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Intentional ipecac poisoning: Munchausen syndrome by proxy
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908.
Pediatrics
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Mothers intentionally poisoned their children with ipecac, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea. One child also developed myopathy, highlighting the dangers of chronic ipecac poisoning and child abuse.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatrics
- Child Abuse
Background:
- Ipecac syrup is commonly used as an emetic.
- Intentional ipecac poisoning in children is a rare form of abuse.
Observation:
- Two cases of intentional ipecac poisoning in children are presented.
- Initial symptoms included intractable vomiting and diarrhea.
- One child exhibited skeletal and cardiac myopathy.
Findings:
- Extensive diagnostic evaluations were required to diagnose chronic ipecac poisoning.
- The study details the toxic effects of ipecac ingestion.
Implications:
- These cases underscore the severe health consequences of ipecac poisoning.
- Physicians should be vigilant for child abuse manifesting as ipecac poisoning.