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Accidental children poisoning with methadone: an Iranian pediatric sectional study

Sayena Jabbehdari1, Fariba Farnaghi2, Seyed Fakhreddin Shariatmadari1

  • 1Pediatric Neurology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Iranian Journal of Child Neurology
|March 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Methadone poisoning in children is a significant concern in Iran. Prolonged naloxone treatment is recommended due to potential symptom recurrence and complications like apnea and pneumonia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Clinical Toxicology

Background:

  • Methadone poisoning is a common issue among children in Iran.
  • Recent years have seen a changing pattern and increase in methadone toxicity cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of methadone poisoning in children under 12.
  • To identify key findings and inform treatment strategies for pediatric methadone toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive-sectional study was conducted on children under 12 admitted with methadone poisoning.
  • Clinical symptoms, paraclinical findings, and treatment interventions were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Drowsiness, miotic pupils, vomiting, rapid shallow breathing, and apnea were common clinical findings.
  • Respiratory acidosis, leukocytosis, and QT interval prolongation were observed in paraclinical tests.
  • Apnea was associated with longer treatment duration and increased risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusions:

  • Extended treatment with naloxone is suggested for pediatric methadone poisoning.
  • The possibility of symptom recurrence after methadone discontinuation should be considered.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenMethadoneOpiumPoisoning

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