Symptoms of hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia in an adolescent after the oral administration of sodium phosphate in preparation for a colonoscopy

Abstract

Adequate preparation of the colon is essential for proper colonoscopic visualization of the mucosa. The most commonly used agents for bowel preparation are polyethylene glycol and sodium phosphate. Polyethylene glycol is a nondigestible, nonabsorbable, osmotically balanced solution that cleans the bowel by washout of ingested fluids. Being a neutral and iso-osmotic solution, it yields no net absorption or excretion of water or ions. 1 Hsu CW Imperiale TF Meta-analysis and cost comparison of polyethylene glycol lavage versus sodium phosphate for colonoscopy preparation. Gastrointest Endosc. 1998; 48: 276-282 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (204) Google Scholar Its main disadvantage is the need to ingest large volumes for proper preparation, which may cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort in some patients.