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Levothyroxine poisoning in children: a multicenter study from Türkiye
Kübra Şen Küçük1, Şule Demir2, Reyhan Deveci Sevim1
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkiye.
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences
|March 12, 2026
Summary
Pediatric levothyroxine poisoning is usually asymptomatic, with mild symptoms like tachycardia occurring in a third of cases. The overall prognosis for children experiencing levothyroxine overdose is favorable.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Levothyroxine poisoning in children presents unique management challenges.
- Understanding clinical features and treatment is crucial for pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate clinical features, laboratory findings, and treatment strategies for pediatric levothyroxine poisoning.
- To analyze follow-up outcomes in children with levothyroxine overdose.
Main Methods:
- Multicenter retrospective study of pediatric patients (≤18 years) with acute levothyroxine ingestion (2010-2023).
- Data extraction included clinical presentation, laboratory results, and treatment modalities.
- Thyroid function tests (TFTs) were interpreted using age-specific ranges.
Main Results:
- 45 pediatric patients were analyzed; 80% accidental ingestions, 20% intentional.
- Symptoms occurred in 33.3%, primarily tachycardia; higher levothyroxine doses correlated with symptoms.
- Abnormal TFTs observed in 51.1%; activated charcoal used in 51.1%, gastric lavage in 26.7%.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric levothyroxine poisoning is often asymptomatic or presents with mild to moderate symptoms.
- The prognosis for pediatric levothyroxine ingestion is generally favorable.
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