The Change of Serum Potassium after Oral Polyethylene Glycol Administration for Bowel Preparation in Patient Undergoing Elective Colonoscopy in Krathumbaen Hospital

Authors

  • Suthussana Chaimanakarn M.D., Krathumbaen Hospital

Keywords:

colonoscopy, polyethylene glycol, bowel preparation, hypokalemia

Abstract

Objective: This aims were to characterize the incidence of hypokalemia following polyethylene glycol (PEG) administered prior to elective colonoscopy in Krathumbaen Hospital and to study the correlation of hypokalemia with age and timing of administration. 

Methods: This retrospective observational analytical study, conducted at Krathumbaen Hospital from January 2019 to February 2020, included 400 patients who were admitted for elective colonoscopy and given PEG for bowel preparation. Patients were excluded if they had hypokalemia prior to PEG administration, chronic kidney disease, and concomitant diuretic therapy. Blood samplings for serum potassium were collected at 7 a.m. on the day of colonoscopy. Hypokalemia was defined as serum potassium < 3.5 mmol/L.

Results: Of 400 patients, 76 had hypokalemia (x= 3.35, SD=0.09). Patients who older than 60 years were associated with hypokalemia significantly, the percentage of this group was 23. The incidence of hypokalemia was also associated with timing of PEG administration. There was 44.7% of patients in hypokalemia group received PEG at 7.00 p.m. on the day before colonoscopy which was higher than other time about 3.81 times and there was 12.5% of patients who received PEG first dose at 7.00 p.m. before colonoscopy day and second dose at 6.00 a.m. on colonoscopy day which was higher than other time about 3.02 times.

Conclusion: Hypokalemia occurs commonly among patients older than 60 years or who received polyethylene glycol at 7.00 p.m. on the day before colonoscopy in single and split-dose polyethylene glycol preparation. Monitoring of potassium level is necessary before colonoscopy. 

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Published

2021-06-29

How to Cite

1.
Chaimanakarn S. The Change of Serum Potassium after Oral Polyethylene Glycol Administration for Bowel Preparation in Patient Undergoing Elective Colonoscopy in Krathumbaen Hospital. Reg 4-5 Med J [internet]. 2021 Jun. 29 [cited 2026 Jan. 1];40(2). available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/reg45/article/view/251831