Charcoal, potash, children's clinic. Evidence-based therapy of frequent intoxications in children and adolescents

Abstract

In an overview the three basic principles of clinical toxicology (three column model) are elucidated: the primary detoxification (i.e. gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal), the secondary detoxification (e.g. hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, delayed and multi-dose administration of activated charcoal), and the administration of specific antidotes. In four sections (i.e. cigarettes/illegal drugs, household chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plants) intoxications particularly important in children and adolescents are described. From the poison centre's point of view, the issues discussed are either frequent causes of poisonings or pose diagnostic or therapeutic challenges.