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Lindane toxicity in a 7 year old boy
Yousaf Daud1, Daud-ur-Rehman, Umer Farooq
1Medical Unit-B, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
|March 30, 2012
Summary
Lindane, a scabies treatment, can cause severe neurotoxicity, including seizures and ataxia, in children. This case highlights the risks associated with lindane (gamma-benzene hexachloride) use.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Lindane (gamma-benzene hexachloride) is a commonly prescribed scabicide in Pakistan.
- It is frequently used by general practitioners and dermatologists for treating scabies.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy developed neurological symptoms after scabies treatment.
- Symptoms included Grand mal seizures, ataxia, weakness, incoordination, and burning paresthesias.
Findings:
- The patient experienced these adverse effects after three applications of lindane.
- Lindane is a known neurotoxin, leading to its recommendation as a second-line scabies treatment by the FDA.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential neurotoxic risks of lindane in pediatric patients.
- It emphasizes the need for careful consideration of lindane's safety profile in scabies treatment.
- Highlights the importance of monitoring for neurological adverse events following lindane application.
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