Keywords
Intoxication
Child
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: due to its multiple therapeutic applications, the prescription of clonidine has increased in recent years, leading to greater home availability and a higher risk of pediatric exposure. Given its toxicity even at low doses and the risk of neurological and cardiovascular compromise, a high index of clinical suspicion and prompt, aggressive emergency management are required.
Objectives: to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of clonidine poisoning cases reported to the Poison Control and Advisory Center (CIAT) and treated at the Pediatric Emergency Department (DEP) of the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center (CHPR) during 2024.
Methodology: observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, and descriptive study. All cases of patients with clonidine exposure reported between January and December 2024 were retrieved from the CIAT database (DTOX). Patients under 15 years of age who ingested a toxic dose of clonidine or presented with compatible clinical signs and a history of toxic exposure, treated at the DEP-CHPR, were included. Electronic medical records were reviewed using a coding system to ensure anonymity. The study was approved by the hospital Research Ethics Committee.
Results: a total of 35 patients with clonidine poisoning were reported to the CIAT, 30 of whom were under 15 years of age. Thirteen patients were treated at the DEP-CHPR. Exposure was intentional in 5/7 adolescents and unintentional in all children under 11 years of age (6/6). All symptomatic patients presented with a depressed level of consciousness (11/13). Two patients were asymptomatic. The most frequent disposition was the intensive care unit (7/13); 8/13 poisonings were classified as moderate or severe. No deaths were reported.
Conclusions: pediatric clonidine poisoning is a potentially severe event with a high risk of neurological and cardiovascular compromise. Awareness of the current epidemiological situation, clinical presentation, and core principles of therapeutic management will help clinicians remain vigilant and prepared to manage these patients.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rodrigo Bossio, Andrea Moreno, Camila Porres, Tatiana Moure, Soledad Tórtora, Alba Negrín, Patricia Dall´Orso