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Symptoms of Central Anticholinergic Syndrome After Glycopyrrolate Administration in a 5-Year-Old Child
Linea Natalie Toksvang1, Ronni R Plovsing
1From the *Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; †Department of Anaesthesiology, Køge Sygehus, Køge, Denmark; and ‡Department of Intensive Care, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
Central anticholinergic syndrome (CAS) is rarely caused by glycopyrrolate. This case highlights a potential underdiagnosis of this anesthesia-related condition in pediatric intensive care units.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Critical Care
Background:
- Central anticholinergic syndrome (CAS) is typically linked to atropine or scopolamine.
- Glycopyrrolate is an uncommon etiological agent for CAS.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old boy in the ICU developed agitation, apnea, hypertension, tachycardia, and anuria post-glycopyrrolate administration.
- This presentation suggests a rare instance of glycopyrrolate-induced CAS.
Findings:
- Glycopyrrolate can precipitate CAS, manifesting with significant autonomic and neurological symptoms.
- The syndrome's presentation in this pediatric case underscores the need for vigilance.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes that glycopyrrolate, though rare, can cause CAS.
- It suggests potential underdiagnosis of iatrogenic CAS in operating theaters and ICUs.
Abstract:
Anesthesia-related central anticholinergic syndrome (CAS) is most commonly associated with administration of atropine or scopolamine, whereas glycopyrrolate is an extremely rare cause of CAS. Here, we report a case of CAS in a 5-year-old boy admitted to the intensive care unit. Immediately after the administration of glycopyrrolate, he became agitated and developed apnea, hypertension, tachycardia, and anuria. Although the present case describes a rare cause of CAS, it is an important reminder of an iatrogenic condition that is presumably underdiagnosed in the operating theater as well as the intensive care unit.
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