Citation

Tiras S, Haas V, Chevret L, Decobert M, Buisine A, Devictor D, Durand P, Tissières P. Ann. Emerg. Med. 2006; 48(4): 448-451.

Affiliation

Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Bicetre Hospital, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American College of Emergency Physicians, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.annemergmed.2006.02.023

PMID

16997682

Abstract

Methadone overdoses are increasing in parallel with the increased frequency of opiate substitution therapy in adults. Although unintentional methadone intoxication in children is rare, it is becoming more frequently recognized. We report 3 cases of unintentional methadone overdose in toddlers who initially displayed central nervous system depression associated with severe nonketotic hyperglycemia and discuss the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms of an underrecognized symptom of opiate intoxication in young children.

Language: en