Renal Failure After Oral Sodium Phosphate for Colonoscopy

This rare complication highlights the need to use this agent appropriately.

In three earlier reports, investigators described seven patients who developed chronic renal insufficiency after receiving oral sodium phosphate solution or sodium phosphate tablets before colonoscopy. Now, investigators from the center at Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, who reported 5 of the first 7 cases, describe those 5 patients plus 16 additional patients who developed renal insufficiency after oral sodium phosphate administration.

This patient group comprised 17 women and 4 men (mean age, 64; 17 white). Of 16 with hypertension, 7 were taking angiotensin-converting–enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, 7 were taking angiotensin-receptor blockers, and 4 were taking diuretics. Three patients were taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.…

Reviewing Author

Douglas K. Rex, MD