Time for individualized colonoscopy bowel-prep regimens? A randomized controlled trial comparing sodium picosulphate and magnesium citrate versus 4-liter split-dose polyethylene glycol.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Good bowel cleansing is essential to achieving optimal endoscopic evaluation of the colon. There are many different regimens available, but none have shown consistently superior results in achieving a clean colon. We compared the efficiency of two regimens with regard to bowel cleansing and patient satisfaction. The study also aimed to identify patient-related factors that influenced the quality of the bowel cleansing.

METHODS

We conducted a single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing sodium picosulphate and magnesium citrate versus 4-liter split-dose polyethylene glycol (PEG). Consecutive patients presenting for colonoscopy at two tertiary referral centers were invited to participate. The main outcomes were colon cleanliness and patient satisfaction with the preparation regimen. The quality of bowel cleansing was assessed by the endoscopist with the use of a 4-grade scale. Patients completed questionnaires evaluating their experience during the preparation process. Multivariate analysis was conducted in order to compare the two regimens and identify patient-related factors that influenced the main outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-one patients were randomized and 165 completed the trial (91.1%). PEG was slightly superior to sodium picosulphate with regard to bowel cleansing (p=0.01), while patient satisfaction was higher with sodium picosulphate (p=0.008). Patients with higher education and patients reporting high adherence to instructions achieved better colon cleansing using PEG.

CONCLUSIONS

There seems to be no clear advantage for one bowel preparation solution over the other. However, by taking into account individual patient characteristics, opting for a particular regimen could increase the likelihood of achieving a cleaner colon.