Accidental Methadone Toxicity in a 3-Year-Old Leading to Severe Cerebellitis and Death: A Case Report
Methadone is a synthetic opioid used to treat pain and opioid dependence. Despite its benefits, accidental ingestion of methadone in pediatric patients can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Documented findings of acute toxicity secondary to methadone ingestion in children include leukoenc...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Case Reports in Pediatrics |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/crpe/1045330 |
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| author | Jessie Pappin Greg Hansen Tanya Holt |
| author_facet | Jessie Pappin Greg Hansen Tanya Holt |
| author_sort | Jessie Pappin |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Methadone is a synthetic opioid used to treat pain and opioid dependence. Despite its benefits, accidental ingestion of methadone in pediatric patients can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Documented findings of acute toxicity secondary to methadone ingestion in children include leukoencephalopathy and cerebellitis. There is limited research into treatment and factors influencing clinical outcomes following methadone overdose in children. We report a 3-year-old child with severe brain injury and death following accidental ingestion of methadone. Our case is unique in that we were able to acquire a serum methadone level following ingestion, which was used to guide intervention and treatments. Using this case, we aim to contribute to the growing understanding of methadone toxicity while also advocating for the implementation of policies that protect our pediatric population. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-35ded9d8239c4d9f83e17eff499f6c03 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2090-6811 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Case Reports in Pediatrics |
| spelling | doaj-art-35ded9d8239c4d9f83e17eff499f6c032025-08-20T03:24:56ZengWileyCase Reports in Pediatrics2090-68112025-01-01202510.1155/crpe/1045330Accidental Methadone Toxicity in a 3-Year-Old Leading to Severe Cerebellitis and Death: A Case ReportJessie Pappin0Greg Hansen1Tanya Holt2Department of PediatricsDepartment of Pediatric Critical CareDepartment of Pediatric Critical CareMethadone is a synthetic opioid used to treat pain and opioid dependence. Despite its benefits, accidental ingestion of methadone in pediatric patients can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Documented findings of acute toxicity secondary to methadone ingestion in children include leukoencephalopathy and cerebellitis. There is limited research into treatment and factors influencing clinical outcomes following methadone overdose in children. We report a 3-year-old child with severe brain injury and death following accidental ingestion of methadone. Our case is unique in that we were able to acquire a serum methadone level following ingestion, which was used to guide intervention and treatments. Using this case, we aim to contribute to the growing understanding of methadone toxicity while also advocating for the implementation of policies that protect our pediatric population.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/crpe/1045330 |
| spellingShingle | Jessie Pappin Greg Hansen Tanya Holt Accidental Methadone Toxicity in a 3-Year-Old Leading to Severe Cerebellitis and Death: A Case Report Case Reports in Pediatrics |
| title | Accidental Methadone Toxicity in a 3-Year-Old Leading to Severe Cerebellitis and Death: A Case Report |
| title_full | Accidental Methadone Toxicity in a 3-Year-Old Leading to Severe Cerebellitis and Death: A Case Report |
| title_fullStr | Accidental Methadone Toxicity in a 3-Year-Old Leading to Severe Cerebellitis and Death: A Case Report |
| title_full_unstemmed | Accidental Methadone Toxicity in a 3-Year-Old Leading to Severe Cerebellitis and Death: A Case Report |
| title_short | Accidental Methadone Toxicity in a 3-Year-Old Leading to Severe Cerebellitis and Death: A Case Report |
| title_sort | accidental methadone toxicity in a 3 year old leading to severe cerebellitis and death a case report |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/crpe/1045330 |
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