Ascorbic acid PEG-2L is superior for early morning colonoscopies in colorectal cancer screening programs: a prospective non-randomized controlled trial

Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015 Feb;38(2):62-70. doi: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2014.09.007. Epub 2014 Oct 29.

Abstract

Background: The quality of colon cleansing and the tolerability of anterograde preparation are essential to the success of colorectal cancer screening.

Aim: To compare the tolerability and efficacy of low-volume preparations vs the standard regimen in individuals scheduled for an early morning colonoscopy.

Study: Participants in a population-based colorectal cancer screening program using the fecal immunochemical test who were scheduled for a colonoscopy from 09:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. were prospectively included and assigned to: (1) control group (PEG-ELS 4L): PEG 4L and electrolytes; (2) group AscPEG-2L: a combination of PEG and ascorbic acid 2L; and (3) group PiMg: sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate 500 mL plus 2L of clear fluids. Tolerability was evaluated with a questionnaire and the quality of bowel preparation with the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale.

Results: A total of 292 participants were included: 98 in the PEG-ELS 4L control group, 96 in the AscPEG-2L study group and 98 in the PiMg study group. Low-volume treatments were better tolerated than the standard solution (AscPEG-2L 94.8% and PiMg 93.9% vs PEG-ELS 4L 75.5%; p < 0.0001). The effectiveness of AscPEG-2L was superior to that of PEG-ELS 4L and PiMg (p = 0.011 and p = 0.032, respectively). Patient acceptance was higher for single-dose than for split-dose administration but efficacy was higher with the split dose than with other doses.

Conclusions: In early morning colonoscopies, ascPEG-2L appears to be the best option, especially when administered in a split-dose.

Keywords: Bowel cleansing; Clinical trial; Colonoscopia; Colonoscopia de calidad; Colonoscopy; Colorectal cancer screening; Cribado de cáncer colorectal; Ensayo clínico; Preparación anterógrada; Preparation; Quality endoscopy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Ascorbic Acid / adverse effects
  • Ascorbic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
  • Cathartics / administration & dosage
  • Cathartics / adverse effects
  • Cathartics / pharmacology*
  • Citrates / administration & dosage
  • Citrates / adverse effects
  • Citrates / pharmacology
  • Citric Acid / administration & dosage
  • Citric Acid / adverse effects
  • Citric Acid / pharmacology
  • Colonoscopy / methods*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Defecation / drug effects*
  • Dizziness / chemically induced
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Early Detection of Cancer / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nausea / chemically induced
  • Organometallic Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Organometallic Compounds / adverse effects
  • Organometallic Compounds / pharmacology
  • Pain / chemically induced
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Picolines / administration & dosage
  • Picolines / adverse effects
  • Picolines / pharmacology
  • Polyethylene Glycols / administration & dosage
  • Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects
  • Polyethylene Glycols / pharmacology*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vomiting / chemically induced

Substances

  • Cathartics
  • Citrates
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Picolines
  • Citric Acid
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • picosulfate sodium
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • magnesium citrate