Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41857657›Full record

ArticleItalian journal of pediatrics2026

Bowel preparation for colonoscopy in children: a survey of the Italian society of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition.

Elvira Difrancisca, Antonio Corsello, Martina Genduso, Luca Maria Antoniello, Mara Cananzi, Sara Renzo, Paola De Angelis, Francesca Cavataio, Claudio Romano

Abstract readMulticenter Study
In one paragraph

Article in Italian journal of pediatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Elvira DifranciscaPediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Children's Hospital "G. Di Cristina", ARNAS Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy. difranciscae@gmail.com.
Antonio CorselloPediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Children's Hospital "G. Di Cristina", ARNAS Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy.
Martina GendusoSchool of Pediatrics, University Department PROMISE "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Luca Maria AntonielloPediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Mara CananziUnit of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Digestive Endoscopy, Hepatology and Care of the Child with Liver Transplantation, Department for women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Sara RenzoGastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy.
Paola De AngelisGastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Francesca CavataioPediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Children's Hospital "G. Di Cristina", ARNAS Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy.
Claudio RomanoPediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Human Pathology In Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAdequate bowel preparation is critical for the success of pediatric colonoscopy. International guidelines recommend standardized low-volume regimens, although several studies also support individualized, patient-tailored approaches. Despite this, real-world pediatric practices remain highly heterogeneous. This national survey aimed to investigate current bowel preparation practices for pediatric colonoscopy in Italy and compare them with international recommendations.

methodsA nationwide electronic survey was conducted among centers affiliated with the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP). The questionnaire explored bowel preparation protocols, adherence to international guidelines, and the occurrence of adverse events.

resultsA total of 39 centers participated in the survey. Sodium picosulfate and polyethylene glycol with electrolytes were the most commonly used preparation agents, although high-volume solutions are often poorly tolerated. Only 43.6% of centers adhered to international guidelines recommending low-volume regimens, whereas 12 centers (30.8%) adopted multiple preparation strategies tailored to clinical indications and patient-specific characteristics. Preparation setting (home vs. hospital), agent selection, and use of enemas or laxatives varied significantly. Adverse events were uncommon, and most centers considered bowel preparation stressful for children. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale was the most commonly used tool for assessing bowel cleanliness. Nearly all clinicians expressed a strong need for national pediatric guidelines.

conclusionsThis survey, conducted by SIGENP, reveals substantial variability in bowel preparation practices for pediatric colonoscopy across Italian centers, reflecting a trend also observed in other countries. Our results underscore the urgency of developing and implementing pediatric bowel preparation guidelines to ensure safety, improve tolerability, and reduce heterogeneity of practice. Further research is needed to assess whether such variability may offer benefits through individualized approaches tailored to the specific needs of each child.

Indexed as

CatharticsColonoscopyPractice Patterns, Physicians'ChildCitratesFemaleGastroenterologyGuideline AdherenceHumansItalyMaleOrganometallic CompoundsPediatricsPicolinesPolyethylene GlycolsPractice Guidelines as TopicCatharticsCitratesOrganometallic CompoundsPicolinespicosulfate sodiumPolyethylene GlycolsBowel preparationColonoscopyGuidelinesPediatric endoscopyPEGPolyethylene glycolSodium picosulfate

Identifiers

PMID41857657
PMCPMC13122899

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.