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Hypoglycemia after albuterol overdose in a pediatric patient

Durgul Ozdemir1, Ebru Yilmaz, Murat Duman

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Dokuz Eylul University, School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. durgulozdemir@yahoo.com

Pediatric Emergency Care
|July 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Albuterol overdose in children can cause various symptoms, including a rare complication of hypoglycemia. Extended observation is crucial for managing albuterol poisoning effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Clinical Toxicology

Background:

  • Albuterol overdose in children commonly presents with tachycardia, hypotension, tremor, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia.
  • Hypoglycemia is a rarely reported complication of albuterol overdose in pediatric patients.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old boy ingested a high dose of albuterol, presenting with agitation, restlessness, sinus tachycardia, mild hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia.
  • Treatment included activated charcoal, intravenous hydration, and electrocardiogram monitoring.

Findings:

  • Sinus tachycardia resolved within 4-6 hours.
  • Hypoglycemia (45 mg/dL) was identified 4 hours post-admission.
  • The child recovered fully within 24 hours with glucose replacement therapy.

Implications:

  • Hypoglycemia may manifest as a delayed complication of acute albuterol overdose in children.
  • Extended observation periods are recommended for pediatric patients with significant albuterol ingestion.
  • This case highlights the importance of monitoring glucose levels in albuterol overdose management.

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