Cocaine exposure among children seen at a pediatric hospital.

摘要: The results of 1,680 consecutive urine and serum toxicologic screens from 1,120 patients, performed in a children's hospital during 19-month period were surveyed. Among this sample, 52 (4.6%) patients had specimens that contained cocaine and/or metabolite. Fifteen ethanol, benzodiazepine, or narcotic addition to cocaine. Four neonates, whereas three infants 1 7 months age. remaining 45 adolescents with mean age 19 years. the adolescents, 11 significant chronic illness. In (37%), exposure was unsuspected until testing for toxic substances known. reasons evaluation included depression/attempted suicide seizure five, chest pain 5, motor vehicle accident three, syncope abdominal two, pneumomediastinum accidental self-immolation one, apnea one. Twenty required medical hospitalization total 268 patient-days. One patient, neonate, died. There is striking prevalence pediatric group. may occur despite presence Although distribution appears bimodal, young children also have toxin. Greater awareness childhood will be needed by primary tertiary care pediatricians identify affected provide appropriate intervention. Language: en