Abstract

PAUCA, Amelia; CANETE, Mariana; CELIS, Adriana  and  DOZORETZ, Daniel. Accidental poisoning by marijuana in pediatrics. Series of 3 cases. Acta toxicol. argent. [online]. 2022, vol.30, n.2, pp.21-30. ISSN 1851-3743.

Marijuana or cannabis is the illicit psychoactive substance most widely used. An unwanted consequence of the regula-tion of its cultivation and the popular diffusion of its medicinal and recreational use, is the association with an increase in the avail-ability of crops in the general population, products, foods and medicines made with cannabis infusions, with unknown concentra-tions of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (A9THC), the most important psychoactive component. We present a series with 3 patients with unintentional exposure to this substance through the digestive tract, assisted by the Toxicology and Emergency services of the Interzonal Hospital for Acute Specialized in Pediatrics “Sor María Ludovica”. Unlike absorption through the inhalation route, more variable concentrations and greater temporal cycles of A9THC and its metabolites are produced through the digestive route, which exert their effects on CB1 receptors, arranged in the central nervous system, including brainstem, the region with greatest presence of this receptors in children, that justifies the frequent and more serious neurological manifestations in children, compared to adults. Clinical suspicion, anamnesis and early detection of cannabinoids in urine are the fundamental pillars to establish an early diagnosis. Treatment consists in supportive and symptomatic measures, that are implemented according to the severity of the condition. The possibility of exposure to this substance must be estimated in the face of sudden onset of lethargy or drowsi-ness, with ataxia, mood modifications, sensory-perceptual disturbances, seizures or coma, with or without respiratory failure, with tachycardia or bradycardia. The education and awareness of caretakers adults, about these risks is of fundamental importance.

Keywords : Cannabis; Children; Ingestion; Pastry; Intoxication.

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