Polyethylene Glycol Misuse Causing Acute Renal Failure and Metabolic Acidosis Requiring Dialysis: A Case Report.

Publication/Presentation Date

7-1-2024

Abstract

Laxative misuse is a well-known occurrence, most often identified in patients struggling with eating disorders. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 is a readily available, well-tolerated osmotic laxative. High doses of PEG 3350 may cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance, although systemic toxicity is infrequently reported. This case report highlights the exceedingly rare metabolic derangements associated with profound levels of protracted PEG misuse. A 60-year-old female presented to the emergency department with altered mental status. She was found to have acute renal failure (ARF), anion gap metabolic acidosis (AGMA), and rhabdomyolysis secondary to excessive PEG 3350 use, requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Renal function improved after three days of CRRT, and no alternative causes beyond PEG ingestion were found to account for her mental status changes or metabolic anomalies. This report illustrates the importance of considering osmotic laxative misuse in the setting of pre-renal and intrinsic renal failure.

Volume

16

Issue

7

First Page

65838

Last Page

65838

ISSN

2168-8184

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

39219942

Department(s)

Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty, Department of Emergency Medicine Residents, Toxicology Division, USF-LVHN SELECT Program, Fellows and Residents, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article

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