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A Review of Published Cases Regarding the Amphotericin B Deoxycholate Overdose in the Pediatric Population and a Case
Marzieh Shahrabi1, Sana Savadi2, Yousef Tavakolifar3
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Considering the fact that two available and commonly used formulations of amphotericin B could be used instead of each other by mistake. Also, an updated and comprehensive data regarding management of this medication error was not available; the current review was conducted to gather available data among the pediatric population and discuss management and outcome of patients in case such an error occurs. We review all the cases of amphotericin B overdose which reported in PubMed and google scholar so far then discuss an 8-years-old girl diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma who inadvertently received five times more than therapeutic dose of amphotericin B deoxycholate (5mg/kg/day).In total, ten of the cases were exactly matched to our purpose of the study. In our case, fluid and electrolyte management was aggressively undertaken and she was put under cardiac monitoring for 7 days following detection of the medication error. Finally, she was discharged from hospital with stable condition. Reviewed data in this manuscript showed that amphotericin B deoxycholate overdose could cause severe complications and lead to cardio toxicity, electrolyte imbalance and death. Aggressive cardiac, fluid and electrolyte monitoring and management of any problem as soon as they were detected was the pathway followed by the authors of this review and others who faced this medication error. The role of NAC and hydrocortisone in the managing amphotericin B deoxycholate overdose requires further investigation.
Insights
Mistakenly administering amphotericin B deoxycholate can lead to severe complications. Aggressive cardiac and fluid monitoring is crucial for managing overdose in pediatric patients, ensuring stable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Two common amphotericin B formulations are easily confused, leading to medication errors.
- A comprehensive review of managing amphotericin B overdose in children was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize available data on amphotericin B overdose management in pediatric patients.
- To discuss the management and outcomes of a pediatric case of amphotericin B deoxycholate overdose.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of PubMed and Google Scholar for reported cases of amphotericin B overdose.
- Detailed case report of an 8-year-old pediatric patient with Ewing sarcoma who received a fivefold overdose of amphotericin B deoxycholate.
Main Results:
- Ten relevant cases were identified and reviewed.
- The pediatric case received aggressive fluid and electrolyte management and cardiac monitoring for seven days.
- The patient was discharged in stable condition.
Conclusions:
- Amphotericin B deoxycholate overdose can cause severe toxicity, including cardiotoxicity and electrolyte imbalance, potentially leading to death.
- Aggressive monitoring and management of cardiac function, fluids, and electrolytes are critical for favorable outcomes.
- Further research is needed on the role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and hydrocortisone in managing amphotericin B deoxycholate overdose.
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