AND CARBOHYDRATES

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an energetic or nutritive composition intended for preparing the digestive tract prior to a physical check-up including an endoscopic examination such as a flexible endoscopy or the use of an endoscopic capsule, radiological or therapeutic intervention.

State of the art

[0002] Prior to an examination of the digestive tract, it is absolutely necessary that the latter be cleaned of stools which obstruct it in order to allow adequate viewing of the mucosa.

[0003] Several classifications of the quality of the preparation have been established in particular in ELIAKIM ET AL., Evaluation of the PillCam Colon capsule in the detection of colonic pathology: results of the first multicenter, prospective, comparative study, Endoscopy 2006, 38 (10) : 963-970 ;VANNER ET AL., A randomized prospective trial comparing oral sodium phosphate with standard polyethylene glycol-based lavage solution (Golytely) in the preparation of patients for colonoscopy, American Journal of Gastroenterology 1990, 85 : 422-427 /BARCLAY ET AL., Carbohydrate-electrolyte re-hydration protects against intravascular volume contraction during colonic cleansing with orally administered sodium phosphate, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2002, 56 : 633-8) . According to ELIAKIM ET AL., it is possible to classify the preparation in different grades, from grade 1 (excellent preparation) to grade 4 (insufficient preparation compromising the quality of the examination) . VANNER ET AL. propose another classification described hereafter: excellent preparation = small volume of clear liquid; good preparation = important volume of clear liquid; acceptable preparation = limited half-solid stools which can be sucked up or cleaned; insufficient preparation = half-solid stools.

[0004] Poor preparation may therefore be detrimental to the quality of an examination, in particular in the case of an examination by flexible endoscopy, but also to the quality of a radiological examination where stools may mimic the presence of polyps, or in case of an examination by endoscopic capsule where the quality of the preparation has to be excellent since the capsule navigates in the liquid contained in the digestive tract which has to be perfectly clear (transparent) in order to allow viewing of the mucosa.

[0005] In case of such an examination by endoscopic capsule, insufflation or suction of debris and/or of turbid liquid cannot be authorized, whereas the physician can actively intervene when a coloscope is used (e.g. suction to clean, go back) . The latter represents a reason why in case of examination by endoscopic capsule, the quality of the preparation has to be excellent. Upon use of endoscopic capsules the digestive tract thus has to be prepared better than when using a coloscope to obtain the same quality of images. This is confirmed in the abstract of Capsule Endoscopy versus Colonoscopy for the Detection of Polyps and Cancer, N Engl J Med 2009; 361:264-70. [0006] All the described procedures using colic compositions for flexible endoscopy or radiological examination (coloscan) foresee a diet without residues and an administration of a laxative composition the day before and/or on the day of the examination.

[0007] In order to obtain an examination of maximum quality, a clear liquid diet is usually recommended during the whole day preceding the examination. A clear liquid diet consists of the intake of transparent liquid foodstuffs such as water, defatted broth, fruit juices without pulps (apples, white grape) , clear lemonades, clear gelatin, coffee (without milk) , tea (without milk) , herbal teas . [0008] The quality of the examination might further be improved if this clear liquid diet is also associated with the intake of laxative (s) during the 36 hours preceding the conduction of the examination.

[0009] This type of prolonged administration of laxatives causes an important discomfort for the patient which is increased by the intake of a large amount of liquid together with a lack of supply of nutritive elements. This may give rise to lipothymias, malaise, nauseas related to fasting, altering the comfort of the patient and therefore his/her availability upon conducting the examination but therefore also lowering patient compliance with the diet prescribed by their physician in preparation of the check-up. All of the above can give rise to a suboptimal preparation and thus less reliable results, images for review and diagnosis. Further, laxatives have a salty taste which makes their ingurgitation unpleasant.

[0010] Polyethylene glycol (PEG) represents the basis of most colic compositions; its macromolecules not being absorbed by the digestive tract, allow an increase in the volume of intestinal liquids. Accordingly, better hydrated stools transit faster in the colon and are more easily evacuated. Other laxatives such as sodium phosphates may also be used. [0011] Presently there are several known laxatives or colic compositions on the market: Colofort® (Ipsen), Colopeg® (Bayer), Endofalk® (Codali) , Fleet® Phosphosoda (KeIa), Klean-Prep® (Norgine), etc. Some of them attempt to solve the problem of unpleasant taste by adding aromas. [0012] In document US-A-2006/0073214, wherein a composition and/or a preparation method are described, the ingestion of large amounts of liquid tolerated with difficulty by the patient should be limited. [0013] The ideal preparation would reliably empty the colon of all fecal material, has little effect on the gross or the microscopic appearance of the mucosa, requires a relatively short period for ingestion and evaluation, causes little patient discomfort, and produces no significant fluid-electrolyte shifts while maximizing the detection of colonic disease (s) . It becomes important to consider, in particular in the field of capsule endoscopy, to be able to give nutrients while preparations for long durations can be contemplated which remove any opaque liquid residue at colon level.

Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention relates to an energetic or nutritive composition comprising: - at least one compound having laxative properties; — one or more mineral salts comprising at least sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, phosphor or a combination thereof; and/or

- nutrients comprising at least carbohydrates which may be assimilated by the human digestive organ .

[0015] Preferably, the mineral salt is chosen among a group consisting in sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, phosphor and a combination thereof. [0016] Preferably, vitamins such as ascorbic acid can also be added to the energetic or nutritive composition .

[0017] Preferably, the amount of such vitamins and in particular of ascorbic acid is higher than 100 mg and preferably higher than 1 g but lower than 10 g.

[0018] Preferably, the energetic or nutritive composition has an energy value larger than or equal to 250 kcal . [0019] Preferably, the energetic or nutritive composition has an energy value larger than or equal to 500 kcal .

[0020] Preferably, the energetic or nutritive composition has an energy value larger than or equal to 1000 kcal. [0021] Preferably, the compound having laxative properties belongs to the class of osmotic laxatives. [0022] Preferably, the compound having laxative properties is polyethylene glycol (PEG) , the average molecular weight of which being larger than or equal to 3000 kDa.

[0023] Preferably, the compound having laxative properties is polyethylene glycol (PEG) , the average molecular weight of which being comprised between 3000 kDa and 20000 kDa.

[0024] Preferably, the compound having laxative properties is polyethylene glycol (PEG) , the average molecular weight of which being 3350 kDa.

[0025] Preferably, the energetic or nutritive composition comprises proteins.

[0026] Preferably, the energetic or nutritive composition comprises other trace elements (representing less than 1% in weight) .

[0027] The nutritive composition is preferably transparent (clear) . This means that the nutrients and the mineral salts are chosen so that the absorbed liquid will be present in the digestive track as to be perfectly clear in order to allow viewing of the mucosa.

[0028] Preferably, the compound having laxative properties is selected from the following classes of compounds: ballast laxatives, lubricants, osmotic laxatives, contact laxatives, anthraquinone derivatives, diphenylmethane derivatives and/or a mixture of these compounds .

[0029] Preferably, the compound having laxative properties belongs to the class of osmotic laxatives. [0030] Preferably, the compound having laxative properties is polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight greater than or equal to 3000 kDa.

[0031] Preferably, the compound having laxative properties is polyethylene glycol 3350. [0032] According to the invention, the nutrients can comprise carbohydrates which can be assimilated by the human digestive organs such as glucose, maltose, galactose, fructose, saccharose, polysaccharides, etc. [0033] Preferably, the nutrients further comprise proteins which respect the perfectly transparent (clear) character of the administered liquid, i.e. the transparency to visible light. [0034] Preferably, said energetic or nutritive composition further comprises at least one food additive.

[0035] Preferably, one of the food additives is a sweetener .

[0036] Preferably, one of the additives is a food additive having a taste-correcting effect.

[0037] Preferably, one of the food additives is a flavoring .

[0038] Said flavorings may be present in variable quantity and may be adapted to everyone's taste. [0039] Preferably, the nutrients further comprise trace elements in a proportion less than 1% in weight.

[0040] Preferably, said energetic or nutritive composition is packaged in a unique sachet.

[0041] Alternatively, said energetic or nutritive composition is packaged in at least two sachets.

[0042] Alternatively, said energetic or nutritive composition is conditioned in at least one sachet and at least one container for liquids (flask) .

[0043] Alternatively, said energetic or nutritive composition is conditioned in at least one container for liquid (flask) .

[0044] Preferably, this composition is in the form of a powder and/or a liquid solution.

[0045] Preferably, this composition is used for preparing a liquid solution for oral or intravenous administration . [0046] Preferably, this liquid solution is obtained by mixing the composition according to said invention with a solvent.

[0047] Preferably, said solvent is water. [0048] Alternatively, this composition may be prepared as gelatin capsules or tablets with enteric coating.

