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Colonic intussusception secondary to a calcium phosphate bezoar in a child receiving calcium carbonate for
R D Fildes1, J E Springate, T Jewett
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, State University of New York, Buffalo.
Insights
Calcium carbonate, used for hyperphosphatemia in chronic renal failure, can cause bezoars leading to intestinal blockages. This complication highlights potential risks of this phosphate binder therapy in kidney patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Chronic renal failure (CRF) management involves controlling hyperphosphatemia.
- Aluminum hydroxide phosphate binders are associated with aluminum toxicity.
- Calcium carbonate is increasingly used as an alternative phosphate binder in CRF.
Abstract:
We report a case of a calcium phosphate bezoar resulting in colonic intussusception in a boy with chronic renal failure who received calcium carbonate to control hyperphosphatemia. Because of concerns about aluminum-related disease in patients receiving aluminum hydroxide phosphate binders, calcium carbonate is being used more frequently to manage phosphate retention in renal failure. The development of bezoars may complicate this new form of therapy.