We investigated the optimum time for starting the administration of magnesium oxide for obtaining the best prevention of severe constipation due to (R-)CHOP therapy (combination therapy with cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine (VCR),and prednisolone) with or without rituximab.Thirty-eight patients who received (R-)CHOP therapy at JA Mie Suzuka General Hospital were examined retrospectively.Use of a glycerin enema was adopted as a criterion for constipation as stated in Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v 3.0 (JCOG/JSCO version).The median time for starting magnesium oxide was day 5 following administration of VCR in patients receiving glycerin enemas,which was significantly later than for patients not receiving glycerin enemas (day 1,p<0.01).In addition,the median duration of lack of bowel movement following administration of VCR in patients receiving glycerin enemas (2days) was significantly longer than that in the patients not receiving them (<1 day,p<0.01).Furthermore,patients who received magnesium oxide prior to or on the same day as VCR administration needed glycerin enemas significantly less frequently than patients who received magnesium oxide after VCR (p<0.05).
Our results suggest that the use of magnesium oxide before (R-)CHOP therapy is beneficial in preventing the progression of constipation and should provide a useful reference for constipation care in patients receiving (R-)CHOP therapy.
