title: An unusual presentation of opioid-like syndrome in pediatric valproic acid poisoning.
abstract: We report a 3-y-o boy who accidentally poisoned himself with valproic acid (VPA). Clinical features included profound coma, depressed respiration and miosis. Treatment included naloxone, gastric lavage, and activated charcoal and a saline cathartic. The patient fully recovered and was discharged 24 h after the admission. Prompt use of naloxone is advised whenever the triad of coma, pinpoint pupils and depressed respiration concur with the clinical possibility of VPA intoxication.
authors.affiliation: Centro Toxicológico Regional Centroccidental, Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, Venezuela.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Espinoza
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Maradei
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ramírez
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pascuzzo-Lima
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005751:Gastric Lavage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009270:Naloxone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000506:poisoning*
chemical_list: D009270:Naloxone; D014635:Valproic Acid