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Abstract
Acute overdose with β-sympathomimetics results in transient elevation of blood glucose
levels. Hypoglycemia has previously been reported in new-borns of mothers following
prolonged use of sympathomimetics used as tocolytic therapy. The authors report the
first case of symptomatic hypoglycemia in a child, occurring 16 hours after acute
albuterol overdose. Hypoglycemia may occur as a complication of acute β-sympathomimetic
overdose, probably as a reaction to acute elevation of blood sugar and resultant hyperinsulinemia.
The authors suggest that in children with a large overdose of β-sympathomimetics,
blood glucose levels should be monitored for several hours. In those with marked hyperglycemia,
monitoring should be extended until normalization of blood glucose levels.
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
May 20,
1992
Received:
February 5,
1992
Identification
Copyright
© 1992 Published by Elsevier Inc.
