Characteristics of Fatal Poisonings Among Infants and Young Children in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fatal poisoning is a preventable cause of death among young children. Understanding factors surrounding these deaths will inform future prevention efforts. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of fatal pediatric poisonings using child death review data. METHODS: We acquired data from 40 states participating in the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System on deaths attributed to poisonings among children aged ≤5 years from 2005 to 2018. We analyzed select demographic, supervisor, death investigation, and substance-related variables using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: During the study period, 731 poisoning-related fatalities were reported by child death reviews to the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System. Over two-fifths (42.1%, 308 of 731) occurred among infants aged <1 year, and most fatalities (65.1%, 444 of 682) occurred in the child's home. One-sixth of children (97 of 581) had an open child protective services case at time of death. Nearly one-third (32.2%, 203 of 631) of children were supervised by an individual other than the biological parent. Opioids (47.3%, 346 of 731) were the most common substance contributing to death, followed by over-the-counter pain, cold, and allergy medications (14.8%, 108 of 731). Opioids accounted for 24.1% (7 of 29) of the substances contributing to deaths in 2005 compared with 52.2% (24 of 46) in 2018. CONCLUSIONS: Opioids were the most common substances contributing to fatal poisonings among young children. Over-the-counter medications continue to account for pediatric fatalities even after regulatory changes. These data highlight the importance of tailored prevention measures to further reduce fatal child poisonings.

Talking trash: Perspectives on community environmental health in the Dominican Republic.

A safe and healthy natural and built environment is fundamental to children's health and represents a significant determinant of community well-being. We aimed to identify and prioritize environmental health concerns within resource-poor neighborhoods in the Dominican Republic using free-listing and semi-structured focus groups composed of parents and caregivers in the perirural community of Consuelo, Dominican Republic. Transcripts were coded and relevant themes identified using qualitative content analysis. Demographic data and information regarding trash disposal practices were also collected. Participants described common health concerns, including respiratory infections, asthma, vector-borne illnesses, and diarrheal diseases and linked them to environmental hazards in their communities, such as air quality and sanitation. Interventional priorities that emerged included reduction of trash accumulation and trash burning as well as improvement of sanitation facilities.

Beverage ethanol exposures among infants reported to United States poison control centers.

BACKGROUND: Case studies and small series have demonstrated that beverage ethanol may pose a serious poisoning hazard to infants. Intoxicated infants may not present with the classic signs or symptoms of ethanol poisoning. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of beverage ethanol exposures among infants reported to the United States poison control centers. METHODS: Data from the National Poison Data System were retrospectively analyzed for infants <12 months of age who were exposed to beverage ethanol from 2009-2018. RESULTS: Over the 10-year study period, 1,818 infant exposures to beverage ethanol were reported. Most exposures were single substance (95.2%), and the most common route of exposure was ingestion (n = 1,738). Infants 9-11 months were the most commonly exposed age group subset (45.3%). The annual number and rate of alcoholic beverage exposure increased by 37.5% and 42.9%, respectively, from 2009 to 2018. Of the 563 infants evaluated at a healthcare facility, 38% of exposures were hospitalized. Infants 0-5 months of age had higher odds of being admitted to a non-critical (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.41-3.92) or critical care unit (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.50-3.79) compared to infants 6-11 months of age. Infants 0-5 months of age were more likely to (OR: 4.65; 95% CI: 3.18-6.79) experience a serious outcome compared to infants ages 6-11 months. Five fatalities in infants <6 months old were documented. An in-depth case review identified improper storage and subsequent formula preparation with beverage ethanol as a common exposure mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Beverage ethanol exposures among infants are associated with hospitalization, serious clinical effects, and mortality. Infants may present with atypical signs and symptoms of intoxication, requiring a high index of suspicion. Opportunities exist to reduce exposures by addressing improper storage of beverage alcohols.

Methamphetamine-associated pulseless electrical activity in a young child.

This is a case report of a 19-month-old female who presented to the emergency department in cardiac arrest after methamphetamine exposure. Prior to presentation, she had seizure-like activity and then became unresponsive. On arrival, she had dilated pupils, intermittent clonus, and pulseless electrical activity. She was found to have full thickness circumferential burns of her bilateral lower extremities. She received 12 doses of epinephrine, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and volume resuscitation after which she had return of spontaneous circulation and was transferred to the intensive care unit on an epinephrine drip. Initial laboratory studies showed a mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis and hyperglycemia. An initial urine immunoassay for drugs of abuse was negative, however, 5 h later, a second urine immunoassay was positive for amphetamine. The first specimen was also sent for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis that later returned positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine. In retrospect, the initial urine screen was found to have evidence of amphetamine below the threshold for positivity (500 ng/mL), and the second urine specimen was highly positive, with an amphetamine level of >1450 ng/mL. In this case, what turned out to be a sub-threshold rather than undetectable level was clinically significant, highlighting the challenges of urine screening in cases of suspected poisoning syndromes with atypical presentations. Our case also suggests the possibility of PEA as a presentation of methamphetamine toxicity in a child.

Exotic Snakebites Reported to Pennsylvania Poison Control Centers: Lessons Learned on the Demographics, Clinical Effects, and Treatment of These Cases.

Exotic snakebites (i.e. from non-native species) are a rare occurrence, but they present a unique challenge to clinicians treating these patients. Poison control centers are often contacted to assist in the management and care of these medical emergencies. In this study, we analyzed case records of the two Pennsylvania poison control centers from 2004 to 2018 to describe clinical features reported as a result of exotic snakebite envenomation. For the 15-year period reviewed, 18 exotic snakebites were reported with effects ranging from mild local tissue injury to patients who were treated with mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure. The mean age of the patients was 35 years and males accounted for 83% of the cases. Antivenom, the only specific treatment, was administered in seven of 18 patients within an average of four h of envenomation. The procurement of antivenom against these exotic species may require substantial logistical efforts due to limited stocking of this rarely used treatment. Newer, targeted, small molecule treatments that are being currently investigated may aid in the treatment of snakebites in general. However, people should be cautious when handling these exotic species, and clinicians should be aware of these bites and relevant clinical effects in order to manage these when reported.

Ethanol Intoxication of Young Children.

Ethanol intoxication of infants and young children can be a challenging diagnosis in the pediatric emergency department, and features of the poisoning may differ in comparison with adolescents. The sources of ethanol exposures in this age are varied and include unintentional, malicious, and iatrogenic etiologies. Young children exposed to ethanol often present with mixed clinical signs and symptoms that may not fit the traditional ethanol or sedative-hypnotic toxidrome. Pediatric ethanol intoxications are often managed supportively, and recovery is usually rapid. The purpose of this review is to describe the sources of ethanol poisoning among children 6 years and younger, highlight presenting symptoms and pharmacokinetic considerations unique to this age group, and review management strategies. In addition, published cases of ethanol poisoning due to ingestion among young infants are compiled for presentation.

Methemoglobinemia in an Infant After Sclerotherapy With High-Dose Doxycycline.

Methemoglobinemia occurs when the heme moiety of hemoglobin (Hb) is oxidized from the ferrous to ferric state, leading to impairments in oxygen transport and delivery. Methemoglobinemia is rare in pediatric patients but has been described in the setting of congenital abnormalities in the Hb structure, inherited enzyme deficiencies, oxidative Hb injury in response to illness, and oxidative Hb injury due to toxicants. We present a 1-week-old infant born with a cervical lymphangioma who developed persistent desaturations that were unresponsive to oxygen after sclerotherapy with doxycycline. Arterial blood gas revealed a high Pao2 despite low saturations being found on pulse oximetry and a methemoglobin level that was found to be elevated. Further sclerotherapy was discontinued, the saturations eventually normalized, and the methemoglobin level decreased. This is a novel report of sclerotherapy with doxycycline associated with the development of methemoglobinemia.

Trachelas tranquillus envenomation with presumed bacterial superinfection in a child.

A 27-month-old girl with a history of congenital myopathy presented with two indurated, pink plaques involving the right arm and left thigh. Closer examination identified central puncta within these plaques, which reportedly occurred at sites of witnessed arachnid bites. After confirmation of the spider species as Trachelas tranquillus, she was treated to address cutaneous inflammation and suspected superinfection using oral and topical antibiotics as well as topical corticosteroid resulting in prompt resolution of her lesions. Trachelas tranquillus should be considered as a possible source of inflammatory spider bites that can become superinfected.

