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Antidotes for childhood toxidromes

Kam Lun Hon1, Wun Fung Hui1, Alexander Kc Leung2

  • 1Department of a Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong.

Drugs in Context
|June 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Recognizing toxidromes in children is crucial for prompt antidote administration. This review details toxidromes and their specific antidotes for pediatric poisoning management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Childhood poisoning is a significant global health concern, causing morbidity and mortality.
  • Effective management relies on recognizing toxidromes and administering timely, specific antidotes.
  • This narrative review focuses on antidotes for toxidromes in pediatric practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize toxidromes and their corresponding antidotes in pediatric poisoning.
  • To emphasize symptomatology and sources of exposure for common pediatric poisonings.
  • To guide clinicians in the appropriate use of antidotes for childhood toxidromes.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed.
  • Keywords included "antidote", "poisoning", "intoxication", "children", and "pediatric".
  • Filters for human species and ages 0-18 years ensured relevance.

Main Results:

  • Toxidrome recognition aids rapid diagnosis and timely antidote administration.
  • The review details specific antidotes for various pediatric toxidromes, including N-acetyl cysteine for paracetamol and sodium thiosulphate for cyanide.
  • Antidotes are available for a limited number of poisons.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric poisoning is a frequent cause of injury.
  • Physicians must be adept at recognizing common toxidromes.
  • Prompt use of specific antidotes is essential for managing childhood toxidromes.
Abstract

Keywords:
antidoteextracorporeal treatmentintoxicationpaediatric poisoningtoxidrome

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