Severe tramadol overdoses in children: a Case series admitted to paediatric intensive care unit

Tramadol misuse can lead to severe intoxication in which respiratory failure and seizures are frequent. We reviewed 7 paediatric cases of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit. We reported unusual hypertonia and chest rigidity leading to ventilator difficulties. None of the children were suspected to be ultra-rapid metabolizers, and one case led to death. Overdoses can lead to death and must maintain practitioners on alert because of the increasing use of tramadol in the paediatric population. The handling of the bottles should be explained to families and Naloxone could be efficient when opioids signs.