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Cardiac Arrest Following GoLytely Consumption: A Potential Trigger for Hypovolemic Shock
Eli A Zaher1, Mohamed A Ebrahim1, Parth Patel1
1Internal Medicine, Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago, Chicago, USA.
Cureus
|July 2, 2024
Summary
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) bowel prep can cause rare, severe hypovolemic shock leading to cardiac arrest. This case highlights the need for vigilance during colonoscopy preparation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Colonoscopy requires bowel preparation, commonly using polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions.
- PEG solutions are generally considered safe, but rare adverse events can occur.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male experienced cardiac arrest due to hypovolemic shock after consuming GoLytely for bowel preparation.
- The patient developed severe weakness, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension post-ingestion, despite initial stability.
Findings:
- The cardiac arrest was directly attributed to hypovolemic shock secondary to PEG consumption.
- Other potential causes for the cardiac arrest were systematically ruled out.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the importance of monitoring patients for adverse reactions to PEG-based bowel preparations.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and identify risk factors for PEG-associated cardiovascular complications.
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