Iron overdose

Description Iron is a mineral a...

Description

Iron is a mineral and is found in many vitamin supplements particularly prenatal vitamins. Accidental and intentional ingestions can result in significant toxicity and death. This disorder is one of the leading causes of overdose deaths in children. Patients with an iron overdose initially experience gastrointestinal complaints such as vomiting and abdominal pain due to the corrosive effects of the iron.

Symptoms

4 stages of symptoms: Stage 1: Vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stools and abdominal pain, fainting, Stage 2: where symptoms resolve. Stage 3: low blood pressure, confusion, coma, breathing problems, seizures, fainting. Stage 4: liver failure, bleeding, confusion (from low blood sugar). Stage 5: nausea and vomiting (from intestinal obstruction due to scarring).

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Iron levels will be measured. Other blood tests to measure the body's chemistry and acid base status will be performed. An X-ray can demonstrate undigested iron in the intestinal tract.

Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray

Other Specific Tests: Iron levels, Arterial blood gas (ABG)

Specialists:
Medical Toxicology

Treatment

Treatment includes: intravenous fluids for dehydration, supportive care for gastrointestinal bleeding or shock, whole bowel irrigation to remove any undigested iron, and medications (such as deferoxamine or deferasirox) to reduce the iron levels in severe cases.