General Measures in the Emergency Department for Pediatric Patients Poisoned

Introduction: Exposure to toxic substances is common in pediatrics. In Colombia in between the 2006 and 2008 there were 40 061 cases of poisoning, of which 19 723 were in younger than 14 years old. In 2009 there were a total of 187 deaths which corresponds to a mortality rate of 0.6 cases per 100 000 inhabitants, and a fatality rate of 9.48 per 100 000 cases of poisoned patients. Objective: Evaluate in the literature the role of general measures for treatment in pediatric patients intoxicated and determine which are the measures that have proven safe and effective. Method: Selection articles (in English and Spanish, from Medline, PubMed, Academic Search Complete, Science Direct, and SciELO) and data extraction (focused on the implementation of general measures in the management of poisoned patients in the emergency department). Conclusions: Knowledge of the mechanism of action of different techniques to decrease absorption or enhance elimination of toxic substances, the indications and contraindications for use are important to provide adequate and effective treatment in the emergency department.