[Risk of phosphate enemas in the infant].
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Soumoy
M P
MP
Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier Notre-Dame et Reine Fabiola, Charleroi, Belgique.
Bachy
A
A
D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003248:Constipation / Q000628:therapy*; D003681:Dehydration / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006627:Hirschsprung Disease / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000139:chemically induced*
D002400:Cathartics; D010710:Phosphates; C018279:sodium phosphate
Danger des lavements phosphatés chez le nourrisson.