Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Salinity-dependent Toxicity Assay of Silver Nanocolloids Using Medaka Eggs
06:29

Salinity-dependent Toxicity Assay of Silver Nanocolloids Using Medaka Eggs

Published on: March 18, 2016

Salt poisoning: presenting symptom of child abuse

K Feldman, W O Robertson

    Veterinary and Human Toxicology
    |October 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Severe hypernatremia in children can result from excess salt and water deprivation, indicative of child abuse. Clinicians should consider this diagnosis in similar pediatric cases.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Medicine
    • Toxicology
    • Child Abuse Pediatrics

    Background:

    • Severe hypernatremia is a critical electrolyte disturbance in pediatrics.
    • Identifying the etiology of hypernatremia is crucial for timely intervention.

    Observation:

    • Two cases of severe hypernatremia in young children are presented.
    • Clinical presentation suggests intentional salt administration and possible water deprivation.

    Findings:

    • Excessive salt intake combined with insufficient water intake can lead to severe hypernatremia.
    • Child abuse is the suspected cause in these pediatric cases.

    Implications:

    • Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for non-accidental salt poisoning in children with severe hypernatremia.
    • Early recognition and intervention are vital to prevent severe morbidity and mortality associated with hypernatremia due to abuse.

    More Related Videos

    Psychophysical Tracking Method to Assess Taste Detection Thresholds in Children, Adolescents, and Adults: The Taste Detection Threshold (TDT) Test08:52

    Psychophysical Tracking Method to Assess Taste Detection Thresholds in Children, Adolescents, and Adults: The Taste Detection Threshold (TDT) Test

    Published on: April 21, 2021

    Neurotoxicity Assessment in Adult Danio rerio using a Battery of Behavioral Tests in a Single Tank08:36

    Neurotoxicity Assessment in Adult Danio rerio using a Battery of Behavioral Tests in a Single Tank

    Published on: November 3, 2023

    Related Concept Videos

    Antidotes01:17

    Antidotes

    Antidotes are medicinal substances used to counteract the harmful effects of toxins or drugs in the body. They function in various ways, each uniquely designed to combat specific toxic compounds.
    Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
    An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
    Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

    Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

    In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
    Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

    Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

    Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
    Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
    Toxidromes: Clinical Features01:30

    Toxidromes: Clinical Features

    Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
    Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios01:26

    Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

    Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
    Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

    Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

    Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...