[0049] Alternatively, this composition may combine the aforementioned administration forms. [0050] The present invention also relates to a kit assembly comprising:

- either at least one sachet or one flask containing the energetic nutritive composition,

- or at least one sachet or flask containing a laxative and at least one sachet or flask containing one or more mineral salts and carbohydrates , forming together a composition according to the present invention.

- or at least one sachet or flask containing a laxative compound, at least one sachet or flask containing one or more mineral salts and at least one sachet or flask containing carbohydrates, forming together a composition according to the present invention. [0051] The composition according to the present invention has advantageously an energy value greater than or equal to 250 kcal .

[0052] Preferably, said composition has an energy value greater than or equal to 500 kcal. [0053] Preferably, said composition has an energy value greater than or equal to 1000 kcal. [0054] The present invention also relates to an administration process wherein:

— an energetic or nutritive composition is prepared by mixing at least o at least one compound having laxative properties; o one or more mineral salts comprising at least sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, phosphor or a combination thereof; and/or o nutrients comprising at least carbohydrates which may be assimilated by the human digestive organ.

- said energetic or nutritive composition is administrated to a patient at least during the day of examination.

Detailed description of the invention

[0055] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments of compositions and with reference to specific examples of use of administration but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims .

[0056] In particular, the present invention can be understood by choosing any individual feature of any of the compositions described hereunder as a general characteristic of the present invention.

[0057] Furthermore, the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof.

Composition 1:

[0058] This composition, made for a person of less than 80 kg, is in the form of a powder to be diluted in water up to 1.5 liters.

[0059] This composition is packaged in a single sachet comprising:

Composition 2:

[0060] This composition made for a person of less than 80 kg, exists as a powder to be diluted in water up to 1.5 liters .

[0061] This composition is conditioned in two sachets comprising: Sachet 1

NaCl 2.19 g

Na?SO ₄ anh, .52 g

KCl 2g < KCl < 4.5g

NaHCO3 2.52 g

PEG 3350 .5 g

Composition 3:

[0062] This composition, made for a person of more than 80 kg, is in the form of a powder to be diluted and as a liquid to be diluted in water up to 1.5 liters. [0063] This composition is conditioned in a sachet and in a container for a liquid (flask) comprising:

Composition 4:

[0064] This composition is a combination of electrolyte-PEG solution and Nutrical® as nutritive solution. The (electrolyte-) PEG solution can be any or a combination of the above described compositions 1, 2 and/or 3 made soluble in the above described clear liquid from the state of the art. Nutrical® (Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Belgium) is a carbohydrate beverage rich in energy with low water (moisture) and mineral content. The use of this carbohydrate beverage is recommended for people with insufficient energy intake or with an elevated need for energy. The carbohydrate beverage as described above is being sold in carton-based packages of 200ml. Ingredients of this carbohydrate beverage are: demineralized water, glucose syrup, maltose, dextrin, acidity regulator (citric acid) . The carbohydrate beverage as described above ^λ s average analysis per 100 ml:

The above described compositions 1, 2 & 3 can optionally comprise < 10 g ascorbic acid (i.e. vitamin C) . Example of use

Example 1 :

[0065] In order to prepare the digestive tract to an endoscopic capsule examination where the quality of the preparation has to be good to excellent (grade 1 or 2 according to ELIAKIM ET AL.) , the patient has to follow the following administration:

— In the evening two days before the examination, a sachet of composition 1 is made soluble in 1.5 liters of water and is administered to the patient.

— The day before the examination, three sachets of composition 1 are made soluble in 3 times 1.5 liters of water and are administered to the patient during the whole day.

— In the morning of the day of the examination, a sachet of composition 1 is made soluble in 1.5 liters and is administered to the patient.

[0066] This allows the patient to feed exclusively on this composition starting from two days before the examination. He/she should therefore not take any additional liquid.

Example 1 bis : [0067] In order to prepare the digestive tract to an endoscopic capsule examination where the quality of the preparation has to be good to excellent (grade 1 or 2 according to ELIAKIM ET AL.) , the patient has to follow the following administration: — In the morning and at noon two days before the examination, a contact laxative (e.g.: Senna Alexandrina syrup) is administered to the patient. - In the evening two days before the examination, a sachet of composition 1 is made soluble in 1.5 liters of water and is administered to the patient.

- The day before the examination, three sachets of composition 1 are made soluble in 3 times 1.5 liters of water and are administered to the patient during the whole day.

- In the morning of the day of the examination, a sachet of composition 1 is made soluble in 1.5 liters and is administered to the patient.

