The Risks of Phosphate Enemas in Toddlers: A Life-Threatening Unawareness.
constipation
pediatric gastroenterology
phosphate-containing enemas
side effects
Journal
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2227-9067
Titre abrégé: Children (Basel)
Pays: Switzerland
ID NLM: 101648936
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
15 Mar 2024
15 Mar 2024
Historique:
received:
18
02
2024
revised:
09
03
2024
accepted:
13
03
2024
medline:
28
3
2024
pubmed:
28
3
2024
entrez:
28
3
2024
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
While oral laxatives represent the first-line treatment of fecal impaction, enemas are frequently used in clinical practice in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) and by family pediatricians (FPs). Phosphate-containing enemas (PcEs) are commonly employed, even causing the risk of rare but lethal toxicity. We investigated pediatricians' awareness of PcE risks. We conducted an online survey by sending a multiple-choice questionnaire to the referents of 51 PEDs and 101 FPs. We collected and compared the answers with recommendations reported by the Italian Drug Agency (AIFA) and the available literature about PcE administration. Of the institutions and pediatricians receiving the questionnaire, 23 PEDs (45%) and 63 FP (62.3%) participated in the survey. Of PEDs, 95% and 33.0% of FPs treated fecal impaction with PcE. Moreover, 54% of PEDs and 86.0% of FPs did not provide treatment according to the AIFA recommendations for the daily dose. This study shows limited pediatricians' awareness of the potential risks related to PcE.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
While oral laxatives represent the first-line treatment of fecal impaction, enemas are frequently used in clinical practice in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) and by family pediatricians (FPs).
OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVE
Phosphate-containing enemas (PcEs) are commonly employed, even causing the risk of rare but lethal toxicity. We investigated pediatricians' awareness of PcE risks.
METHODS
METHODS
We conducted an online survey by sending a multiple-choice questionnaire to the referents of 51 PEDs and 101 FPs. We collected and compared the answers with recommendations reported by the Italian Drug Agency (AIFA) and the available literature about PcE administration.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Of the institutions and pediatricians receiving the questionnaire, 23 PEDs (45%) and 63 FP (62.3%) participated in the survey. Of PEDs, 95% and 33.0% of FPs treated fecal impaction with PcE. Moreover, 54% of PEDs and 86.0% of FPs did not provide treatment according to the AIFA recommendations for the daily dose.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
This study shows limited pediatricians' awareness of the potential risks related to PcE.
Identifiants
pubmed: 38539384
pii: children11030349
doi: 10.3390/children11030349
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Subventions
Organisme : Ministero della Salute
ID : N/A