Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
11:19
Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Poisoning in children under age 5: identification and treatment
Postgraduate Medicine
|March 1, 1978
Insights
Effective pediatric poisoning management involves assessing the ingested substance, quantity, and timing. Treatment includes supportive care, enhanced poison removal, and antidotes when necessary.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Poisoning is a significant concern in young children.
- Effective management requires a systematic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a rational strategy for managing poisoning in pediatric patients.
- To emphasize key assessment and intervention steps.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of ingestion details (what, when, how much).
- Consideration of emesis if indicated.
- Implementation of supportive measures.
- Application of enhanced poison removal techniques.
- Administration of specific antidote therapy.
Main Results:
- A structured approach ensures comprehensive care.
- Timely assessment guides appropriate interventions.
- Multifaceted treatment addresses poison absorption and toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Rational management of pediatric poisoning hinges on thorough assessment.
- A combination of supportive care, enhanced elimination, and antidotes is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Abstract:
A rational approach to management of poisoning in young children requires assessment of what, when, and how much drug was ingested. Emesis, if indicated, is followed by general supportive measures, enhanced removal of absorbed poison, and antidote therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Antidotes
Antidotes are medicinal substances used to counteract the harmful effects of toxins or drugs in the body. They function in various ways, each uniquely designed to combat specific toxic compounds.
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
01:14Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
01:26Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...