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Unintentional cannabis exposures in children pre- and post-legalization: A retrospective review from a Canadian paediatric hospital.
- Source :
-
Paediatrics & Child Health (1205-7088) . Sep2022, Vol. 27 Issue 5, p265-271. 7p. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Objectives Canada legalized recreational cannabis in October 2018. Cannabis is increasingly available in numerous forms—especially edibles—that make children vulnerable to unintentional intoxication. We sought to: determine the frequency of visits due to cannabis intoxication pre- and post-legalization; characterize the clinical features and circumstances of cannabis intoxication in the paediatric population; and create greater awareness among healthcare providers about this issue. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of Emergency Department visits at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Ottawa, ON) between March 2013 and September 2020. Inclusion criteria were: age <18 years; unintentional cannabis ingestion, identified by ICD-10 codes T40.7 and X42. We assessed basic demographics, clinical signs and symptoms, exposure details, investigations, and patient disposition. Results A total of 37 patients (22 male) met inclusion criteria, mean age 5.9±3.8 years. Most visits (32; 86%) occurred in the 2-year period after legalization. Altered levels of consciousness, lethargy/somnolence, tachycardia, and vomiting were the most common presenting signs and symptoms. The majority of exposures were to edibles (28; 76%) in the home setting (30; 81%). Poison control and child protective services were involved in 19 (51%) and 22 (59%) of cases, respectively. Twelve patients (32%) required admission to the hospital, the majority of whom stayed <24 h. Conclusions Our data confirm increased paediatric hospital visits related to unintentional cannabis exposures post-legalization. Consideration of this clinical presentation is critical for acute care providers. Advocacy for safe storage strategies and appropriate enforcement of marketing/packaging legislation are imperative for public health policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 12057088
- Volume :
- 27
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Paediatrics & Child Health (1205-7088)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 159083897
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxab090