Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

A Convenient Method for Extraction and Analysis with High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography of Catecholamine Neurotransmitters and Their Metabolites
13:35

A Convenient Method for Extraction and Analysis with High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography of Catecholamine Neurotransmitters and Their Metabolites

Published on: March 1, 2018

[Accidental amphetamine poisoning in an 11-month-old boy]

S Fogel1, F Lesage2, G Cheron3

  • 1Service des urgences pédiatriques, hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|June 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Accidental ecstasy (MDMA) poisoning in infants is a growing concern due to household drug use. This case highlights unusual neurological symptoms in an infant, emphasizing the need for awareness and prompt toxicological screening.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rising illicit drug use in France increases risks of accidental pediatric poisoning.
  • Ecstasy (MDMA) consumption within households poses a risk to young children and infants.
  • Accidental ingestion of ecstasy tablets by infants can lead to severe health consequences.

Observation:

  • An 11-month-old infant presented with acute agitation, eye rolling, and unreactive mydriasis.
  • Neurological causes were systematically excluded to investigate the symptoms.
  • Toxicological analysis confirmed intoxication with an amphetamine, specifically MDMA.

Findings:

  • The infant's presentation included atypical neurological symptoms suggestive of toxic exposure.
  • Rapid identification of MDMA as the causative agent was crucial for management.
  • The infant showed a favorable clinical progression within 24 hours.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the emerging threat of pediatric ecstasy intoxication.
  • Healthcare providers should consider toxicological screening for infants with unexplained neurological symptoms.
  • Public health initiatives are needed to prevent accidental exposure in domestic settings.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Color Spot Test As a Presumptive Tool for the Rapid Detection of Synthetic Cathinones06:06

Color Spot Test As a Presumptive Tool for the Rapid Detection of Synthetic Cathinones

Published on: February 5, 2018

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children04:55

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

Published on: September 11, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...