Abstract

CROCHE SANTANDER, Borja; ALONSO SALAS, María Teresa  and  LOSCERTALES ABRIL, Mercedes. Accidental cannabis poisoning in children: report of four cases in a tertiary care center from southern Spain. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2011, vol.109, n.1, pp.4-7. ISSN 0325-0075.

Introduction. Cannabis is the most frequently consumed illicit substance in Spain. Pediatric accidental cannabis poisoning is an uncommon but life-threatening intoxication. Objective. To describe clinical findings, diagnosis and management of children with accidental cannabis poisoning in a tertiary care pediatric hospital. We report four patients with accidental cannabis poisoning. Clinical presentation included reduced level of consciousness, drowsiness, ataxia, tremble, apnea, hypotonia, and seizures. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was detected by urine screening for cannabinoids and other toxic substances in all cases. The four patients were treated with supportive care. All cases recovered uneventfully and were discharged within 24 hours of admission. Conclusion. The possibility of cannabis poisoning should be considered in cases of unexplained acute onset of neurological findings in previously healthy children.

Keywords : Accidental intoxication; Cannabis; Coma; Drowsiness; Seizures; Tetrahidrocannabinol.

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