An unusual mimicker of a sepsis outbreak: ergot intoxication

Bas A. Y., Demirel N., Soysal A., Arslan K., Dilmen U.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS, vol.170, no.5, pp.633-637, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 170 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00431-010-1336-y
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.633-637
  • Marmara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Methylergonovine (MEV) is a semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid used in the prevention and control of postpartum hemorrhage. This report describes 12 newborns born on the same day in a local country hospital in Turkey and developed sepsis-like symptoms and encephalopathy within the first 6 h of life due to accidental administration of MEV instead of vitamin K in the delivery room. The major features of MEV poisoning were lethargy (41.7%), seizure (75.0%), feeding intolerance (66.6%), hypoventilation (58.3%), irritability (25%), and peripheral circulatory abnormalities (58.3%). As a conclusion, clinical findings of ergot toxicity in newborns cannot be distinguished from infectious disease or neonatal encephalopathy.