1
|
Walsh PS, Dupont AS, Lipshaw MJ, Visotcky A, Thomas DG. Cannabis Legalization and Resource Use for Ingestions by Young Children. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2024065881. [PMID: 38690624 PMCID: PMC11153323 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2024-065881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In conjunction with widening legalization, there has been a rapid rise in unintentional cannabis ingestions in young children. We sought to determine if the legal status of recreational cannabis was associated with resource use in young children with cannabis poisoning. METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study of the Pediatric Health Information System included emergency department encounters between January 2016 and April 2023 for children <6 years of age with a diagnosis indicating cannabis ingestion. The primary exposure was recreational cannabis legalization status in the state in which the encounter occurred. We used logistic regression models to determine the association of recreational cannabis legality with resource utilization outcomes, adjusting for demographic covariates. RESULTS We included 3649 children from 47 hospitals; 29% of encounters occurred in places in which recreational cannabis was legal. Compared with environments in which recreational cannabis was illegal, cannabis-legal locations had lower uses of advanced neuroimaging (24% vs 35%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-0.77), lumbar puncture (1.6% vs 3.8%; aOR, 0.42; 95% CI: 0.24-0.70), ICU admission (7.9% vs 11%; aOR, 0.71; 95% CI: 0.54-0.93), and mechanical ventilation (0.8% vs 2.9%; aOR, 0.30; 95% CI: 0.14-0.58). Urine testing was more common in places in which recreational cannabis was legal (71% vs 58%; aOR, 1.87; 95% CI: 1.59-2.20). CONCLUSIONS State-level legalization of recreational cannabis was associated with a significant decrease in the utilization of advanced medical resources in cases of cannabis intoxication in children. These findings suggest the need for a focus on policies and procedures to minimize invasive testing in cases of cannabis intoxication in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S. Walsh
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
| | - Amanda S. Dupont
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
| | - Matthew J. Lipshaw
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alexis Visotcky
- Division of Biostatistics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Danny G. Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Little is understood about the unintended consequences of cannabis liberalization on children. Subsequently, this scoping review aimed to map and identify evidence related to acute cannabis intoxication in children. We searched three medical literature databases from inception until October 2019. We identified 4644 information sources and included 158 which were mapped by topic area relating to 1) public health implications and considerations; 2) clinical management; and 3) experiences and information needs of HCPs and families. Public health implications were addressed by 129 (82%) and often reported an increased incidence of acute pediatric cannabis intoxications. Clinical information was reported in 116 (73%) and included information on signs and symptoms (n = 106, 92%), clinical management processes (n = 60, 52%), and treatment recommendations (n = 42, 36%). Few sources addressed the experiences or information needs of either HCPs (n = 5, <1%) treating children for acute cannabis intoxication or families (n = 1, <1%) seeking care. Increasing incidence of acute cannabis intoxications concurrent with liberalization of cannabis legislation is clear, however, evidence around clinical management is limited. Additionally, further research exploring HCPs and families experiences and information needs around cannabis intoxication is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Gaudet
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Hogue
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, MB, Canada
| | - Shannon D Scott
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah A Elliott
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cochrane Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Van Oyen A, Barney N, Grabinski Z, Chang J, Oliff Z, Nogar J, Su MK. Urine Toxicology Test for Children With Altered Mental Status. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2022060861. [PMID: 37800195 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-060861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rate of unintentional ingestion of edible cannabis products in young children is rising rapidly as laws decriminalizing both recreational and medical marijuana in the United States become more widespread.1 Cannabis poisoning in children can lead to a myriad of symptoms, most notably neurologic changes. The abrupt onset and severity of signs and symptoms after ingestion can cause diagnostic uncertainty for practitioners in the emergency department. Here, we present a case series of 5 children, 6 years of age and younger, who initially presented with altered mental status and were ultimately diagnosed with acute δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol toxicity after cannabis ingestion confirmed by urine toxicology testing. Although urine toxicology testing is not routinely used as a diagnostic tool in pediatrics, the increasing accessibility of edible cannabis products suggests that more widespread urine toxicology testing in children with undifferentiated altered mental status is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Van Oyen
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Bellevue Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Nicole Barney
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Bellevue Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Zoe Grabinski
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Juliana Chang
- Northwell Health Medical Toxicology, Northshore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York
| | - Zachary Oliff
- New York City Poison Center, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, New York, New York
| | - Josh Nogar
- New York City Poison Center, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, New York, New York
| | - Mark K Su
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Bellevue Hospital, New York, New York
