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Seizures associated with poisoning in children: tricyclic antidepressant intoxication

Agop Citak1, Demet Demirkol Soysal, Raif Uçsel

  • 1Department of Pediatric Emergency, Institute of Child Health, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. citak@istanbul.edu.tr

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|December 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Seizures from poisoning, particularly tricyclic antidepressant overdose, can lead to serious complications like status epilepticus and cardiac issues. Consider intoxication in afebrile seizures, even without a reported history of drug intake.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Toxicology
  • Neurology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Poisoning is a significant cause of seizures, especially in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding seizure characteristics in poisoning cases is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific characteristics of seizures resulting from poisoning.
  • To identify common causes, frequencies, and complications associated with poisoning-induced seizures.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of hospital admissions over a 4-year period.
  • Evaluation of patient data for seizures linked to poisoning, focusing on etiology, incidence, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Seizures occurred in 1.6% of 1561 poisoning admissions.
  • Tricyclic antidepressant overdose was the primary cause (42%), followed by generalized tonic-clonic seizures (92%).
  • Complications included status epilepticus (23%), need for mechanical ventilation (46%), cardiac issues (42%), and two fatalities.

Conclusions:

  • Intoxication is a key differential diagnosis for afebrile seizures, even without a known history of substance abuse.
  • Poisoning-induced seizures can precipitate severe clinical conditions requiring intensive care.
  • Prompt recognition and consideration of toxicological causes are vital for managing seizures in emergency settings.
Abstract

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