title: Gastrointestinal decontamination in the emergency department.
abstract: Pediatric poisoning is a problem commonly encountered in the emergency department. After stabilization of airway, breathing, and circulation, one of the goals of treatment is decontamination in order to limit poison absorption and the resulting systemic toxicity. Decontamination modalities include gastric emptying (ipecac and gastric lavage), inhibiting absorption (activated charcoal), and catharsis (sorbital, magnesium citrate, and whole bowel irrigation). Each modality is discussed. Choice of modality by the practitioner must be individualized to each patient's situation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, USA.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Walton
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Wilhelm
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D004639:Emetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D004639:Emetics; D002606:Charcoal