Drug-Induced Apnea in Children Admitted to Loghman Hakim Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Environmental hazards, including poisons, can cause irreparable effects and even fatal for children. Poisoning in children is common and serious, but often is preventable and treatable. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of drugs and chemical toxicity leading to apnea. In addition, we detected type of drug that induced apnea among children.

MATERIALS & METHODS: In a retrospective cross-sectional study from Apr 2012 to Apr 2013, data of all hospitalized drug-induced Apnea in children were collected through hospital records.

RESULTS: The most common cause of drug toxicity was methadone opium, baclofen and heroin (74%,13%,5%,2%). The mortality rate was 3.1%; all of them due to methadone poisoning.

CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of Methadone poisoning and apnea in children. Methadone poisoning should be considered in apnea.