Pediatric carbamazepine overdoses.
Thirty pediatric cases of carbamazepine overdoses were reviewed retrospectively for the frequency of toxic effects. Patients were divided into three groups, depending on the type of overdose: acute, acute-on-chronic, and chronic. Effects included lethargy in 93%, ataxia in 50%, nystagmus in 13%, and minor arrhythmias in 10%. Major effects included seizures in 20%, coma in 27%, and need for intubation in 20%. Higher serum carbamazepine levels were associated with these major effects in the acute and acute-on-chronic groups but not in the chronic group. Serum levels greater than 35 mg/L (147 mumol/L), were significantly associated with major toxicities.
Bridge
T A
TA
Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098.
Norton
R L
RL
Robertson
W O
WO
D000293:Adolescent; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D002220:Carbamazepine