Belgian Journal of Paediatrics
A girl with a delirium due to an unexpected culprit: a case report
Vol. 23 No. 1 (2021), Case reports
Vol. 23 No. 1 (2021)

A girl with a delirium due to an unexpected culprit: a case report

Case reports
Published 2021-04-12 — Updated on 2023-01-18
Eva Janssens
Department of Paediatric Critical Care Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital
Yeleni Eelen
Department of Paediatric Critical Care Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital
Tom Schepens
Department of Paediatric Critical Care Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital
Jozef De Dooy
Department of Paediatric Critical Care Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital
Els Duval
Department of Paediatric Critical Care Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital

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Keywords

intoxication
confusion
paediatric
antihistamines
diphenhydramine

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How to Cite

Janssens, E., Eelen, Y., Schepens, T., De Dooy, J., & Duval, E. (2023). A girl with a delirium due to an unexpected culprit: a case report. Belgian Journal of Paediatrics, 23(1), 67–68. Retrieved from http://belgjpaediatrics.com/index.php/bjp/article/view/180 (Original work published April 12, 2021)
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Abstract

Case presentation:

This case describes a girl who presented with severe confusion and agitation, later found to be caused by a diphenhydramine intoxication.

Discussion:

Diphenhydramine is an H1-receptor antagonist commonly used as an anti-allergic drug; however, an overdose can result in severe anticholinergic and neurological symptoms.

Conclusion:

The differential diagnosis of delirium in a child includes a broad range of aetiologies. Antihistamines are usually considered safe and are readily available, however, diphenhydramine’s possible serious side effects warrant careful use.

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