[Theophylline toxicity in infants].
In order to evaluate risk factors and clinical manifestations of theophylline intoxication in the infant, a comparative study between intoxicated and non intoxicated during a period of 4 years has been made. The incidence of this complication was 9.5% (7/74). Except for the cases of 2 children where there was an administrative error, everyone received a similar dose, finding great variability in the reaction to the drug. Only age seems to contribute to an increased tendency to intoxication (6/7 less than or equal to 3 months). Concerning the clinical manifestations, we do not find any correlation between the theophylline levels and severity. All the infants presented tachicardia and irritability, 3/4 tonic-clonic seizures and/or episodes and 1/7 severe metabolic disturbances. Only 1/7 had prodromic symptoms, therefore in view of the variability in individual tolerance, we believe that theophylline should not be used for small without an appropriate control of its serum concentrations.
López García
M J
MJ
Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia.
García Ballester
M
M
Escribano Montaner
A
A
Roig Riu
M
M
D001988:Bronchiolitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013806:Theophylline / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013806:Theophylline
Toxicidad de la teofilina en el lactante.