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Purpose This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of hydrocortisone enema in preventing radiation proctitis in patients with rectal cancer undergoing short-course radiotherapy (SCRT). Methods This phase II randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced rectal cancer (clinically staged T3–4 and/or N1–2M0). Participants received a median of 4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) followed by 3-dimensional conformal SCRT (25 Gy in 5 fractions). Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a hydrocortisone enema (n=50) or a placebo (n=51) once daily for 5 consecutive days during SCRT. The primary endpoint was the incidence and severity of acute proctitis. Results Of the 111 eligible patients, 101 were included in the study. Baseline characteristics, including sex, age, performance status, and tumor location, were comparable across the treatment arms. None of the patients experienced grade 4 acute gastrointestinal toxicity or had to discontinue treatment due to treatment-related adverse effects. Patients in the hydrocortisone arm experienced significantly less severe proctitis (P

Introduction and objectives: No studies have analysed the effectiveness of treatment for constipation in critically ill children. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation, efficacy and safety of a treatment protocol using polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes (PEG 3350 + E) for constipation in critically ill children. Methods: We conducted a single-centre prospective study in children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for a minimum of 72 h and who developed constipation. Children with previous gastrointestinal disorders or diseases were excluded. The patients were treated with rectal enemas or with the oral PEG 3350 + E protocol at the discretion of the treating physician. We compared clinical and demographic variables as well as adverse events (diarrhoea, abdominal distension and electrolyte imbalances). Results: The sample included 56 patients with a mean age of 48.2 ± 11.9 months, of who 55.4% were male. Forty-four patients (78.6%) were treated with PEG 3350 + E and 12 (21.4%) with rectal enemas. The proportion of patients that responded well to treatment was greater in the PEG 3350 + E group (79.5%) compared to the enema group (58.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .151). There were no significant differences between the groups in any of the adverse effects. Treatment with PEG 3350 + E was more effective in children aged less than 2 years (100%) compared to older children (100% vs 65.4%; P

Enemas containing phosphate are widely prescribed and may cause important adverse effects. A systemic review published in 2007 reported the literature on the adverse effects of phosphate enemas from January 1957 to March 2007 and identified 12 deaths. These were thought due to electrolyte disturbances, heart failure and kidney injury. These data raised concerns about the use of phosphate enemas in routine practice. Newer osmotic-based enema alternatives are now available that do not contain absorbable ions. We sought to review the literature since this review and evaluate the latest data on the toxicity of phosphate-containing enemas. To gain a fuller picture we included case series and larger studies as well as case reports. To review the toxicity of phosphate enemas, particularly with respect to acute metabolic consequences and their associated clinical features. To identify risk factors for metabolic toxicity and consider whether phosphate enemas should be relatively contra-indicated in specific patient groups. A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Reviews (2005–2021) using the search terms 'phosphate enema or sodium phosphate enema' or 'phosphate-based enema' or (phosphate AND enema) or (Fleet AND enema) or 'sodium phosphate laxatives' or 'sodium phosphate catharsis' or 'sodium phosphate cathartic'. Relevant papers were read, and data were extracted. The searches identified 489 papers of which 25 were relevant: seven papers were case reports or small case series of metabolic abnormalities from the use of phosphate enemas in nine children, six were case reports on 16 adults. Nine papers were large case series or clinical studies that included data on systemic metabolic effects, of varying size from 24 healthy volunteers to a cohort of 70,499 patients. Case reports identified seven adult deaths but none in children. Children most often presented with decreased consciousness (6/9), and tetany (4/9). In adults overall only five cases had clinical features reported, hypotension was seen in four and QT prolongation in two. Treatment was generally symptomatic, with intravenous fluid and calcium salts for electrolyte changes and hypocalcaemia, and vasopressors for severe hypotension. Haemodialysis was used in three children and peritoneal dialysis in one, all of whom survived. In adults, haemodialysis did not prevent death in two of four cases in whom it was used. Common factors underlying toxicity were inappropriately high phosphate dose, or enema retention, both resulting in greater absorption of phosphate. Associated pre-disposing conditions included Hirschsprung disease in children and co-morbidity and renal impairment (2/5) in older adults. Absolute reported changes in serum phosphate or calcium were not accurate indicators of outcome. Larger case series and clinical trials confirm an acute effect of phosphate enemas on serum phosphate, which was related to both dose and retention time. These effects were not seen with non-phosphate preparations. In these cases series, adverse events were rarely reported. Phosphate enemas are potentially toxic, particularly in young children with Hirschsprung disease and in the elderly with co-morbidity. Raised awareness of the risk of phosphate enemas is still required. Other less toxic enema preparations are available and should be considered in patients at extremes of age. If phosphate enemas are the only clinical option careful monitoring of biochemical sequelae should be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aim: Chronic constipation, primarily functional, is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in children and one of the most common reasons for referral to gastroenterologist. With the aim to promote adequate diagnosis and treatment, the Croatian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (HDPGHP) has revised guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of constipation in children. Methods: The available scientific and clinical literature, including the guidelines of relevant European societies, was searched before creating the guidelines. Results: This manuscript represents guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation in children and contains detailed algorithm and practical advice on therapy including doses. Conclusions: Functional constipation is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and physical examination and can be adequately managed with osmotic laxative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]