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Pediatric hospitalizations from cannabis up 133% in France
The annual admission rate for pediatric intoxication from accidental cannabis ingestion has increased 133% between 2004 and 2014 in France, despite the drug’s illegality.
According to Isabelle Claudet, MD, MSc, from the Service d’Accueil des Urgences Pédiatriques, Hopital des Enfants, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, France, and colleagues, France is the highest drug-consuming country in Europe.
They also comment that many changes have occurred over time regarding the landscape of cannabis resin use in France. These include a more maneuverable pellet-shape form rather than typical 250-g bars and increasing THC content of the drug to 20.7% in 2014.
“The health impact of these trends remains poorly documented, particularly that of the evolution of unintentional intoxication in young children,” the researchers note.
To assess the trend of pediatric ED admissions resulting from unintentional cannabis intoxication between 2004 and 2014 in France, Claudet and colleagues conducted a retrospective, national, multicenter, observational study that included children younger than 6 years of age. Intoxication was proven in all based on compatible symptoms and positive toxicological screening results.
Of the 235 children admitted to 24 pediatric EDs, 71% were 18 months or younger, with annual admissions increasing 13-fold. Children were most likely intoxicated through ingestion of cannabis resin (72%). The researchers observed an increase in younger children intoxicated (1.28 ± 0.4 vs 1.7 ± 0.7 years, P =.005) and more comas (n = 38) (P =.05, OR 3.5 [1.02-11.8]).
Cannabis-related admissions were higher than those resulting from other substances, and increased THC levels in resin confiscated in the country may be linked to an increased risk of coma.
“The most recent trends provided by French PCCs confirm our results, showing an increase in the phenomenon and raising a real public health issue,” Claudet and colleagues wrote. “Unintentional intoxication should be tightly monitored, and it should be mandatory to report such cases.” – by Katherine Bortz
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
