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Neuropediatrics 2001; 32(2): 90-92
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-13881
Short Communication

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Permanent Brain Damage Following Acute Clonidine Poisoning in Munchausen by Proxy

C. Tessa1 , M. Mascalchi2 , L. Matteucci3 , C. Gavazzi2 , R. Domenici3
  • 1 Radiologia, Ospedale Campo di Marte, Lucca, Italy
  • 2 Radiologia Diagnostica, Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica, Università di Firenze, Florence, Italy
  • 3 Pediatria, Ospedale Campo di Marte, Lucca, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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A child presented with recurrent episodes of lethargia for which he underwent several hospital admissions and investigations. A further episode culminated in respiratory arrest and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy with permanent mental regression. Eighteen months later the mother was discovered while providing clonidine pills to the child; the mother appears to feature a Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

Key words

Clonidine - Poisoning - Munchausen by proxy

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M. D., Ph. D. Mario Mascalchi

Sezione di Radiodiagnostica Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica Università di Firenze

Viale Morgagni 85

50134 Florence

Italy

Email: m.mascalchi@dfc.unifi.it