Intest Res.  2015 Jan;13(1):90-94. 10.5217/ir.2015.13.1.90.

Anaphylactic Shock Caused by Ingestion of Polyethylene Glycol

• Lee SH
• Cha JM
• Lee JI
• Joo KR
• Shin HP
• Baek IH
• Jeon JW
• Lim JU
• Lee JL
• Lee HM
• Cho YH

• KMID: 1807382
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2015.13.1.90

Abstract

Colonoscopy is the current standard method for evaluation of the colon. The diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic safety of colonoscopy depend on the quality of colonic cleansing and preparation. Generally, all these preparations have been demonstrated to be safe for use in healthy individuals without significant comorbid conditions. Based on safety and efficacy concerns, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is most commonly utilized as a bowel preparation solution for colonoscopy. Adverse events in patients receiving PEG are mostly clinically non-significant. However, fatal adverse events rarely have been shown to occur in the few individuals who experience vomiting or aspiration. Anaphylactic shock associated with ingestion of PEG electrolyte solution is an extremely rare fatal complication, and reported mainly in Western countries. Here, we report the first case of anaphylactic shock following the ingestion of PEG solution in Korea.

Keyword

Polyethylene glycols; Anaphylaxis; Adverse effects; Colonoscopy; Shock

MeSH Terms

Anaphylaxis*
Colon
Colonoscopy
Eating*
Humans
Korea
Polyethylene Glycols*
Shock
Vomiting
Polyethylene Glycols

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