Colonic necrosis in a young patient receiving oral kayexalate in sorbitol: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate) is a cation-exchange resin used to treat patients with hyperkalemia. Concomitant administration of kayexalate and sorbitol may induce gastrointestinal injury, which is potentially lethal. However, this well-documented complication is often underrecognized both clinically and pathologically. We propose a typical case along with colonoscopic photos and microscopic pictures. Additionally, we also present a review of the literature on this rare drug-induced side effect.

Keywords

• Gastrointestinal injury
• Ischemic enterocolitis
• Kayexalate
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• Sorbitol