3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Intoxication in an Infant Chronically Exposed to Cocaine

An infant admitted to a pediatric emergency department had accidentally ingested MDMA (ecstasy), detected through urine drug testing. The infant's hydrolyzed urine contained 11.7 mg/L of MDMA and 34.4 mg/L of its main metabolite HMMA. Symptoms including apparent febrile convulsions and cardiovascular side effects resolved within one day after treatment with benzodiazepines. Segmental hair analysis also revealed chronic exposure to cocaine. The mother consistently denied any drugs in the home, complicating diagnosis. Periodic clinical and laboratory follow-ups were recommended to monitor long-term effects of illicit drug exposure and to ensure the child's removal from dangerous environments.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Accidental ingestion of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) was detected in an infant admitted at the Pediatric Emergency Department by drug testing in urine. Concentrations of MDMA and its principal metabolite 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA) in the infant's hydrolyzed urine were 11.7 mg/L and 34.4 mg/L, respectively. Apparent febrile convulsions and cardiovascular side effects resolved within 1 day after treatment with benzodiazepines. Chronic exposure to cocaine was evidenced by segmental hair analysis. Continuous maternal denial of the presence of any drug in the household made diagnosis of accidental ingestion of MDMA and chronic exposure to cocaine problematic. Periodic clinical and laboratory follow-ups were requested to check eventual long-term effects of exposure to illicit drugs and discontinuation of the child from exposure to dangerous environments.