The American journal of medicine
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Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate; Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France) is a cation-exchange resin routinely used in the management of hyperkalemia. However, its use has been associated with colonic necrosis and other fatal gastrointestinal adverse events. Although the addition of sorbitol to sodium polystyrene sulfonate preparations was previously believed to be the cause of gastrointestinal injury, recent reports have suggested that sodium polystyrene sulfonate itself may be toxic. Our objective was to systematically review case reports of adverse gastrointestinal events associated with sodium polystyrene sulfonate use. ⋯ Sodium polystyrene sulfonate use, both with and without sorbitol, may be associated with fatal gastrointestinal injury. Physicians must be cognizant of the risk of these adverse events when prescribing this therapy for the management of hyperkalemia.
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Electrolyte disorders have been studied mainly in hospitalized patients, whereas data in the general population are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of common electrolyte disorders in older subjects recruited from the general population. ⋯ Electrolyte disorders are common among older community subjects and mainly associated with diabetes mellitus and diuretics. Subjects who used both thiazides and benzodiazepines had a more severe degree of hyponatremia. Because even mild electrolyte disorders were associated with mortality, monitoring of electrolytes and discontinuation of offending drugs may improve outcomes.
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Patients with sleep apnea sustain cessation of breath during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia, systemic inflammation, and sympathetic activation. These insults may contribute to initiation or progression of peptic ulcers. This retrospective matched-control cohort study explored the relationship of sleep apnea and subsequent development of peptic ulcer bleeding. ⋯ Sleep apnea may be an independent risk factor for peptic ulcer bleeding.