- New York City Poison Center, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pepin LC, Simon MW, Banerji S, Leonard J, Hoyte CO, Wang GS. Toxic Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Dose in Pediatric Cannabis Edible Ingestions. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023061374. [PMID: 37635689 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-061374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study characterizes cannabis toxicity in relation to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) dose in pediatric edible cannabis ingestions. METHODS This is a retrospective review of children aged <6 years presenting with edible cannabis ingestions of known THC dose within a pediatric hospital network (January 1, 2015-October 25, 2022). Cannabis toxicity was characterized as severe if patients exhibited severe cardiovascular (bradycardia, tachycardia/hypotension requiring vasopressors or intravenous fluids, other dysrhythmias), respiratory (respiratory failure, apnea, requiring oxygen supplementation), or neurologic (seizure, myoclonus, unresponsiveness, responsiveness to painful stimulation only, requiring intubation or sedation) effects. Cannabis toxicity was characterized as prolonged if patients required >6 hours to reach baseline. The relationship between THC dose and severe and prolonged toxicity was explored using multivariable logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic curve analyses. RESULTS Eighty patients met inclusion. The median age was 2.9 years. The median THC ingestion was 2.1 mg/kg. Severe and prolonged toxicity was present in 46% and 74%, respectively. THC dose was a significant predictor of severe (adjusted odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.8-4.7) and prolonged toxicity (adjusted odds ratio 3.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.6-6.5), whereas age and sex were not. Area under the curve was 92.9% for severe and 87.3% for prolonged toxicity. THC ingestions of ≥1.7 mg/kg can predict severe (sensitivity 97.3%) and prolonged toxicity (sensitivity 75.4%). CONCLUSIONS The THC dose of edible cannabis correlates to the degree of toxicity in children <6 years old. The threshold of 1.7 mg/kg of THC may guide medical management and preventive regulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lesley C Pepin
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado
| | - Mark W Simon
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado
| | - Shireen Banerji
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado
| | - Jan Leonard
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Christopher O Hoyte
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado
| | - George S Wang
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Leonard JB, Laudone T, Hines EQ, Klein-Schwartz W. Critical care interventions in children aged 6 months to 12 years admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit after unintentional cannabis exposures. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2022; 60:960-965. [PMID: 35384771 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2022.2059497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis exposures in children have risen sharply in recent years, resulting in increased hospital visits and admission to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). The intent of this study was to describe the proportion of pediatric patients admitted to the PICU after unintentional cannabis ingestion that received critical care interventions (CCIs) along with describing trends over time in hospitalization, admission to the PICU, and clinical effects and treatments outside of the PICU. METHODS This was a retrospective database study utilizing the National Poison Data System (NPDS) from 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2020. Children 6 months to 12 years of age with single substance cannabis exposures were included. RESULTS A total of 12,882 cases were included. There was an increase in the proportion of cases seen in a hospital over time from 43.8% in 2000 to 54.6% in 2020 (range 29.1-62.6%). In patients seen in a HCF, the proportion admitted to the PICU was 9.5% in 2000 and 14% in 2020 (range: 5.6-29.0%). The 875 (6.8%) children admitted to the PICU were analyzed for the primary outcome. CCIs were performed in 69/875 (7.9%) cases that were admitted to the PICU. The most common CCIs in the PICU were intubation and sedation, 4.9 and 3.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Unintentional pediatric cannabis exposures are associated with clinically significant effects, including respiratory depression, hypotension, and bradycardia, but fewer than 5% of exposures were treated with CCIs, like intubation or vasopressors, in patients admitted to the PICU. Further work should assess specific reasons for admission to the PICU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James B Leonard
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, Maryland Poison Center, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Laudone
- Deparment of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Quaal Hines
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, Maryland Poison Center, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wendy Klein-Schwartz
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, Maryland Poison Center, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bechard M, Cloutier P, Lima I, Salamatmanesh M, Zemek R, Bhatt M, Suntharalingam S, Kurdyak P, Baker M, Gardner W. Cannabis-related emergency department visits by youths and their outcomes in Ontario: a trend analysis. CMAJ Open 2022; 10:E100-E108. [PMID: 35135825 PMCID: PMC9259464 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis-related emergency department visits can be an entry point for youths to mental health and substance use care systems. We aimed to examine trends in cannabis-related emergency department visits as a function of youths' age and sex. METHODS Using administrative data, we examined all visits to emergency departments in Ontario, Canada, from 2003 to 2017, by youth aged 10-24 years (grouped as 10-13, 14-18 and 19-24 yr) to determine trends in cannabis-related emergency department visits. Cannabis-related visits were identified using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision codes for cannabis poisoning and mental disorders due to cannabinoids. We categorized presentations as "less severe" versus "more severe" using scores assigned by nurses at triage. RESULTS We examined 14 697 778 emergency department visits. Cannabis-related visits increased from 3.8 per 10 000 youths (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5-4.0) in 2003 to 17.9 (95% CI 17.4-18.4) in 2017, a 4.8-fold increase (95% CI 4.4-5.1). Rates increased for both sexes and each age group. Males were more likely to have a visit than females (rate ratios ≥ 1.5 in 2003 and 2017). The number of cannabis-related visits in 2017 was 25.0 per 10 000 (95% CI 24.0-25.9) among youth aged 19-24 years, 21.9 per 10 000 (95% CI 20.9-22.9) among those aged 14-18 years, and 0.8 per 10 000 (95% CI 0.5-1.0) among those aged 10-13 years. In 2017, 88.2% (95% CI 87.3%-89.0%) of cannabis-related visits and 58.1% (95% CI 58.0%-58.2%) of non-cannabis-related visits were triaged as "more severe," (rate ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.50-1.53). Similarly, in 2017, 19.0% (95% CI 18.0%-20.1%) of cannabis-related visits and 5.8% (95% CI 5.7%-5.8%) of non-cannabis-related visits resulted in hospital admission (rate ratio 3.3, 95% CI 3.1-3.5). INTERPRETATION Rates of cannabis-related emergency department visit by youths aged 10-24 years increased almost fivefold from 2003 to 2017, with increases in visit severity and hospital admissions. These trends describe an emerging public health problem, and research is needed to identify the causes of this increase and the health and social consequences of cannabis-related visits for these youths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Bechard
- Department of Pediatrics (Bechard, Zemek, Bhatt), University of Ottawa; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Cloutier, Salamatmanesh, Zemek, Bhatt, Gardner); ICES uOttawa (Lima); Department of Psychiatry (Suntharalingam, Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak); Department of Psychiatry (Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Public Health Agency of Canada (Baker); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Paula Cloutier
- Department of Pediatrics (Bechard, Zemek, Bhatt), University of Ottawa; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Cloutier, Salamatmanesh, Zemek, Bhatt, Gardner); ICES uOttawa (Lima); Department of Psychiatry (Suntharalingam, Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak); Department of Psychiatry (Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Public Health Agency of Canada (Baker); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Isac Lima
- Department of Pediatrics (Bechard, Zemek, Bhatt), University of Ottawa; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Cloutier, Salamatmanesh, Zemek, Bhatt, Gardner); ICES uOttawa (Lima); Department of Psychiatry (Suntharalingam, Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak); Department of Psychiatry (Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Public Health Agency of Canada (Baker); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Mina Salamatmanesh
- Department of Pediatrics (Bechard, Zemek, Bhatt), University of Ottawa; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Cloutier, Salamatmanesh, Zemek, Bhatt, Gardner); ICES uOttawa (Lima); Department of Psychiatry (Suntharalingam, Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak); Department of Psychiatry (Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Public Health Agency of Canada (Baker); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Roger Zemek
- Department of Pediatrics (Bechard, Zemek, Bhatt), University of Ottawa; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Cloutier, Salamatmanesh, Zemek, Bhatt, Gardner); ICES uOttawa (Lima); Department of Psychiatry (Suntharalingam, Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak); Department of Psychiatry (Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Public Health Agency of Canada (Baker); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Maala Bhatt
- Department of Pediatrics (Bechard, Zemek, Bhatt), University of Ottawa; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Cloutier, Salamatmanesh, Zemek, Bhatt, Gardner); ICES uOttawa (Lima); Department of Psychiatry (Suntharalingam, Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak); Department of Psychiatry (Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Public Health Agency of Canada (Baker); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Sinthuja Suntharalingam
- Department of Pediatrics (Bechard, Zemek, Bhatt), University of Ottawa; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Cloutier, Salamatmanesh, Zemek, Bhatt, Gardner); ICES uOttawa (Lima); Department of Psychiatry (Suntharalingam, Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak); Department of Psychiatry (Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Public Health Agency of Canada (Baker); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Paul Kurdyak
- Department of Pediatrics (Bechard, Zemek, Bhatt), University of Ottawa; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Cloutier, Salamatmanesh, Zemek, Bhatt, Gardner); ICES uOttawa (Lima); Department of Psychiatry (Suntharalingam, Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak); Department of Psychiatry (Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Public Health Agency of Canada (Baker); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Melissa Baker
- Department of Pediatrics (Bechard, Zemek, Bhatt), University of Ottawa; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Cloutier, Salamatmanesh, Zemek, Bhatt, Gardner); ICES uOttawa (Lima); Department of Psychiatry (Suntharalingam, Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak); Department of Psychiatry (Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Public Health Agency of Canada (Baker); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont
| | - William Gardner
- Department of Pediatrics (Bechard, Zemek, Bhatt), University of Ottawa; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (Cloutier, Salamatmanesh, Zemek, Bhatt, Gardner); ICES uOttawa (Lima); Department of Psychiatry (Suntharalingam, Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Kurdyak); Department of Psychiatry (Kurdyak), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Public Health Agency of Canada (Baker); School of Epidemiology and Public Health (Gardner), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.
| |
Collapse
|