Iron poisoning in children

Curr Opin Pediatr. 1994 Jun;6(3):289-94. doi: 10.1097/00008480-199406000-00010.

Abstract

Iron overdose is the most common cause of poisoning death in children. Accidental ingestion is common because iron-containing compounds are readily available, brightly colored, often sugar coated, and frequently considered "harmless vitamins" by parents. The management of iron intoxication is controversial. This article describes the clinical presentation of iron overdose and addresses some of the most recent controversies in management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aftercare
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Deferoxamine / therapeutic use
  • Emergencies
  • Gastric Lavage
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Ipecac / therapeutic use
  • Iron / poisoning*
  • Poisoning / diagnosis
  • Poisoning / mortality
  • Poisoning / therapy

Substances

  • Ipecac
  • Iron
  • Deferoxamine