Is chronic poisoning with acetaminophen in children a frequent occurrence in Toronto?

Background: Acetaminophen is a common cause of poisoning in children. Recent American studies suggest that acetaminophen poisonings pose serious risks in children, particularly in the case of chronic poisoning caused by therapeutic error.

Objective: To evaluate whether chronic acetaminophen poisoning in children is a frequent occurrence in a large, Canadian, urban population.

Seroconversion of hepatitis B during chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma.

We report a patient with chronic hepatitis B infection who developed lymphoma and was treated with concomitant cytotoxic and antiviral therapy. In contrast to the expected life threatening fulminant hepatitis that is often reported in this clinical setting, in our patient normalization of liver function tests with temporary loss of viral replication markers were seen. The implications of this rare clinical and serological course are discussed.

Pregnancy outcome after gestational exposure to terfenadine: A multicenter, prospective controlled study.

Background: Terfenadine is a selective, nonsedative, H(1)-blocker antihistamine used for a variety of allergic conditions. The widespread popularity of terfenadine and its use by many women in their reproductive age raises concerns regarding its safety during pregnancy. Presently, no prospective controlled study has addressed its safety during gestation.

Contamination of antibiotics resulting in severe pediatric methadone poisoning.

Objective: To report an accidental contamination of antibiotic suspension by methadone that occurred in a retail Canadian pharmacy, leading to severe poisoning in a young child.

Case Summary: A 4 1/2-year-old healthy Asian boy was prescribed amoxicillin suspension for cough and fever. Shortly after receiving the second dose of 5 mL he became drowsy and less responsive.