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Hypertensive Crisis in a Pediatric Patient Experiencing Clonidine Withdrawal
Can Cao1, Matthew L Lorenz1,2,3, Phillip Sojka1,3
1The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Insights
Clonidine withdrawal can cause severe hypertension and elevated metanephrines in children. Gradual tapering of clonidine is recommended to prevent these serious withdrawal symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Agonists
Background:
- Clonidine, a central alpha-adrenoreceptor agonist, was initially developed for hypertension.
- It is now widely used for pediatric sleep disorders, behavioral concerns, and ADHD.
Observation:
- A case report details a pediatric patient experiencing prolonged clonidine withdrawal.
- Symptoms included severe hypertension and elevated serum metanephrines.
Findings:
- Clonidine withdrawal in children can manifest as hypertensive urgency and sympathetic overstimulation.
- Withdrawal can also cause significant increases in serum metanephrine levels.
Implications:
- Clinicians must recognize the risks of clonidine withdrawal in pediatric patients.
- Awareness of these risks can help prevent and manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Gradual clonidine tapering is crucial for avoiding adverse withdrawal events.
Background:
Clonidine, a central alpha-adrenoreceptor agonist, was initially developed as an antihypertensive. Though no longer commonly used for its original indication due to rebound hypertension after discontinuation, it is currently widely prescribed as a treatment for many pediatric indications including sleep disorders, behavioral concerns, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Case Report. We describe a girl who developed prolonged symptoms of clonidine withdrawal, including hypertension and elevated serum metanephrines. Discussion. Clonidine withdrawal in pediatric patient can present with hypertensive urgency and other signs of sympathetic stimulation. Withdrawal can also lead to dramatic elevation in serum metanephrines. Treatment with a clonidine taper will reduce development of withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion:
Given the rise in clonidine use in pediatric patients, clinicians should be aware of the risk of clonidine withdrawal and how to recognize and avoid its development.
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