Accidental ingestion of cannabis in two infants and a preschool child reported by the Tunisian poison control center: Three case reports and review of literature

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cannabis or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for psycho-affective effects. Even though it has been legalized in some countries around the world, it remains illegal in Tunisia although its consumption has alarmingly increased. Although its ingestion is known to be asymptomatic in adults, among infants/preschool children, its ingestion has been reported to cause drowsiness and coma. We reported the first cases of accidental cannabis ingestion complicated with drowsiness and coma, occurring in infants/preschool children in Tunisia. OBSERVATIONS: We reported three cases of accidental cannabis ingestion in three infants/preschool children aged 7, 10, and 30 months. These were ingestions called into the Tunisian poison control center over a period of one year. Two patients were drowsy on admission and the third patient was comatose requiring mechanical ventilation. All three patients had positive urinary drug screen for cannabis. After surveillance and stabilization, the patients were discharged and no further complications were reported. CONCLUSION: In the cases of infants/preschool children presenting with drowsiness or coma, physicians must search for accidental ingestion of THC or a history of illicit substance use in the infant/preschool child's entourage.