M P Soumoy1, A Bachy. 1. Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier Notre-Dame et Reine Fabiola, Charleroi, Belgique.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hypertonic sodium phosphate enema (Fleet) are available for relief of constipation. They may be responsible for life-threatening electrolyte disturbances (hyperphosphatemia, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia) and severe dehydration. OBSERVATION: A 14-month-old child with a neonatal repaired Hirschsprung's disease was urgently admitted for apathy. The clinical diagnosis was sepsis from intestinal origin. A few hours before admission, the child had received a pediatric phosphate enema ("Fleet Enema"). The clinical symptoms and the observed electrolyte disturbances were the consequences of the intoxication by the enema. CONCLUSION: In children with renal insufficiency or bowel dysfunction, phosphate enemas are dangerous. Even in normal children, they should not be used under 2 years of age and only with extreme caution between 2 and 5 years.
BACKGROUND: Hypertonic sodium phosphate enema (Fleet) are available for relief of constipation. They may be responsible for life-threatening electrolyte disturbances (hyperphosphatemia, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia) and severe dehydration. OBSERVATION: A 14-month-old child with a neonatal repaired Hirschsprung's disease was urgently admitted for apathy. The clinical diagnosis was sepsis from intestinal origin. A few hours before admission, the child had received a pediatric phosphate enema ("Fleet Enema"). The clinical symptoms and the observed electrolyte disturbances were the consequences of the intoxication by the enema. CONCLUSION: In children with renal insufficiency or bowel dysfunction, phosphate enemas are dangerous. Even in normal children, they should not be used under 2 years of age and only with extreme caution between 2 and 5 years.
Authors: Belén Sédaba; Josh R Azanza; Miguel A Campanero; Emilio Garcia-Quetglas; Maria Josh Muñoz; Santiago Marco Journal: Curr Ther Res Clin Exp Date: 2006-09