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Cardiopulmonary compromise associated with milk and molasses enema use in children

Melanie Walker1, Brad W Warner, Richard J Brilli

  • 1Division of Critical Care Medicine, Cincinaty Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|December 25, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Milk and molasses enemas, used for childhood constipation, can lead to severe hemodynamic compromise. This study highlights serious adverse events, including one fatality, emphasizing the need for caution with this treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Pediatrics
  • Adverse Drug Events

Background:

  • Constipation is a prevalent issue in pediatric care.
  • Milk and molasses enemas are sometimes employed for constipation management.
  • Limited data exists on the adverse effects of milk and molasses enemas.

Observation:

  • A retrospective review identified five pediatric patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
  • These children experienced acute decompensation following the administration of milk and molasses enemas.
  • The study period was from 1994 to 2000 at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Findings:

  • All five children exhibited significant hemodynamic deterioration post-enema.
  • One child unfortunately died, while the remaining four recovered after intensive resuscitation efforts.
  • The adverse outcomes suggest a potential for severe complications.

Implications:

  • Milk and molasses enemas carry risks of significant hemodynamic compromise.
  • These risks are comparable to those associated with other types of enema preparations.
  • Clinicians should be aware of these potential dangers when considering enema treatments for pediatric constipation.
Abstract

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