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[Severe chloralose intoxication in a toddler].
S Federici1, I Claudet, E Laporte-Turpin
1Posu Pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU de Toulouse, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse cedex 09, France.
Summary
Accidental alpha-chloralose rodenticide ingestion in a toddler caused coma and respiratory issues. Prompt intensive care management led to a full recovery within 48 hours, highlighting the importance of early intervention for pediatric poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Rodenticides containing alpha-chloralose pose a poisoning risk, particularly to young children.
- Accidental ingestion can lead to severe neurological and respiratory symptoms.
Observation:
- A 20-month-old boy presented with respiratory insufficiency, altered consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale 9), agitation, areflexia, and unilateral mydriasis after ingesting a rodenticide.
- Electroencephalography revealed slow delta waves and degraded waves/spikes, indicative of neurological dysfunction.
Findings:
- The patient's clinical presentation, including coma, myoclonias, and bronchial hypersecretion, strongly suggested alpha-chloralose intoxication.
- Despite initial severe symptoms, the child fully recovered within 48 hours following intensive care unit management.
Implications:
- Early recognition of clinical signs like coma, myoclonias, and bronchial hypersecretion is crucial for diagnosing alpha-chloralose poisoning.
- Prompt management, including supportive care and decontamination, is essential for favorable outcomes in pediatric cases.
- Severe alpha-chloralose intoxication is rare in toddlers, emphasizing the need for vigilance in accidental pediatric exposures.