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Intussusception in an Infant Chronically Ingesting Marijuana Via Breastfeeding
Leslie Strickler1, Alex Baker1, Hannah DeGonza1
1University of New Mexico Children's Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Summary
Marijuana use during breastfeeding may expose infants to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A case study suggests chronic THC exposure might be a risk factor for infant intussusception, a condition previously linked to THC in adults.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neonatal Health
- Cannabinoid Research
Background:
- Increasing marijuana use raises concerns about infant health impacts.
- Breastfeeding mothers' marijuana use may lead to chronic infant exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- Health effects of chronic THC ingestion in infants are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of an infant with altered mental status and intussusception.
- To explore the potential link between chronic THC exposure and intussusception in infants.
- To investigate a possible association not previously reported in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an infant presenting with neurological symptoms.
- Clinical observation of the infant's development of intussusception.
- Review of existing literature on THC exposure and intussusception.
Main Results:
- An infant initially presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute THC exposure developed intussusception.
- The case highlights a potential association between chronic THC ingestion and intussusception in infants.
- This association has been documented in adults but is novel in the pediatric population.
Conclusions:
- Chronic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure in infants warrants further investigation as a potential risk factor for intussusception.
- This case underscores the need for more research into the long-term health consequences of marijuana use by breastfeeding mothers.
- The findings suggest a possible link between maternal marijuana use and gastrointestinal emergencies in infants.
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