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http://dx.doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2016.59.12.490

Accidental ingestion of E-cigarette liquid nicotine in a 15-month-old child: an infant mortality case of nicotine intoxication  

Seo, An Deok (Department of Pediactrics, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine)
Kim, Dong Chan (Department of Pediactrics, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine)
Yu, Hee Joon (Department of Pediactrics, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine)
Kang, Min Jae (Department of Pediactrics, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine)
Publication Information
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics / v.59, no.12, 2016 , pp. 490-493 More about this Journal
Abstract
Electronic cigarettes are novel tobacco products that are frequently used these days. The cartridge contains liquid nicotine and accidental poisoning, even with a small oral dose, endangers children. We present here a mortality case of a 15-month-old child who ingested liquid nicotine mistaking it for cold medicine. When the emergency medical technicians arrived, she was found to have pulseless electrical activity. Spontaneous circulation was restored after approximately 40 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The cotinine level in her urine was 1,716 ng/mL. Despite intensive supportive care, severe anoxic brain injury was found on computed tomography and the child ultimately died. This fatality highlights the need for public health efforts to minimize such accidents.
Keywords
Liquid nicotine; E-cigarettes; Intoxication;
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