CONCLUSION:
Based on a certain group of young pediatric patients with mild to moderate CBZ poisoning, it is concluded that, nystagmus is the most common sign of this overdose. Other common signs are drowsiness and ataxia. The presence of nystagmus and CNS depression of unknown etiology, in a young child should suggest the possibility of CBZ toxicity.
RESULTS:
There were 14 exposed children all under the age of 5 years. These children accidentally took CBZ prescribed for a family member. The diagnosis of CBZ poisoning in seven children was unknown on admission because of inadequate history and was revealed only on toxicology screen. Nystagmus and drowsiness occurred in 8 of the 14 children, nystagmus and ataxia in 4 children, and drowsiness and tachycardia in another 2 children. The peak CBZ serum levels in these children ranged from 18 microg/ml to 32 microg/ml, mean + SD; 25 microg/ml + 4.64 microg/ml (therapeutic range: 5-10 microg/ml).