[Modest risk of phosphate nephropathy by bowel cleansing]

Acute phosphate nephropathy is a rare, but serious adverse event associated with the use of sodium phosphate for bowel cleansing. It may lead to permanent renal impairment and a need for dialysis. The aetiology is hyperphosphataemia caused by intestinal absorption of the cleanser. Risk factors include: advanced age, existing kidney disease, decreased intravascular volume, and medications affecting renal perfusion or function such as diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and possibly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.