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Case Report and Experimental Study

Robert R. Martin, MD; George R. Lisehora, MD; Maceo Braxton, Jr, MD; Peter J. Barcia, MD

JAMA. 1987;257(16):2190-2192.

Abstract
An overdose of a common over-the-counter sodium phosphate enema solution was fatal in an infant. The marked hypernatremia, acidemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia observed before death were also produced in a porcine model. A study using pigs showed that the enema solution was lethal if retained in doses above 20 mL/kg, equivalent to four pediatric-sized enemas in a 2-year-old child. Even normal doses of the enema solution caused measurable changes in serum phosphorus and calcium levels.

(JAMA 1987;257:2190-2192)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Surgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu.

Footnotes
The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

Reprint requests to Department of Surgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96869-50000 (Dr Martin).

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