Adverse events associated with a large dose of intravenous lipid emulsion for suspected local anesthetic toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) has gained favor as a rescue treatment for cardiovascular collapse due to intravenous local anesthetic overdose, however, goals of ILE therapy are still being defined. We describe a case of a girl given 66 mL/kg of 20% lipid emulsion (ILE) in the treatment of presumed mepivacaine toxicity. CASE REPORT: An 11-year-old girl weighing 55.6 kg developed pallor, rolling back of the eyes, and rhythmic muscle twitching after receiving a mandibular nerve block injection with a 1.8 mL ampule of 3% mepivacaine. With concern for persistent seizures she was given three 1 mL/kg boluses of ILE, followed by an infusion of 0.25 mL/kg/min. The total dose ultimately administered was 3670 mL (66 mL/kg) over 7 h. A serum triglyceride concentration, drawn 2 h after cessation of ILE infusion, was estimated to be 16,583 mg/dL (429 mmol/L) after several dilutions; her blood was grossly lipemic. Notable signs included hypersomnolence, tachypnea, and tachycardia. Other complications included apparent metabolic acidosis (serum bicarbonate of 5 mmol/L) with hyperlactatemia (lactate 7.0 mmol/L), difficulty with serum laboratory interpretation, and a non-contrast brain magnetic resonance imaging showing high signal in the dural venous sinuses. The lipemia cleared over three days and the patient recovered uneventfully. Case discussion: This case demonstrates a unique neurologic and metabolic toxicity associated with ILE given as an antidote in a high total dose, and highlights the need for cautious antidotal application of lipid emulsion infusions. Until more data is available, clinicians are advised to take great care if considering a dose in excess of 12.5 mL/kg/day, the maximum daily dosage recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for nutritional supplementation. Careful monitoring of total doses administered across institutions and hospital wards during transfers is paramount to avoid inadvertent overdose of antidotes.

Rising cost of antidotes in the U.S.: cost comparison from 2010 to 2015.

CONTEXT: Our poison control center observed a large increase in the cost of many antidotes over the past several years. The high cost of antidotes has previously been cited as a factor leading to inadequate antidote supply at some hospitals. Continued increases in the cost of antidotes may lead to further reductions in antidote supply and represent serious concerns. This research aims to quantify recent trends in the costs of antidotes in the U.S. METHODS: Antidotes and minimum stocking recommendations were retrieved from published guidelines. RED BOOK Online® was used to identify the U.S. average wholesale price (AWP) of each antidote in 2010 and 2015. The AWP in 2010 was adjusted using the U.S. Consumer Price Index to adjust for inflation. The cost of minimum stocking levels for each antidote was calculated and compared between the year 2010 and 2015. RESULTS: The cost of stocking many antidotes demonstrated a large increase in AWP from 2010 to 2015. Of the antidotes evaluated, 15 out of 33 had greater than 50% increase in AWP and 8 out of 33 had greater than $1000 increase in AWP. Only four antidotes demonstrated decreases in AWP greater than 10% and only one antidote had its cost of stocking decrease in AWP by more than $1000. DISCUSSION: The price increase over the last 5 years may further hinder the willingness of hospitals to stock recommended antidotes at adequate quantities. This may impede timely treatment of patients, and negatively impact poisoning outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The price of many antidotes substantially increased in the United States from 2010 to 2015. Strategies should be investigated to help decrease the cost associated with stocking and use of antidotes, including dose rounding, consignment, and regional sharing.

A Novel Agent for Management of Agitated Delirium: A Case Series of Ketamine Utilization in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

Control of the agitated patient in the emergency department is challenging. Many options exist for chemical sedation, but most have suboptimal pharmacodynamic action, and many have undesirable adverse effects. There are reports of ketamine administration for control of agitation prehospital and in traumatically injured patients. Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist, making it an effective dissociative agent. We present 5 cases of ketamine administration to manage agitated adolescent patients with underlying psychiatric disease and/or drug intoxication. Ketamine, as a dissociative agent, may be an alternative pharmacological consideration for the control of agitation in patients with undifferentiated agitated delirium.

