Authors: Alvin Shemesh
Publish Date: 1978/02/06
Volume: 239, Issue: 6, Pages: 497-497
Abstract
To the Editor — An overweight 60yearold woman came in complaining of sudden onset of diarrhea shortness of breath and lower abdominal pain She related a history of placing herself on a liquid protein fast with a kit obtained at a local nutrition store Among the pills that came with the regimen were vitamins calcium iron folic acid and potassium An xray film of the abdomen Figure showed approximately 18 to 20 undissolved tablets in the colon Her serum potassium level was 28 mEq/liter An ECG pattern showed a sinus arrhythmia with a Twave abnormality Uwave indicative of an electrolyte disturbance most likely hypokalemiaThis xray film demonstrates that among the hazards of selfimposed fast is the possibility of the insolubility of medications purchased from various sources Notably hazardous are potassium compound tablets that may be enterically insoluble producing a severe electrolyte disturbance
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