A study of the effectiveness of naltrexone in preventing recurrence of methadone poisoning in opioid-naive children.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of poisoning from methadone and prescription opioids is increasing in pediatric populations. Naloxone is the main antidote for treatment. Long-acting opioid toxicity may need close observation in the intensive care unit (ICU). In our previous study, naltrexone prevented re-narcotization in methadone-poisoned adults. Here, we aim to share our experience with the use of oral naltrexone for preventing recurrence of toxicity in opioid-naïve children. METHODS: In a single-center, retrospective case series, children (age ≤12 years) admitted to a poison center in Tehran (Iran) between March 2014-March 2016 were included if they presented with methadone poisoning and received naltrexone treatment in hospital. Naltrexone (1 mg/kg) was administrated orally after initial administration of 0.1 mg/kg naloxone intravenously. Children were monitored for level of consciousness, cyanosis, respiratory rate, VBG results, and O2 saturation for ≥48 h during their hospitalization. RESULTS: Eighty patients with methadone poisoning were enrolled, with median age of three years (range: 0.2-12.0). None involved polysubstance poisoning. Following naltrexone treatment, none experienced recurrent opioid toxicity during hospitalization, and hospital records indicated no readmission within 72-h post-discharge. CONCLUSION: Oral naltrexone could be a potential substitute for continuous naloxone infusion in methadone-poisoned children and reduce the need for ICU care.

Factors Associated With High Blood Lead Levels in a Sample of 100 Children in Tehran.

BACKGROUND: Lead is considered a neurotoxic agent. We aimed to evaluate the blood lead level (BLL) in young population and determine probable risk factors of lead exposure in Iran. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 100 children were entered and their BLLs were checked. RESULTS: In all, 25 and 8 patients had BLLs above 5 and 10 µg/dL, respectively. There was a significant univariate correlation between BLL and place of living, water pipe type, using dairy products, and stature in both cut-offs of 5 and 10 µg/dL. Binary regression analysis showed that pipe type was associated with high BLLs at cut-offs of 5 and 10 µg/dL, respectively. Also, there was an association between 50th percentile of stature for age and cut-off of 5 µg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BLLs may be seen in short stature pediatric population. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene water pipes may even cause more release of lead and result in higher absorption of this metal in the pediatric population.

Pericardial Effusion in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a proliferative disorder of histiocytes in multiple organs. Langerhans cell histiocytosis involves bones, skin, lung and other organs. CASE PRESENTATION: This study describes a seven-month-old Iranian girl who presented with skin rash and cervical lymphadenopathy. Langerhans cell histiocytosis was suspected when it was associated with anemia, splenomegaly and lytic bone lesions. A skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. During hospitalization, the patient looked ill with respiratory distress. A chest X-ray showed a ground glass view, and echocardiography showed moderate pericardial effusion. CONCLUSIONS: Pericardial effusion was a rare finding in this case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Pericardial effusion in Langerhans cell histiocytosis, which is an unusual presentation, should be considered when the patient experiences respiratory distress.