[Risk of phosphate enemas in the infant].

BACKGROUND

Hypertonic sodium phosphate enema (Fleet) are available for relief of constipation. They may be responsible for life-threatening electrolyte disturbances (hyperphosphatemia, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia) and severe dehydration.

OBSERVATION: A 14-month-old child with a neonatal repaired Hirschsprung's disease was urgently admitted for apathy. The clinical diagnosis was sepsis from intestinal origin. A few hours before admission, the child had received a pediatric phosphate enema ("Fleet Enema"). The clinical symptoms and the observed electrolyte disturbances were the consequences of the intoxication by the enema.

CONCLUSION

In children with renal insufficiency or bowel dysfunction, phosphate enemas are dangerous. Even in normal children, they should not be used under 2 years of age and only with extreme caution between 2 and 5 years.