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Poison exposures and use of ipecac in children less than 1 year old
Insights
Syrup of ipecac is safe and effective for children aged 9-12 months experiencing poison exposure. This study found no significant side effects in young children treated under medical supervision.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Poison exposures are a significant concern in infants and young children.
- Mobile infants, particularly those using walkers, are at higher risk.
- Most pediatric poisonings are unintentional and result in mild symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate poison exposures in children under one year old.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of syrup of ipecac in infants aged 9 to 12 months.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study over eight months at a regional poison control center.
- Analysis of poison exposure calls for children under one year old.
- Administration of syrup of ipecac (10 mL) to 21 infants (9-12 months) under medical supervision.
Main Results:
- Infants under one year accounted for 9% of poison exposure calls.
- Plants and household products were the most common agents.
- All treated infants vomited within an hour with no significant adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Syrup of ipecac is a safe and effective emetic for infants aged 9-12 months with poison exposure.
- Medical supervision is crucial when administering syrup of ipecac to young children.
- Early intervention and appropriate management can prevent severe outcomes in pediatric poisonings.
Abstract:
Poison exposures in children less than 1 year old and the safety and efficacy of syrup of ipecac in children 9 to 12 months old were evaluated in a prospective eight-month study conducted at the Massachusetts Poison Control Center. Poison exposures in children less than 1 year old represented approximately 9% of the 38,080 calls received. Mobile children (in walkers, crawling, or walking) were at the greatest risk of poisoning. The majority of children (94%) were asymptomatic and none were hospitalized or died. The products involved were primarily plants (38%) and household products (30%). All 21 patients, ages 9 to 12 months, were given 10 mL syrup of ipecac under medical supervision and vomited within one hour. The mean time to vomit was 21.7 (SEM +/- 2.8) minutes. The patients vomited 3.3 (SEM +/- 0.3) times and all episodes of vomiting abated by 26.4 (SEM +/- 6.6) minutes. No significant side effects were noted. The use of the syrup of ipecac in the 9- to 12-month-old child appears to be safe and effective.