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Parental and medical over-administration of acetaminophen causing lethal hepatotoxicity in a 10-year-old
A Nadir1, R McFadden, J Griggs
1Oklahoma Transplantation Institute, Baptist Medical Center of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City 73112.
Insights
Acetaminophen overdose in children can lead to severe liver damage. This case highlights the critical importance of accurate dosing and recognizing signs of acetaminophen toxicity in pediatric influenza patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Influenza B virus infections commonly present with fever in children.
- Acetaminophen is a widely used antipyretic medication for managing fever.
- Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity is a serious adverse effect of overdose.
Abstract:
A 10-year-old girl with acute influenza B virus disease was given repetitive doses of acetaminophen by her mother to reduce the child's fever. When finally seen by trained medical personnel, the child was experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which are classic signs of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. Despite these findings, the child was given additional acetaminophen and experienced lethal hepatotoxicity.