title: Fatal aspiration of polyethylene glycol solution.
abstract: Endoscopy of the colon requires adequate cleansing of the entire bowel. Several laxative regimens have been propagated, but bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution is popular because of the easy application and good cleansing results. Although very safe in daily use, complications of this bowel-cleansing procedure have been reported and aspiration of the PEG solution is a possible and serious hazard. A case report is presented of a patient who aspirated the PEG solution and ultimately died because of respiratory failure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Zaans Medical Centre, Zaandam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: de Graaf
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Slagt
authors.forename: J L C A
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: de Graaf
authors.forename: R J L F
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Loffeld
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D012997:Solvents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D012997:Solvents; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols