[Life-threatening theophylline intoxication: a variant of Munchhausen syndrome by proxy]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Toxicology
• Child Abuse

Background:

• Theophylline is a common medication for respiratory conditions.
• Theophylline toxicity can manifest with various symptoms, including seizures.

Observation:

• A 6-month-old infant presented with persistent seizures, hypokalemia, diarrhea, and tachycardia.
• Symptoms persisted despite medical interventions and improved electroencephalogram (EEG) readings.

Findings:

• The infant's condition was ultimately diagnosed as theophylline poisoning.
• The mother was identified as the source of the non-accidental poisoning.

Implications:

• This case represents a rare instance of non-accidental theophylline poisoning within the context of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
• It underscores the importance of considering non-accidental poisoning in unexplained pediatric illnesses, even in the absence of prior reports.