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Adrenaline overdose in pediatric anaphylaxis: a case report
Pui Yi Lily Liew1,2, John Andrew Craven3
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, 5042, Adelaide, Australia. Lily.P.Liew@gmail.com.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|May 10, 2017
Summary
Adrenaline overdose in children can mimic anaphylactic shock. Routine blood pressure monitoring is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate pediatric emergency care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Toxicology
- Anaphylaxis Management
Background:
- Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
- Accurate administration of adrenaline can be challenging, leading to potential overdose.
- Pediatric blood pressure measurement is vital but inconsistently applied in practice.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old boy experienced adrenaline overdose during anaphylaxis treatment.
- Symptoms of overdose were initially indistinguishable from worsening anaphylactic shock.
- Blood pressure measurement was key in differentiating the conditions.
Findings:
- The signs of adrenaline overdose can mimic progressive shock.
- Blood pressure monitoring is essential for distinguishing overdose from anaphylactic shock in children.
- Under-dosing adrenaline has known consequences, but overdose is less recognized.
Implications:
- Routine blood pressure measurement should be standard in pediatric assessments.
- This practice is critical for accurate diagnosis in pediatric anaphylaxis cases.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy can lead to better patient outcomes and prevent iatrogenic harm.
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