Does chloramphenicol cause blue baby syndrome?
Gray baby syndrome is a rare, life-threatening condition that can develop in babies and children up to the age of 2. The condition is a potential side effect of the antibiotic chloramphenicol. This medication is used to treat a variety of infections, such as bacterial meningitis.
How does chloramphenicol cause GREY baby syndrome?
It usually starts 2 to 9 days after treatment is started. The syndrome is a result of chloramphenicol impairing myocardial contractility by directly interfering with myocardial tissue respiration and oxidative phosphorylation.
Is chloramphenicol safe for infants?
Chloramphenicol eye drops can be safely administered to children aged 0 to 2 years where antibiotic eye drop treatment is indicated.
Which drug can causes gray baby syndrome?
Gray baby syndrome is an adverse reaction to chloramphenicol that is characterized by abdominal distention, hemodynamic collapse, and ashen-gray skin discoloration in neonates.
Which antibiotic is responsible for gray baby syndrome?
Gray baby syndrome is a condition in which an infant experiences a life-threatening reaction to the antibiotic Chloramphenicol. It is more prevalent in premature infants since an adverse reaction is directly related to the liver’s ability to break down and process the medication.
Why is chloramphenicol contraindicated in neonates?
Chloramphenicol accumulates in the baby, causing hypotension (low blood pressure), cyanosis (blue coloring of lips, nail beds, and skin from lack of oxygen in the blood), and often death. Chloramphenicol is therefore usually not given to newborns or premature babies.
Why are new born babies especially sensitive to the toxic effects of chloramphenicol?
Newborns and young infants are particularly susceptible to a form of cardiovascular collapse known as “gray baby syndrome.” The syndrome develops as a consequence of the immaturity of the drug-metabolizing enzymes and is reflected in a decreased ability to form chloramphenicol glucuronides.
Why chloramphenicol is contraindicated in pregnancy?
Oral chloramphenicol crosses the placenta. While there are no literature reports linking the use of this drug in pregnancy to birth defects, use late in pregnancy has been associated with adverse effects in the neonate (i.e., grey baby syndrome).
How does Chloramphenicol work?
Chloramphenicol is used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.
Why is Chloramphenicol contraindicated in children?
It has been brought to our attention that the SPC for Chloramphenicol eye drops has been updated and now includes a contra-indication for use in children under 2 years. This medicinal product must not be given to a child less than 2 years old as it contains boron and may impair fertility in the future.
When do you need to avoid blue baby syndrome?
Blue baby syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when infants drink formula that has been made with water contaminated by high levels of nitrates. For this reason, it is essential to avoid giving infants water from a well until they turn at least 1 year of age.
Who is the author of blue baby syndrome?
The author of the original paper, Hunter Comly, was a pediatric resident in Iowa City when he described two examples of a previously unrecognized blood condition in infants. Called infantile methemoglobinemia, the affliction had as its main symptom cyanosis, or turning blue (thus the condition was also sometimes called blue baby syndrome).
What are the two types of blue baby syndrome?
Historically, the term “blue baby syndrome” has referred to babies with one of two conditions: 1 Cyanotic heart disease, which is a category of congenital heart defect that results in low levels of oxygen in the blood. 2 Methemoglobinemia, which is a disease defined by high levels of methemoglobin in the blood. Increased levels of… More
Is there a link between blue baby syndrome and drinking water?
The link between blue baby syndrome and nitrates in drinking water is widely accepted, but some studies indicate that other contaminants, or dietary nitrate sources, may also play a role in the syndrome.