controlled trials are needed especially in young infants to substantiate the evidence.