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Pseudomonas aeruginosa septic shock secondary to "gripe water" ingestion

David Sas1, Maria A Enrione, Richard H Schwartz

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA. dsas@mwumail.midwestern.edu

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|February 12, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Contaminated herbal supplements can cause severe illness in infants. Parents should be cautious about using these products due to potential infectious agent contamination, as seen in a case of septic shock.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Herbal supplements are frequently used by parents for various pediatric conditions.
  • Commonly used herbal remedies may pose risks if not properly manufactured.

Observation:

  • A 9-month-old infant developed septic shock.
  • The infant's condition followed the ingestion of a herbal supplement used for colic.

Findings:

  • The herbal supplement was contaminated with infectious agents.
  • Variable manufacturing and packaging contribute to contamination risks in herbal products.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers must educate parents on the risks associated with herbal supplements.
  • Increased vigilance is needed regarding the safety and regulation of pediatric herbal remedies.

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