Antipsychotic Drug Poisoning in Children Under 12 Years Old in Loghman-Hakim Hospital During 2016-2022

Abstract

Background: Unintentional pediatric poisoning with antipsychotic medications represents an important clinical entity. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of antipsychotic poisoning among children presenting to a referral hospital. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study reviewed medical records of children <12 years old hospitalized for antipsychotic drug poisoning at Loghman Hakim Hospital in Tehran from 2015-2016. Data extracted included demographic details, agent and dose ingested, clinical findings, treatments administered, and patient dispositions. Results: 141 cases were identified, comprising 2.3% of all pediatric poisonings. Patient ages ranged from 6 months to 12 years (mean 5.5 years), with a male predominance (52.5%). The most common offending agents were risperidone (53.2%) and olanzapine (13.4%). Unintentional exposures accounted for 72.3% of cases. Central nervous system (CNS) effects like somnolence (61.7%) and dysarthria (19.1%) were most prevalent. Significant toxicity was infrequent; no fatalities occurred. Mean length of stay was 2 days for uncomplicated admissions. Conclusion: Antipsychotic poisoning in children chiefly involves atypical agents with a largely benign course. Risperidone predominated due to prescribing patterns. Somnolence represented the principal clinical manifestation. With reasonable supportive care, favorable outcomes are achievable in the pediatric population.

Keywords

• children
• antipsychotic
• acute poisoning