In a pediatric patient, what are the risk factors for vomiting after administration of activated charcoal?
According to the cited study, vomiting prior to the administration of charcoal (relative risk: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.48–7.85) and administration by nasogastric tube (relative risk: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.13–5.09) increased risk of vomiting after charcoal administration. There is no clear explanation as to why administration by nasogastric tube increases likelihood of vomiting and it is important to ponder the confounders that may contribution to this.
Osterhoudt, Kevin C., et al. “Risk factors for emesis after therapeutic use of activated charcoal in acutely poisoned children.” Pediatrics 113.4 (2004): 806-810.
Posted in Question Of The Day