Comparison of Paraffin versus Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) in Children with Chronic Functional Constipation

Background Constipation is one of the most common disorders in children. The purpose of this study was to compare paraffin and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the treatment of children with chronic constipation. Materials and Methods This study is a double-blind randomized trial. Total 160 children aged 2-12 years old with chronic constipation attending the pediatric clinic of Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan (Iran) were examined by the same pediatric gastroenterologist. They randomly received PEG solution (1cc/kg/day divided in two doses) or paraffin at the same dose. Patients were assessed regularly once a week up to one month and then monthly until 6 months. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 software. Results From children enrolled in the study, 43.1% were boys with mean age 5.27±1.3 years. The male to female ratio in Paraffin and PEG groups was similar (35/45 vs. 34/46; respectively, P-value= 1.27). The mean age of the participants in paraffin group and PEG group were 5.28±1.4 and 5.24±1.9 years, respectively. The good and intermediate response to PEG in comparison to paraffin were 11.3% and 38.8% vs. 23.8% and 35%; respectively (P=0.111). In children lower than 3 years old, the improvement after receiving paraffin was significantly higher (P=0.048). The frequency of adverse effects was similar and didn’t differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion There was no significant difference between two groups (PEG and Paraffin groups) in terms of gender and adverse effects of drugs. However paraffin had better therapeutic effect among children less than 3 years of age.