Multicenter Case Series of Pediatric Metformin Ingestion

OBJECTIVE:There are no large studies, case series, or case reports of metformin ingestion in children. This study summarizes the clinical course and outcomes of metformin ingestion in children reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers– Certified regional poison centers.METHODS:This was a case series of all metformin ingestions in patients <18 years of age reported to eight regional poison centers. Data collection included age, gender, dose ingested, co-ingestants, symptoms, vital signs, laboratory values, length of hospital stay, and medical outcome. Entrance into the study required at least 24 hours of follow-up.RESULTS:Fifty-five cases were collected. Ages ranged from 15 months to 17 years, with a mean (±SD) of 4.2 ± 4.4 years. The dose ingested, by history, ranged from 250 mg to 16.5 g, with a mean and median of 1710 ± 3391 and 500 mg, respectively. Forty-one children (76%) ingested a maximum of two tablets (=1700 mg). In the children younger than six years, dosage ranged from 9 to...