Movement disorders induced by gastrointestinal drugs: two paediatric cases.
A number of frequently prescribed gastrointestinal drugs can cause movement disorders in children, as well as in adults. In our centre for paediatric neurology, we saw a 3-year-old girl with abnormal movements mostly of the legs with an inner restlessness (akathisia) while using cisapride. Another patient, a 17-year-old male, developed a hemiballism (a fierce movement of one arm and shoulder with a hurling appearance) while using ranitidine for gastric distress. In both children, the movement disorder disappeared after discontinuing the drug. The pathophysiological mechanisms of these drug-induced movement disorders might be related to the central function of histamine in the developing brain. These cases illustrate the importance of being alert for possible drug-induced events early in the process of diagnosing abnormal movement disorders.
Elzinga-Huttenga
J
J
Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Medical Centre St Radboud, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Hekster
Y
Y
Bijl
A
A
Rotteveel
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D020117:Cisapride / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020820:Dyskinesias / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D011899:Ranitidine; D020117:Cisapride