Current opinion in pediatrics
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Apr 2007
ReviewPhysostigmine: is there a role for this antidote in pediatric poisonings?
Ingestion of anticholinergic medications is common in pediatrics. Toxicity may result in symptoms such as severe agitation requiring physical restraint. Physostigmine, an antidote for anticholinergic poisoning, could be useful in this situation. Many physicians are hesitant to use physostigmine after case series suggested its use in tricyclic antidepressant overdose was associated with asystole. This paper reviews the anticholinergic toxidrome and pathophysiology, recent literature on the efficacy and toxicity of physostigmine, and its dosing, indications, and contraindications. ⋯ In the proper clinical situation such as pure anticholinergic overdose with severe symptoms, physostigmine can be beneficial. The potential for side effects is not insignificant, and the antidote should be used with caution in any patient with unknown ingestions or those with cardiac conduction defects. More research is needed, especially involving children, before we will fully understand the indications and toxicities associated with physostigmine.
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Apr 2007
ReviewSafety and effectiveness of permissive hypercapnia in the preterm infant.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia continues to be an important cause of morbidity in premature infants who require mechanical ventilation. Management strategies have historically focused on normalizing blood gases but new research suggests that a higher PCO2 level may be well tolerated in premature infants. There are physiologic rationale and recent experimental data to support the potential benefits of permissive hypercapnia. ⋯ Permissive hypercapnia appears as a safe and effective management strategy to decrease morbidity from bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants. Although the preliminary results are promising, further research is needed to determine whether this strategy improves pulmonary outcomes without adverse effects.
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Curr. Opin. Pediatr. · Apr 2007
ReviewCarnitine as an antidote for acute valproate toxicity in children.
Valproic acid is a widely used anticonvulsant that has recently been approved for stabilization of manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. As the use of valproic acid increases, the number of both accidental and intentional exposures increases. This is paralleled by more reports of valproic-acid-induced toxicity. The purpose of this article is to review the pathophysiology and toxicology of valproic acid and determine whether the literature supports the use of carnitine as a treatment for acute valproic-acid-induced toxicity. ⋯ Based on this recent literature, it seems reasonable to use carnitine for documented severe valproic acid toxicity, particularly in cases where patients present with coma, rising ammonia level, or valproic acid levels greater than 450 mg/l.
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Pandemic influenza is inevitable, will have significant impact on the population and will challenge healthcare delivery. Planning for an influenza pandemic will improve the ability of healthcare facilities to respond successfully. ⋯ The goal of this review is to provide a framework for healthcare facility pandemic influenza planning.