Open AccessDexmedetomidine to Treat 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-Induced Agitation in a 13-Month-Old Infant: A Case Report and Literature Review
Author(s) -
Patricia J. L. T. Sanders,
Jan Hanot
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of pediatric intensive care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2146-4618
pISSN - 2146-4626
DOI - 10.1055/s-0039-1677815
Subject(s) - medicine , dexmedetomidine , anesthesia , intensive care medicine , sedation
We report a 13-month-old infant who accidentally ingested a tablet of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and was brought to the emergency department with tachycardia, seizures, mydriasis, and altered mental status. The patient received multiple doses of benzodiazepines to treat the seizures and developed respiratory insufficiency needing intubation. After extubation, the patient developed hyperactivity, myoclonic, and choreoathetoid movements which were unresponsive to benzodiazepines. Dexmedetomidine was started with good response. The patient made a full clinical recovery. This is the first case that illustrates the possibility to treat MDMA-induced agitation with dexmedetomidine in a 13-month-old infant.