Unintentional paediatric ingestions of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
OBJECTIVE
There is limited information on safety of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists in unintentional paediatric ingestions. This study was conducted with the aim of developing referral guidelines for poison information centres.


METHODS
Calls to the NSW poison information centre from January 2002 to July 2004 regarding paediatric ingestion of ACE inhibitors and AII receptor antagonists were recruited and prospectively followed up. Information collected included: demographics (age, gender, weight), type of exposure (unintentional, therapeutic error), ingested dose and clinical effects. Dose was reported in defined daily doses (DDD) to compare across and within the two drug classes with respect to the normal adult dose.


RESULTS
Nineteen cases of paediatric ingestion of ACE inhibitors and AII receptor antagonists were included. The median age was 2 years (Interquartile range (IQR): 20-33 months) and the median dose ingested was 1 DDD (IQR: 1-2). There were nine ACE inhibitor ingestions and 10 AII receptor antagonist ingestions. One of nine children (11%) observed in hospital developed transient hypotension but required no treatment and recovered without complication. This child ingested an ACE inhibitor and ingested >3 DDD.


CONCLUSIONS
Unintentional paediatric ingestions of ACE inhibitors and AII receptor antagonists resulted in the majority of children remaining asymptomatic. ACE inhibitor ingestions under 2 DDD can be observed at home provided the child is asymptomatic and there is a responsible adult to observe the child. The dose required for observation in AII receptor antagonist ingestions is less clear.
Balit
Corrine R
CR
New South Wales Poison Information Centre, The Children's Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. corrinebalit@aol.com
Gilmore
Simon P
SP
Isbister
Geoffrey K
GK
D057912:Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Blockers; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000506:poisoning*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D011039:Poison Control Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D057912:Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Blockers; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors