PEG Can Cause Renal Failure, Too

The use of sodium phosphate for bowel preparation has been drastically reduced in the U.S. because of the rare incidence of renal damage caused by calcium phosphate crystal deposition in renal tubules and subsequent development of nephrocalcinosis and renal insufficiency that, in some cases, has been permanent and severe (JW Gastroenterol Jan 31 2006). Previous trials and anecdotal reports have suggested that acute renal failure (ARF) can follow other bowel preparations, including polyethylene glycol–electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS). However, the risk for renal insufficiency associated with PEG-ELS is not widely recognized.

In the current case-crossover study from Korea, researchers evaluated recent use of PEG-ELS in 47,782 patients age…