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To raise clinicians' awareness of chronic (therapeutic) salicylate poisoning as a common cause of admission in paediatric patients presenting to hospital with respiratory distress (a clinical manifestation of metabolic acidosis) and a history of 'over the counter' treatment with salicylate (Aspirin). We present two complex cases and provide a review of the literature on pathogenesis, clinical presentation and management of salicylate poisoning. A complete history of the illness, including questions on drug use, is vital in assessing the cause of metabolic acidosis in children. Due to the limited options available in managing such patients in many developing countries, emphasis should be placed on prevention of poisoning by educating the community and health care providers.

Original publication

DOI

10.4314/eamj.v81i3.9147

Type

Journal article

Journal

East African medical journal

Publication Date

03/2004

Volume

81

Pages

159 - 163

Addresses

Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Coast, P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya.

Keywords

Humans, Fever, Salicylates, Treatment Outcome, Fatal Outcome, Child, Preschool, Male, Nonprescription Drugs, Drug Overdose