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[Paediatric pharmacobezoar in vitamin overdose]
Nataliz Vega-Mata1, Laura Fernández-García1, Carolina Lara-Cardenas1
1Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, España.
Cirugia Y Cirujanos
|January 3, 2017
Summary
A pediatric vitamin E overdose caused a rare pharmacobezoar, a mass of undigested medication. Prompt endoscopic removal is recommended for this potentially dangerous complication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
Background:
- Pharmacobezoars are rare gastrointestinal masses formed from undigested medications.
- They can lead to serious obstructive or toxic complications.
- This report details the first pediatric case of pharmacobezoar following vitamin overdose.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old child ingested a large quantity of hydrophobic vitamin E tablets.
- Urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a 10x4cm viscoelastic mass in the stomach.
- The mass was successfully removed and fragmented via endoscopy.
Findings:
- Hydrophobic medications, like vitamin E, have a high capacity to form pharmacobezoars.
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a safe and effective method for gastric bezoar removal.
- Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent complications.
Implications:
- This case highlights the risk of pharmacobezoar formation from vitamin overdoses in children.
- Endoscopic evacuation should be considered for suspected gastric bezoars.
- Awareness and prompt management are key to preventing severe outcomes.
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