Severe hypocalcemic tetany and respiratory failure in an infant given oral phosphate soda.
Oral phosphate preparations are used for constipation and bowel preparation in adults but with potential for fatal electrolyte disturbances. Use in children is not recommended due to similar concerns. We report a 7-week-old infant who received an over-the-counter oral phosphate preparation. He developed profound hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, life-threatening tetany, and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and intravenous calcium gluconate for recovery. Practitioners should be aware of the availability and potential misuse of adult oral phosphate laxative products for children.
Hebbar
Kiran
K
Division of Critical Care, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Kiran.hebbar@choa.org
Fortenberry
James D
JD
Parks
John S
JS
D000284:Administration, Oral; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013746:Tetany / Q000139:chemically induced*
D010710:Phosphates; C018279:sodium phosphate