1.
Symptomatic Hyponatremia after Bowel Preparation: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review.
Costa, JM, Soares, JB
Acta medica portuguesa. 2017;(11):824-826
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bowel preparation for colonoscopy and/or colorectal surgery can cause electrolyte imbalances. The risk of electrolyte imbalances seems to be related to the type of bowel cleansing solution, age of patients and comorbidities. CASE REPORT We report two cases of symptomatic hyponatremia (focal neurological signs and coma) after bowel preparation with sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate for colonoscopy. In both cases, symptoms related to hyponatremia rapidly disappeared after sodium level correction with intravenous administration of hypertonic saline (3% NaCl). DISCUSSION Electrolyte imbalances are more common with sodium phosphate-based solutions (NaP) and sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate, in patients older than 65, in patients treated with thiazide diuretics, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, betablockers or antidepressants and in gastrectomized patients. These patients should use macrogol-based solutions (polyethylene glycol). CONCLUSION In patients at risk (patient > 65 years old, patients taking thiazide diuretics, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers and antidepressants and with previous gastrectomy) we recommend macrogol-based solutions.
2.
Severe hyperphosphatemia after administration of sodium-phosphate containing laxatives in children: case series and systematic review of literature.
Ladenhauf, HN, Stundner, O, Spreitzhofer, F, Deluggi, S
Pediatric surgery international. 2012;(8):805-14
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sodium phosphate-containing laxatives are commonly used as first-line treatment option for constipation in children and adolescents. Hyperphosphatemia is an infrequent, but potentially life-threatening complication of laxative application. METHODS We report a case series of three children exhibiting severe hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia after utilization of sodium phosphate-containing laxatives, necessitating intensive care services in two of three cases. Additionally, we reviewed 32 case reports of similar occurrences. RESULTS We identified 28 publications on the subject dating from 1968 to 2010. Mean age of all children in reports was 2.83 years; sex was approximately equally distributed. While 18 patients suffered from either pre-existing gastrointestinal comorbidity or other major systemic disease, no or only unrelated, minor conditions were present in ten children. One-third of patients received laxatives repeatedly before the incident. Findings associated with hyperphosphatemia include lethargy, dizziness, stiffness, tachypnea, tachycardia and severe dehydration in almost all cases, and tetany, carpopedal spasm, and prolonged QT interval in a subset. While about 80% of children recovered without residual findings, three deceased and one incurred persistent hypoxic brain damage. CONCLUSION Physicians should be alerted to the possibility of phosphate toxicity in children and adolescents treated with laxatives.
3.
Cathartic-induced fatal hypermagnesemia in the elderly.
Onishi, S, Yoshino, S
Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan). 2006;(4):207-10
Abstract
Symptomatic hypermagnesemia is rare and can be induced by exogenous magnesium-containing cathartics or antacids. We report a patient with hypermagnesemia. The patient was treated with continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF); however, he died on the 4th hospital day. Hypermagnesemia is not easily detected because the magnesium level is not examined during routine investigations, and many physicians are relatively unfamiliar with hypermagnesemia. Hypermagnesemia should be considered in elderly patients presenting with hypotension, bradycardia, hyporeflexia, or respiratory depression, and particularly in patients with abnormal renal function or small bowel hypomotility. Magnesium-containing cathartics or antacids should be used more carefully in the elderly.
4.
[Ammonium acid urate stone due to laxative abuse: a case report].
Kato, Y, Hou, K, Saga, Y, Yamaguchi, S, Yachiku, S, Kawakami, N
Hinyokika kiyo. Acta urologica Japonica. 2004;(11):799-803
Abstract
We report a case of ammonium acid urate stone due to laxative abuse. A 27-year-old female complained of left flank pain. Computed tomography revealed bilateral ureter stones (right 16.5 x 9.0 mm; left 4 mm), while left ureter stone was radiolucent on the plain X ray film. Bilateral hydronephrosis was seen, but no therapy was performed for the right stone, because 99mTc-MAG3 scintigraphy revealed that right kidney had no function. The left stone was successfully removed by transurethral approach. The stone was revealed to be an ammonium acid urate by infrared spectrophotometry. She had been taking many laxatives (bisacodyl, sennoside, aloe extract) for 12 years to control her body weight. Ammonium acid urate stones are rarely seen in developed countries. We have reviewed 9 cases in Japan, describing ammonium acid urate stones due to laxative abuse. Among these patients, 24-hour urine volume and excretion in urinary sodium were decreased, and serum aldosterone was increased. The involvement of laxative abuse should be considered when ammonium acid urate is formed in a woman with a low body mass index.