Tardive dyskinesia associated with use of metoclopramide in a child

P E Putnam1, S R Orenstein, H B Wessel

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|December 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder, can occur in children treated with metoclopramide. This case highlights the risk of this condition in pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a recognized adverse effect of metoclopramide, typically associated with elderly populations.
  • Metoclopramide is frequently prescribed for gastrointestinal motility disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Observation:

  • This report details an 8-year-old male patient who developed TD.
  • The patient was undergoing treatment with metoclopramide for diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux and erosive esophagitis.

Findings:

  • The pediatric patient exhibited symptoms consistent with tardive dyskinesia following metoclopramide administration.
  • This case underscores that TD can manifest in younger individuals, challenging the perception of it being exclusively an elderly-onset disorder.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider the potential for metoclopramide-induced TD in pediatric patients, even those with short-term exposure.
  • Awareness of this risk is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of movement disorders in children.
  • Further research may be warranted to explore the incidence and risk factors for TD in pediatric populations receiving metoclopramide.

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