Pediatric poisoning management: How clinical practice can benefit from forensic approach.
J Forensic Sci
; 69(4): 1501-1507, 2024 Jul.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38558455
ABSTRACT
Pediatric population represents the most vulnerable and at risk for unintentional poisoning, with children younger than 6 years old accounting for nearly half of poison exposures. Poisoning is a time-dependent emergency. The need to reach a scientific agreement on diagnostic protocol and treatment seems to be crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality. Starting from a buprenorphine pediatric intoxication case, this article highlights the limits and pitfalls of the traditional diagnostic approach. Diagnosis of drug intoxication was achieved after several days when an in-depth diagnostic investigation became necessary and complete forensic toxicological analyses were performed. Results evidenced an alarming lack of an unequivocal diagnostic protocol in case of suspect intoxication in structures not provided with a forensic toxicological service/unit. Collection of biological specimens according to forensic protocols at hospitalization plays a paramount role in the definitive diagnosis of intoxication. A diagnostic algorithm that focuses on medical history and biological specimen collection timing is herein proposed, in order to unify emergency approaches to the suspected poisoned child.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Contexto en salud:
2_ODS3
Problema de salud:
2_muertes_prevenibles
Asunto principal:
Intoxicación
/
Buprenorfina
/
Toxicología Forense
Límite:
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Forensic Sci
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia