Prolonged Coma in a Child Due to Hashish Ingestion with Quantitation of THC Metabolites in Urine

• Published in: The Journal of emergency medicine Vol. 41; no. 3; pp. e69 - e71
• Main Authors: Carstairs, Shaun D., MD, Fujinaka, Michael K., MS-III, Keeney, Grant E., MD, Ly, Binh T., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.09.2011
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Biomarkers - urine; Cannabis - poisoning; coma; Coma - chemically induced; Dronabinol - urine; Emergency; Female; hashish; Humans; Infant; poisoning; tetrahydrocannabinol; THC; tetrahydrocannabinol; hashish; poisoning; THC; coma
• ISSN: 0736-4679; 2352-5029
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.05.032

Abstract Background Cannabinoid-containing substances are commonly abused worldwide. Significant toxicity from these substances is uncommon in adults but can result in significant symptoms in children; these symptoms are usually short-lived. Objectives To report a case of prolonged mental status alteration of more than 2 days in a child who ingested hashish. Case Report A 14-month-old child presented comatose to a pediatric emergency department after ingestion of hashish; she did not regain consciousness for more than 48 h. Quantitative testing of the child’s urine for a tetrahydrocannabinol metabolite revealed a markedly elevated level, the decline of which coincided with the child’s clinical improvement. Conclusions Significant ingestion of cannabinoid-containing substances is capable of causing prolonged symptoms (including coma) in children.