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Non-accidental paracetamol poisoning in an eleven month-old child
Insights
Deliberate poisoning in infants is rare but possible. This case report shows successful treatment of a large infant paracetamol overdose, highlighting the need for careful consideration of non-accidental ingestion.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Child Abuse and Neglect
Background:
- Accidental poisoning is a frequent cause of pediatric hospital admissions.
- Deliberate poisoning in infants, as part of non-accidental injury, is infrequently considered.
- Management protocols for large infant overdoses are not well-established.
Observation:
- A case of a significant paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose in an infant is presented.
- This overdose was managed using current treatment protocols.
Findings:
- The infant's treatment regimen was successful.
- This case demonstrates the applicability of existing overdose management strategies to infants.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should consider non-accidental poisoning in infant overdose cases.
- Successful management of large infant overdoses is achievable with current protocols.
- Further investigation into deliberate infant poisoning is warranted.
Abstract:
1 Although accidental poisoning of children with drugs and chemicals is a common precipitant for admission to hospital, the possibility of deliberate poisoning as an extension of 'the battered baby syndrome' is rarely considered. 2 Most children admitted following accidental ingestions require little active management other than induction of emesis. Report of relatively large overdoses in infancy are rare, and protocols for management of such cases largely untried. This case report demonstrates the successful application of a current treatment regimen to an infant who had ingested a substantial quantity of paracetamol.