A 14-year-old boy, BG, consumed 25 laxative-filled brownies, exceeding the recommended adult dose by 25 times, as part of a dare with his friends. He suffered from severe hypokalemia (low potassium levels) which led to muscle cramps, an irregular heartbeat, and eventually, rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down. The released myoglobin damaged his kidneys, causing acute kidney injury. BG was hospitalized and treated with potassium supplements and fluid replacement to stabilize his potassium levels and prevent further kidney damage. Despite the permanent damage to his kidneys, BG recovered due to his young age. The incident served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of laxative overdose and the importance of adhering to recommended doses.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A 14-year-old boy named BG was taken to the emergency room with an abnormal heart rate.
2. BG had eaten 25 laxative-filled brownies in a competition with his friends.
3. The laxatives caused BG to overdose on a natural stimulant that helps pass stool.
4. The stimulant works by causing the muscles of the colon to contract and softening stool by drawing water into the colon.
5. BG's body lost a lot of water, leading to dehydration and low potassium levels.
6. Potassium is an important chemical in the body that helps signal muscle contraction and relaxation.
7. With low potassium levels, BG's muscles had a hard time relaxing, leading to cramps and muscle damage.
8. BG's heart was beating irregularly due to the low potassium levels.
9. BG's kidney function was decreasing due to the dehydration and muscle damage.
10. The muscle damage led to the release of a protein called myoglobin, which built up in BG's kidneys and caused damage.
11. The damage to BG's kidneys is irreversible and will affect his ability to filter waste from his blood.
12. BG was treated with potassium supplements and fluids to stabilize his potassium levels and increase blood flow to his kidneys.
13. The treatment helped BG recover from the laxative overdose and muscle damage, but the damage to his kidneys will remain.
14. The incident was a result of BG taking more than the recommended dose of laxatives, which is not worth the consequences.