Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation: Drug-Induced Esophageal Injury With an Occult Vascular Ring.

Published November 2, 2012

Drug-induced esophageal injury with an occult vascular ring.

Filed under: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Nov; 16(9): 554-6
Guttman OR, Zachos M

Drug-induced esophageal injury is an under-recognized clinical problem, and is associated with antibiotic use in more than 50% of cases. The current report describes a teenage girl who presented with symptoms of pill-induced esophagitis following doxycycline use. Subsequent investigations identified a previously undiagnosed vascular ring. Although most patients who experience drug-induced esophageal injury have no underlying anatomical or functional disorder of the esophagus, the condition is more common in areas of esophageal narrowing. The present case illustrates the possibility of an occult esophageal obstruction representing a risk factor for pill esophagitis. The etiologies, mechanisms and management of drug-induced esophageal injury are reviewed, and aspects of vascular rings that are relevant to paediatricians are discussed.
HubMed – drug

The proper use of acetaminophen.

Filed under: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Nov; 16(9): 544-7
James L, Sullivan JE, Roberts D

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, paracetamol [APAP])-induced acute liver failure is the most common cause of acute liver failure in adults. In children, APAP accounts for 25% of all cases of acute liver failure. The high mortality rate associated with this preventable condition makes it vital that paediatricians are aware of the potential adverse effects associated with this widely used drug. While APAP is generally considered to be safe when used as directed, its inclusion in multiple over-the-counter medications, as well as in prescription drugs, mandates that physicians promote and educate the general public about the proper use of acetaminophen in children.
HubMed – drug