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Acetaminophen overdose in children and adolescents
1Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Zhonghua Minguo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi [Journal]. Zhonghua Minguo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui
|February 25, 1998
Summary
Acetaminophen overdose can cause liver damage in children, but all patients recovered. Further study is needed to compare hepatic failure rates in Chinese versus Western children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Acetaminophen is a common antipyretic in pediatric practice.
- Acetaminophen overdose is a significant concern in children and adolescents.
Observation:
- A study reviewed 12 Chinese children with acetaminophen overdose from 1982-1997.
- Six children developed liver damage, with three experiencing severe elevations in liver enzymes (AST > 1000 IU/L).
Findings:
- Liver damage manifested as elevated transaminases (ALT>AST), coagulopathy, and thrombocytopenia, but without jaundice.
- No cases of fulminant liver failure were observed, and all affected children recovered fully.
Implications:
- Acetaminophen overdose can lead to considerable childhood morbidity.
- Educating caretakers on correct acetaminophen dosage is crucial.
- Multicenter studies are needed to ascertain if Chinese children have a lower incidence of acetaminophen-induced hepatic failure compared to Western children.