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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
Summary
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.
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