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Protocols for pediatric poisonings from nontoxic substances: are they valid?
Thomas E Kearney1, Stephanie L Van Bebber, Patricia H Hiatt
1California Poison Control System-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-1369, USA. pcctk@calpoison.org
Pediatric Emergency Care
|May 3, 2006
Summary
Pediatric ingestions of "nontoxic" substances rarely cause serious harm, but potentially life-threatening effects are possible. Researchers suggest replacing "nontoxic" with "minimally toxic" for better risk assessment in poison control.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Poison control centers manage pediatric poisonings using protocols for
- nontoxic
- substances, assuming minimal risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of poison control protocols for
- nontoxic
- pediatric ingestions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of poison control center records from 2001.
- Systematic literature search for outcomes of "nontoxic" ingestions.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 20,900 pediatric ingestions found only 6 (0.03%) required emergency care.
- Literature review of 2,326 cases showed 1.2% had effects, none significant.
Conclusions:
- "Nontoxic" protocols are rarely linked to severe outcomes in pediatric poisonings.
- Potentially life-threatening effects, though rare, can occur.
- Recommend replacing "nontoxic" with "minimally toxic" for improved accuracy.