Citation

Davis CO, Wax PM. Pediatr. Emerg. Care 1999; 15(2): 116-118.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester, New York 14462, USA. colleen_davis@urmc.rochester.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10220083

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Epinephrine overdoses in children have been associated with supraventricular tachycardia. Myocardial ischemia subsequent to epinephrine overdose has not been reported in pediatric patients. CASE REPORT: We report a case of ventricular dysrhythmias and myocardial ischemia in a 5-year-old boy who received 10 times the recommended dose of subcutaneous epinephrine. Prehospital providers administered the epinephrine, believing it was part of a "high-dose" epinephrine protocol. DISCUSSION: There is no role for high-dose epinephrine in the treatment of allergic reactions or asthma. Careful epinephrine dosing, using mg/kg and verifying the volume, dilution, and route of administration is essential to prevent epinephrine toxicity.

Language: en