Possible GoLytely-Associated Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report and Literature Review
Yoonsun Mo1,2, Shiv Gandhi1, Jose Orsini3
1Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Insights
A case report suggests polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes (GoLytely) may be linked to sudden cardiac arrest. This highlights the importance of monitoring patients for adverse events after bowel preparation administration.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes (GoLytely) is a commonly used bowel preparation agent.
- While generally considered safe, potential adverse events require careful consideration.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male with multiple comorbidities received GoLytely for constipation and abdominal pain.
- Several hours post-administration, the patient experienced sudden cardiac arrest.
Findings:
- Cardiac arrest occurred shortly after GoLytely administration.
- Other potential causes were ruled out, leading to suspicion of GoLytely as the etiological agent.
- The patient suffered an anoxic brain injury and subsequently expired.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for rare but severe adverse events associated with GoLytely.
- Close patient monitoring during and after GoLytely administration is crucial to detect and manage any emergent complications.
Purpose:
To report a case of sudden cardiac arrest possibly associated with the administration of GoLytely® (polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes).
Summary:
A 60-year-old male with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and coronary artery disease presented to the emergency department with complaints of constipation and lower abdominal pain over the past week, and the inability to urinate over the past day. The patient had received GoLytely as treatment to alleviate symptoms of constipation and abdominal pain. However, several hours after administration of the bowel prep solution, the patient suffered an episode of cardiac arrest. After ruling out other possible etiologies, GoLytely was suspected as a possible cause of cardiac arrest. The patient had suffered an anoxic brain injury and remained intubated and unconscious until he eventually expired, 20 days after the event.
Conclusion:
Although GoLytely appears to be a safe agent with fewer side effects, clinicians need to be mindful of potential life-threatening adverse events following GoLytely administration and monitor patients closely during and after administration.
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