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Published on: November 21, 2013
Metoclopramide-induced tardive dyskinesia in an infant
Nicte I Mejia1, Joseph Jankovic
1Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Insights
A 1-year-old girl developed orofacial-lingual stereotypy after metoclopramide treatment, representing the first infant tardive dyskinesia case. The condition persisted for months after discontinuing the medication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux is common in infants.
- Metoclopramide is a medication sometimes used to treat gastroesophageal reflux.
- Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements.
Observation:
- A 2-month-old infant developed orofacial-lingual stereotypy after a 17-day course of metoclopramide.
- The stereotypy was documented via video and persisted for at least 9 months after metoclopramide discontinuation.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of tardive dyskinesia in an infant.
- The findings suggest a potential link between metoclopramide use and the development of tardive dyskinesia in infants.
- A review of previous literature on tardive dyskinesia in children is included.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering potential neurological side effects of medications in infants.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and risk factors for tardive dyskinesia in pediatric populations.
- Clinicians should be vigilant in monitoring for movement disorders in infants exposed to metoclopramide.
Abstract:
We describe a 1-year-old girl who developed orofaciolingual stereotypy at age 2 months after a 17-day treatment with metoclopramide for gastroesophageal reflux. The stereotypy, documented by sequential videos, persisted for at least 9 months after the drug was discontinued. This patient represents the first documented case of tardive dyskinesia in an infant. We also review previous reports of tardive dyskinesia in children.
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