Nonaccidental Poisoning in a Two-Month-Old Child

Abstract

A case of nonaccidental poisoning in a 2-month old child is reported. This unusual event should be considered as part of the syndrome of child abuse and neglect. The diagnosis of a toxin exposure can be accomplished if the physician recognizes the episodic nature and the lack of an adequate pathophysiologic explanation for the child's symptoms. Appropriate laboratory tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Before the age 9 months, children are relatively protected from exposures to toxins because of their limited mobility and dexterity [1]. It is therefore uncommon for a physician to consider a toxin in the etiology of an illness in a patient in this age group. The present case indicates the need to include toxin exposures in the differential diagnosis of illnesses in patients of all ages.