Different clinical features of amitraz poisoning in children

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M Emre Atabek1, K Aydin, I Erkul

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey. eatabek@selcuk.edu.tr

Human & Experimental Toxicology
|June 6, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Amitraz poisoning in children can cause central nervous system depression and other signs within 72 hours. Severe cases may require resuscitation, with some showing reversible mydriasis and elevated liver function tests.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Clinical Toxicology

Background:

  • Amitraz is an acaricide and insecticide used in veterinary medicine.
  • Information on amitraz poisoning in children, especially via dermal exposure, is limited.
  • Classical signs of alpha2-adrenergic stimulation are not well-documented in human pediatric cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical experience of amitraz poisoning in pediatric patients.
  • To present and compare clinical and laboratory features of amitraz poisoning in children.
  • To highlight the manifestations and outcomes of severe amitraz poisoning in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series of 14 children with amitraz poisoning.
  • Clinical and laboratory features were documented and analyzed.
  • Data were compared with findings from previous studies.

Main Results:

  • Clinical manifestations appeared within 30-150 minutes via oral and dermal routes.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) depression was the most significant sign, resolving within 6-24 hours.
  • Three severe cases experienced reversible mydriasis, required resuscitation due to cardiopulmonary arrest from respiratory depression, had elevated hepatic function tests, and two developed aspiration pneumonitis.

Conclusions:

  • Dermal amitraz poisoning presents with milder symptoms compared to oral exposure, with no topical signs.
  • Classical alpha2-adrenergic stimulation signs like bradycardia and mydriasis were observed in severe pediatric cases, contrasting with prior reports.
  • Amitraz poisoning in children can lead to severe outcomes, including respiratory depression and cardiopulmonary arrest, necessitating prompt medical intervention.
Abstract

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