A 14-year-old boy, BG, ate 25 laxative brownies in an hour as part of a competition with friends. The laxatives caused a severe overdose, leading to hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which resulted in muscle cramps, heart palpitations, and eventually, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). The muscle breakdown released myoglobin, which built up in BG's kidneys, causing acute kidney injury and damage to the nephrons. The kidney damage is irreversible, and BG's capacity to filter metabolic waste is compromised. Treatment involved potassium supplements and fluid replacement to stabilize potassium levels and increase renal perfusion. BG recovered, but the experience left a lasting impact, and the video serves as a warning about the dangers of laxative overdose.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A 14-year-old boy, referred to as BG, ate 25 laxative-filled brownies in 1 hour.
2. BG's friends had challenged each other to eat 10 laxative-filled brownies within 15 minutes.
3. The laxative used was sennoside, a natural stimulant that causes muscle contractions in the colon.
4. BG consumed 25 times the recommended adult dose of laxatives.
5. BG started experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and a rapid heart rate.
6. He became unconscious and was found on the floor an hour later.
7. BG was taken to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood).
8. Low potassium levels can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and heart arrhythmias.
9. BG's muscle cells were malfunctioning due to low potassium levels, leading to rhabdomyolysis (skeletal muscle breakdown).
10. Rhabdomyolysis can cause acute kidney injury, which can lead to chronic kidney disease.
11. BG's kidneys were damaged due to the buildup of myoglobin, a protein released from his muscles.
12. Myoglobin can cause lipid peroxidation, which can damage cell membranes.
13. The treatment for BG included potassium supplements to raise his blood potassium levels and fluid replacement to increase renal perfusion.
14. BG's kidneys were vasoconstricted due to low blood volume, which can cause further damage.
15. The renal damage caused by BG's rhabdomyolysis will be permanent, but his kidneys will still function.
16. BG was able to recover from his laxative-induced hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis due to prompt medical treatment.