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Iron Poisoning, Pediatric

Jessica L. Perniciaro, MD and Todd P. Chang, MD, MAcM Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Iron poisoning is a common and potentially fatal ingestion.

  • Toxicity depends on the amount of elemental iron ingested, although tolerable and lethal concentrations are not firmly esta...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Witnessed or suspected iron product ingestion

  • Determine the amount of elemental iron ingested and the time of ingestion.

  • Determine formulation (iron salt, vitamin with iron, delayed rel...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Contact local Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for specific recommendations.

  • All intentional iron ingestions should be evaluated at a medical facility, regardless of dos...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Monitor for possible late complications, such as strictures of the GI tract (can occur up to 2 months post ingestion). 

PATIENT EDUCATION

Encourage families to secu...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Chang T, Rangan C. Iron poisoning: a literature-based review of epidemiology, diagnosis, and management. Pediatr Emerg Care.  2011;27(10):978–985. [View Abstract on OvidInsight...

CODES

ICD9

  • 964.0 Poisoning by iron and its compounds

  • 985.8 Toxic effect of other specified metals

ICD10

  • T45.4X1A Poisoning by iron and its compounds, accidental, init

  • T56.891A Toxic effect of other metals,...

FAQ

  • Q: Why isn’t activated charcoal recommended for GI decontamination?

  • A: Because charcoal binds poorly to iron and so is not effective in GI decontamination. There is also the risk of vomiting and as...

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