Introduction: The rate of exposure to cannabis has increased dramatically, even in the pediatric population. Effects of intoxication are variable, more severe neurological symptoms can be observed following ingestion, passive inhalation thus hospital or intensive care unit admission is often required. In infancy, cannabis effects include Neurobehavioral symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, increased externalizing behavior and decreased cognitive.
Case Report: a10mounthly male infant was admitted to the emergency department due to apathy, unresponsiveness,loss of appetite. Physical examination: mild fever (37.9 ◦C), lethargy child with intermittent restlessness, normotensive fontanel. The physical examination was otherwise unremarkable. Complete blood count and . Blood chemistry including
electrolytes, liver enzymes and renal functions was normal, Blood and urine culturesand lumbar puncture were obtained. Qualitative toxicology urine screen was performed This screen revealed the presence of cannabis metabolite. The parents admitted that in the evening before they had participated in a party of 10 cannabis smokers in the parents’ room where the infant was sleeping. Consequently, the infant was passively exposed to cannabis smoke for several hours. During hospitalization the child showed marked improvement under supportive treatment.
Conclusion: Pediatricians and health workers should be aware of the clinical manifestations of cannabis intoxication since it is not routinely considered in medical assessment of infants under daily clinical settings. Discrepancy between the severe neurological presentation and the paucity of other findings in the physical examination and routine laboratory assessment should raise the diagnostic possibility of cannabis poisoning. In such cases, urine toxicology screen is imperative.
