Open AccessAtropine Therapy and Paralytic Ileus in an Infant
Author(s) -
W F Marshall,
Philip Rosenthal,
Russell Merritt
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.206
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1536-4801
pISSN - 0277-2116
DOI - 10.1097/00005176-198911000-00025
Subject(s) - medicine , atropine , ileus , intestinal pseudo obstruction , paralytic ileus , biopsy , anesthesia , surgery , gastroenterology
Signs of intestinal obstruction developed in a 2-month-old infant with trisomy 21 during atropine therapy. Radiographic evaluation strongly suggested Hirschsprung's disease, but rectal biopsy yielded normal histologic results. Following cessation of atropine use, the symptoms resolved completely. This case report demonstrates the association between atropine therapy and intestinal ileus. Caution is advised when using topical atropine therapy in children, especially those with Down's syndrome.