The podcast discusses iron toxicity, its presentation, diagnosis, and management, particularly in children who accidentally ingest iron supplements. It covers the mechanism, symptoms, and diagnosis of iron toxicity, as well as the management and treatment options. The hosts also talk about the use of Deferoxamine for iron toxicity and mention an upcoming trip.
Iron toxicity is a result of excessive free elemental iron causing free radical production and widespread cellular damage, presenting with symptoms such as tachypnea, metabolic acidosis, abdominal tenderness, and lethargy.
Diagnosis of iron poisoning involves comprehensive history and physical examination, checking for home supplements, while treatment includes aggressive volume resuscitation, serial EKGs, and considering iron chelation therapy.
Deep dives
Presentation of Iron Toxicity in a 16-Year-Old Male
A 16-year-old male presents to the ED with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. On examination, he appears muscular, carrying a plastic gallon with him for hydration and drinking a whey protein shake. He reveals that he consumed two bottles of iron supplements called 'iron builder' as part of his preparation for a weightlifting competition. The most common cause of death in this condition is hypovolemic shock.
Mechanism and Presentation of Iron Toxicity
Iron toxicity is a result of excessive free elemental iron causing free radical production and widespread cellular damage. Symptoms typically appear less than six hours after ingestion and progress in five clinical stages. Physical exam findings include tachypnea, metabolic acidosis, tachycardia, abdominal tenderness, and lethargy. The most frequent cause of death is hypovolemic shock, followed by acute liver failure.
Diagnosis and Management of Iron Toxicity
Making a diagnosis of iron poisoning involves taking a comprehensive history and physical examination, including checking for the presence of multivitamins and supplements within the home. Serum iron levels are crucial for diagnosis and guide management, reaching their peak 4-6 hours after ingestion. Treatment involves ABC management, aggressive volume resuscitation, serial EKGs, and considering iron chelation therapy using Deferoxamine for severe symptoms or serum iron levels above 500. Activated charcoal is contraindicated, while gastric lavage is only indicated if tablets are visualized on an x-ray.
Do you even life bro? Clearly not. Iron supplements are all the rage (jk, they are awful to take). Unfortunately they are often accidentally ingested by children as they are brightly colored and sugar-coated. Let’s talk iron toxicity, its presentation, diagnosis, and management.
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Cite this podcast as: Briggs, Blake; Husain, Iltifat. Episode 170. Do you even lift bro? March 19th, 2023. https://www.emboardbombs.com/podcasts/170-iron-toxicity-do-you-even-lift-bro. Accessed [date]
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