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[Neuro-ophthalmic adverse effects of metronidazole treatment in children: Two case studies]

R Bouraoui1, R Limaiem1, M Bouladi1

  • 1Service d'ophtalmologie B, institut Hédi-Rais, boulevard 9-avril, 1006 Tunis, Tunisie.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|December 25, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Metronidazole can cause rare but severe neuro-ophthalmological side effects, including vision loss and diplopia, in children. Symptoms are reversible upon treatment discontinuation, necessitating careful monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Metronidazole is a common antibiotic used to treat infections like amoebic dysentery.
  • Neuro-ophthalmological complications associated with metronidazole are rare but potentially serious.

Observation:

  • Two children developed sudden bilateral vision loss, diplopia, and headache after metronidazole treatment for amoebic dysentery.
  • Ophthalmic examinations revealed reduced visual acuity, altered pupillary reflexes, and optic neuropathy, with normal imaging.
  • Symptoms significantly improved and resolved after discontinuing metronidazole.

Findings:

  • Metronidazole administration was linked to reversible neuro-ophthalmological adverse effects in pediatric patients.
  • The clinical presentation included optic neuropathy and extraocular muscle dysfunction.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should consider metronidazole's potential for neuro-ophthalmological toxicity in children.
  • Close monitoring for visual disturbances is crucial during and after metronidazole therapy in pediatric cases.
Abstract

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