[0068] This allows the patient to feed exclusively on this composition starting from two days before the examination. He/she should therefore not take in additional liquid.

Example 2 :

[0069] In order to prepare the digestive tract for a radiological examination (ColoScan) where the quality of the preparation has to be excellent or good according to VANNER ET AL., the patient follows the following procedure:

- One day before the examination, two sachets of the composition 1 are made soluble in two times 1.5 liters of water and are administered to the patient.

- In the morning of the day of the examination, a sachet of composition 1 is made soluble in 1.5 liters and is administered to the patient.

[0070] This allows the patient to feed exclusively on this composition starting from the day before the examination. He/she should therefore not take in additional liquid. Example 3 :

[0071] In order to prepare the digestive tract for diagnostic examination with a colonoscope where the quality of the preparation has to be satisfactory, good or excellent according to VANNER ET AL., the patient follows the following procedure:

- One day before examination, two amounts of the composition 2 are made soluble in two times 1.5 liters of water and are administered to the patient .

- In the morning of the day of the examination, an amount of composition 2 is made soluble in 1.5 liters and is administered to the patient. [0072] This allows the patient to feed exclusively on this composition starting from the day before the examination. He/she should therefore not take in additional liquid

Example 4 :

[0073] In order to prepare the digestive tract for a therapeutic intervention where the quality of the preparation has to be satisfactory, good or excellent according to VANNER ET AL., the patient follows the following procedure :

- The day before the examination, two amounts of composition 3 are made soluble in two times 1.5 liters of water and are administered to the patient. — In the morning of the day of the examination, an amount of composition 3 is made soluble in 1.5 liters and is administered to the patient.

[0074] This allows the patient to feed exclusively on this composition starting from the day before the examination. He/she should therefore not take in additional liquid.

Example 5 : [0075] In order to prepare the digestive tract for PillCam™ Colon 2 (Given Imaging Ltd. , Israel) where the quality of the (oral bowel) preparation has to be acceptable, preferably good or more preferably excellent according to VANNER ET AL. , the patient follows the following procedure:

Two days before the examination subject will have:

• base line serum electrolyte or ions and blood sugar or glucose level or glyc (a) emic index determined via collection of blood and

• one liter of PEG solution in the evening, water (or any other of the above described clear liquids from the state of the art) at will.

One day before the examination, composition 4 is administered to the patient according to the following schedule:

• One liter PEG and 200 ml of the carbohydrate beverage of composition 4 in the morning,

• 400 ml of the carbohydrate beverage of composition 4 in the afternoon and • one liter PEG and 200 ml of the carbohydrate beverage of composition 4 in the evening.

On this day there is a total intake of about 2000 kcal: 2 (2 x 247 kcal) + (4 x 247 kcal)= 1976 kcal . One meal equals about 700 kcal.

Nil by mouth (to fast a patient) except water (or any other of the above described clear liquids from the state of the art) at will.

— Day of the examination subject will have:

• base line serum electrolyte or ions and blood sugar or glucose level or glyc(a)emic index determined via collection of blood and

• one liter of PEG solution after ingestion of the proprietary endoscopic capsule of the 1 ^st paragraph of example 5.

The above described (electrolyte-) PEG (solution) can be any or a combination of the above described compositions 1, 2 and/or 3 made soluble in the above described clear liquid from the state of the art.

Healthy volunteers are subjected to the procedure of example 5 after which physicians review the generated RAPID video. The technology behind the endoscopic capsule is that it contains an imaging device and light-source and it transmits images to the sensor array attached to the patient's abdomen and to the data recorder attached to a belt around the patient's waist. Images for review and diagnosis are downloaded by the physician to the Given workstation, on which the proprietary RAPID software is installed. Grading is done using a scale for each segmental section of the colon and overall for the entire video, an excellent grade is given when there is no more than small bits of adherent feces, a poor grade when there is a large amount of fecal residue. The objectives of this clinical trial or study are a.o.: test the hypothesis that carbohydrate oral rehydration in combination with PEG would increase the patient tolerance to the bowel preparation, evaluate efficiency in colon cleansing (or the colon cleansing level) of combination of electrolyte-PEG solution and the carbohydrate beverage of composition 4 for proprietary endoscopic capsule of the 1 ^st paragraph of example 5, to evaluate patient adherence to the combined regimen, to evaluate patient tolerance to the combined regimen, to evaluate the effect of the regimen on capsule transient time , ...