Performance in Trauma Resuscitation at an Urban Tertiary Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: The role of the surveyor in trauma resuscitations is to identify life-threatening injuries and is meant to be conducted by a set protocol for every patient. Optimal performance of the trauma survey is known to be a challenge in pediatric trauma resuscitation. A postulated reason for this observation is that many trainees, such as pediatric residents, who perform the trauma survey have minimal experience and do not have formal advanced trauma life support training. The assessment of factors that may be obstacles in performing the trauma survey has not been studied robustly. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to use video review of resuscitation of real-life traumatically injured children to (1) describe the characteristics of the trauma patient, the surveyor, and the trauma response team in its current state of function at a tertiary level I trauma center, (2) describe current performance of primary and secondary surveys, as measured by an assessment tool, and (3) determine whether there are specific characteristics associated with reduced quality, completeness, or timeliness of the assessment of an injured child. METHODS: Retrospective review of emergency department (ED) trauma activations captured by video recording between June 2009 and January 2012. Video-recorded resuscitations were reviewed, and survey performance was scored using a novel assessment tool applying a scoring system (0, 1, or 2 points) for each essential element (airway, breathing, circulation, etc.) accounting for quality, sequence, and timing of assessments. Maximum score was 8 points for the primary survey and 22 points for the secondary survey. Time to completion of survey elements was recorded. Chart review identified surveyor characteristics (level of training and type of training program) and patient data fields (age, mechanism of injury, trauma level, Glasgow Coma Score, time of encounter, disposition, and number of procedures). Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were performed. RESULTS: Of 749 eligible trauma activations, 228 activations were enrolled in the study with complete data for 202 patients. Most activations met level II criteria and involved blunt trauma. Most patients had a Glasgow Coma Score of 15 and were non-ICU inpatient admissions. PGY-3 residents performed the most surveys (53% of surveys done by residents). Pediatric residents performed 46% of surveys; emergency medicine (EM) residents, 41%; and pediatric EM fellows, 6%. Median scores on primary and secondary surveys were 7 and 12, respectively; median time to completion was 82 seconds and 265 seconds, respectively. Only 22% of primary surveys and 0% of secondary surveys were performed completely. Pediatric EM fellows had the highest mean score on primary and secondary survey. Pediatric EM fellows took longest to perform primary survey and shortest to complete secondary survey. Mean scores on primary and secondary survey were not significantly different between pediatric and EM residents (6.7 vs 6.7; 12.5 vs 11.6). There was no association between survey scores and level or type of training. Emergency medicine residents spent less time on the trauma survey, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Primary and secondary surveys are frequently performed incompletely and inefficiently regardless of level of training or type of training program. There is no difference in measured performance among different types of residency programs. The impact of trauma resuscitation education on improved survey performance should be studied prospectively.

Photokeratitis Linked to Metal Halide Bulbs in Two Gymnasiums - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2011 and 2013.

In December 2011 and December 2013, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) received separate reports of clusters of photokeratitis linked to gymnasium events. Photokeratitis, a painful eye condition resulting from unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation, has previously been linked to metal halide lamps with broken outer envelopes (1,2). To investigate the cause of these clusters and further characterize patients with photokeratitis, PDPH administered questionnaires to potentially exposed persons, established a case definition, and conducted environmental assessments of both gymnasiums. Because event attendee registration information was available, a cohort study was conducted to evaluate the 2011 cluster of 242 persons who met the photokeratitis case definition. A case-series investigation was conducted to evaluate the 2013 cluster of 20 persons who met the photokeratitis case definition for that event. These investigations indicated that Type R metal halide bulbs with broken outer envelopes found in both gymnasiums were the probable cause of the photokeratitis. The Food and Drug Administration has made a number of recommendations regarding the use of metal halide bulbs in facilities where bulbs are at elevated risk for breaking, such as schools and indoor sports facilities (3). Because Type R metal halide lamps do not self-extinguish once the outer envelope is broken, these bulbs should be removed from settings with a high risk for outer envelope rupture, such as gymnasiums, or should be placed within enclosed fixtures. In instances where these bulbs cannot be exchanged for self-extinguishing lamps, Type R lamps with a broken outer envelope should be replaced immediately to limit exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A broken outer envelope can be detected by the presence of glass on the floor, or visual examination of the bulb when the power is turned off. A broken outer envelope is difficult to detect when the lamp is emitting light.