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A prospective randomized blinded comparison of sodium phosphate and polyethylene glycol‐electrolyte solution for safe bowel cleansing
Author(s) -
MATHUSVLIEGEN E. M. H.,
KEMBLE U. M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02777.x
Subject(s) - nap , medicine , contraindication , peg ratio , medical prescription , randomized controlled trial , adverse effect , surgery , pharmacology , alternative medicine , finance , pathology , neuroscience , economics , biology
Summary Background Polyethylene glycol‐electrolyte solution (PEG‐ELS) is routinely prescribed for bowel cleansing. Sodium phosphate (NaP) may be an effective but potentially hazardous alternative. Aim To investigate the safety of prescription of either agent, without being informed of the patient's medical history. Methods One hundred consecutive patients were randomly allocated to PEG‐ELS or NaP. Prior to and after the bowel cleansing, blood was sampled for renal function and electrolytes. Patients answered questionnaires about complaints and ease of intake, and endoscopists rated the quality of bowel preparation. Results Eleven patients were identified with a theoretical contraindication for NaP, of whom nine should have been discovered by taking a detailed clinical history. Actually, six of them received NaP with a doubling of serum phosphate levels or hypokalaemia in four. In subjects without a contraindication to the use of NaP, hyperphosphataemia developed in 39% and hypocalcaemia in 5%. Patients tolerated NaP better and completed the preparation more often. Endoscopists rated the quality of bowel preparation equivalent, except for a better cleansed ascending colon with PEG‐ELS. Conclusions The 11% potentially hazardous allocation to NaP and the 39% incidence of hyperphosphataemia with NaP do not justify an ‘over‐the‐counter’ prescription. Taking a detailed history and, when in doubt, using PEG‐ELS will safeguard against inappropriate administration of NaP.