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Ophthalmic drops causing coma in an infant.

R J Berlin¹, U T Lee, J R Samples

¹Oregon Poison Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, 97207, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics

|March 10, 2001

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

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Brimonidine, an anti-glaucoma medication, caused serious toxic effects in an infant with Peters anomaly. Systemic absorption of topical eye drops can pose significant risks to children.

Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Pediatrics
Clinical Toxicology

Background:

Peters anomaly is a rare congenital disorder affecting the anterior chamber of the eye.
Topical ophthalmic medications are commonly used for various ocular conditions.

Observation:

A 1-month-old infant presented with recurrent episodes of unresponsiveness, hypotension, hypotonia, hypothermia, and bradycardia.
These episodes were linked to the administration of brimonidine, an alpha-adrenergic agonist used to treat glaucoma.

Findings:

Extensive medical evaluation confirmed brimonidine as the causative agent for the infant's severe systemic symptoms.
The case highlights the potential for significant systemic toxicity from topical ophthalmic agents in pediatric patients.

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Implications:

This case underscores the critical need for caution when prescribing topical ophthalmic medications to infants and children.
Healthcare providers should be vigilant for potential systemic absorption and adverse effects, especially in neonates and young children.
Further research into safe dosing and monitoring strategies for pediatric use of ophthalmic agents is warranted.