Related Experiment Videos
Fatal iron intoxication in an infant
S B Morse1, W E Hardwick, W D King
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, USA.
Insights
Pediatric iron poisoning remains a significant cause of death. This case highlights the critical need for healthcare providers to assess for other children in the home to prevent further tragic outcomes from iron ingestion.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Iron poisoning is a leading cause of fatal unintentional pediatric poisonings.
- Despite safety measures, pediatric deaths from iron ingestion remain a concern.
Observation:
- A 13-month-old child died from ingesting prenatal vitamins containing iron.
- The patient's 3-year-old sibling had been previously evaluated for iron ingestion at another hospital.
Findings:
- This case underscores the severity of iron poisoning in young children.
- The sibling's prior ingestion and evaluation highlight a missed opportunity for early intervention.
Implications:
- Physicians must inquire about other children in the household when a child presents with iron ingestion.
- This proactive approach may prevent subsequent tragic outcomes and improve pediatric poisoning prevention strategies.
Abstract:
Iron ingestion continues to be one of the major contributors to pediatric poisoning deaths. In 1995, more than 22,000 children unintentionally received preparations containing iron. Despite child-resistant packaging and education of both the public and medical personnel, the number of deaths has not significantly declined. Our patient, a 13-month-old child, ingested prenatal vitamins and despite aggressive efforts died 13 hours after his initial presentation. The patient's 3-year-old sibling had been evaluated at a local hospital 12 hours earlier for iron ingestion. Although there have been previous reports of death from iron ingestion, this case report is important because of the sibling's presentation and medical evaluation 12 hours before our patient's presentation. This case illustrates the need for physicians to inquire about other children in the home, possibly preventing further tragic outcomes.