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Clinical Toxicity of Acute Overdoses With L-Thyroxin in Children
Ayse Betul Ergul1, Yasemin Altuner Torun1, Mahmut Can Serbetci1
1From the Department of Pediatrics, Kayseri Training and Research Hospital, Kayseri.
Insights
Acute L-thyroxine ingestion in children is rare and typically benign. While serious complications are uncommon, close medical follow-up for two weeks is recommended due to potential delayed symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- L-Thyroxine (thyroid hormone) is crucial for growth and metabolism.
- Accidental ingestion in children is infrequent but requires understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe clinical features and lab findings of acute L-thyroxine ingestion in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the outcomes and management of pediatric L-thyroxine overdose.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients treated for L-thyroxine ingestion.
- Data collected included clinical presentation and laboratory results.
- Study conducted at Kayseri Teaching Hospital from 2013-2016.
Main Results:
- 14 pediatric cases of L-thyroxine ingestion were identified.
- Most patients (85.7%) were asymptomatic; 14.2% showed tachycardia and hypertension.
- Elevated thyroid hormone levels occurred in 21.4%; 78.4% required no medical treatment.
Conclusions:
- Acute L-thyroxine ingestion in children generally follows a benign clinical course.
- Serious complications are rare but can manifest late, necessitating prolonged observation.
- A 2-week follow-up period is advised for pediatric patients after L-thyroxine ingestion.
Objectives:
L-Thyroxine ingestion is rarely seen in children; here, we report our experience of it. This study describes the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of acute L-thyroxine ingestion in children.
Methods:
This retrospective study enrolled patients treated for L-thyroxine ingestion at Kayseri Teaching Hospital between September 2013 and September 2016. Clinical characteristics and laboratory findings are described. Ethical approval was not obtained because the study was retrospective.
Results:
The incidence of L-thyroxine ingestion was 0.07% to 1.2% per year. There were 14 patients. Twelve patients were asymptomatic, but 2 (14.2%) exhibited tachycardia and hypertension. Thyroid hormone levels were elevated in 3 patients (21.4%). Eleven patients did not require medical treatment (78.4%); 3 did. No serious complication or death was observed.
Conclusions:
Acute ingestion has a benign course. Serious complications are uncommon but may appear several hours or days after ingestion; therefore, patients with L-thyroxine ingestion should be followed closely for 2 weeks.