Christopher Thomas1, Lindsay Svehla, Brady S Moffett. 1. Texas Children's Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, 6621 Fannin Street, MC 2-2510, Houston, TX 77030, USA. bsmoffet@texaschildrenshospital.org
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is often used as a continuous infusion intravenous vasodilator in pediatric patients. However, cyanide toxicity can occur with SNP therapy. Scant literature is available determining the safety of SNP therapy, the incidence of cyanide toxicity or the risk factors for cyanide toxicity in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature concerning the safety of intravenous SNP with regard to cyanide toxicity in the pediatric patient population. METHODS: A MedLine search was used to identify articles pertaining to SNP therapy and cyanide toxicity in pediatric patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium nitroprusside seems to be safe when used in critically ill pediatric patients. Cyanide toxicity may occur in patients with specific risk factors. Routine monitoring of cyanide levels may not be warranted.
BACKGROUND:Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is often used as a continuous infusion intravenous vasodilator in pediatric patients. However, cyanidetoxicity can occur with SNP therapy. Scant literature is available determining the safety of SNP therapy, the incidence of cyanidetoxicity or the risk factors for cyanidetoxicity in pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature concerning the safety of intravenous SNP with regard to cyanidetoxicity in the pediatric patient population. METHODS: A MedLine search was used to identify articles pertaining to SNP therapy and cyanidetoxicity in pediatric patients. CONCLUSIONS:Sodium nitroprusside seems to be safe when used in critically ill pediatric patients. Cyanidetoxicity may occur in patients with specific risk factors. Routine monitoring of cyanide levels may not be warranted.
Authors: Daniel G Hottinger; David S Beebe; Thomas Kozhimannil; Richard C Prielipp; Kumar G Belani Journal: J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol Date: 2014-10