[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.