Fentanyl-Induced Neurotoxicity in Children

ABSTRACT

Fentanyl-induced neurotoxicity is an uncommon adverse effect of fentanyl and is seldom seen in pediatric palliative care practice. It presents as myriad of nonspecific symptoms such as severe pain, allodynia, insomnia, agitation, hallucinations, behavioral changes, and headache. In children, it is often missed and misdiagnosed. This is a case report of an 11-year-old girl; a case of locally advanced neuroblastoma, progressed on disease-modifying treatment, and referred to pediatric palliative care for best supportive care. She developed features of fentanyl-induced neurotoxicity during upward titration of transdermal fentanyl that was promptly identified and managed in a pediatric palliative care setting.

KEYWORDS :

• children
• fentanyl
• pain
• pediatrics
• neurotoxicity