Cardiomyopathy from ipecac administration in Munchausen syndrome by proxy

In the United States, serum of ipecac is the emetic of choice in poisoning victims if induction of vomiting is indicated. It is readily available without prescription and has been intentionally administered on a long-term basis in cases of self-abuse or abuse by caretakers. Signs and symptoms of chr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatrics (Evanston) 1993-10, Vol.92 (4), p.601-603
Main Authors: GOEBEL, J, GREMSE, D. A, ARTMAN, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated - chemically induced
Causes of
Child, Preschool
Complications and side effects
Diarrhea
Diarrhea - chemically induced
Female
Heart diseases
Humans
Ipecac (Drug)
Ipecac - administration & dosage
Ipecac - poisoning
Male
Medical research
Medical sciences
Munchausen syndrome by proxy
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy - chemically induced
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy - diagnosis
Munchausen-by-proxy syndrome
Myocardial diseases
Pediatrics
Plant poisons toxicology
Poisons
Time Factors
Toxicology
Vomiting
Vomiting - chemically induced
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Summary:In the United States, serum of ipecac is the emetic of choice in poisoning victims if induction of vomiting is indicated. It is readily available without prescription and has been intentionally administered on a long-term basis in cases of self-abuse or abuse by caretakers. Signs and symptoms of chronic ipecac poisoning include protracted vomiting and diarrhea as well as skeletal and cardiac myopathy. We report two cases of ipecac cardiomyopathy due to Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) in children with longstanding vomiting and diarrhea. CASE REPORTS Case 1 At the age of 29 months, a white, previously healthy boy doveloped appendicitis and underwent appendectomy.
ISSN:0031-4005
1098-4275
DOI:10.1542/peds.92.4.601