Diabetic amyotrophy in a teenage boy.

CASE REPORT. A 16-year old boy was admitted following an overdose of 48 tablets of diclofenac 100 mg, 20 tablets of codeine phosphate 30 mg and 40 tablets of paracetamol 500 mg. He was alert and felt well on admission. General examination was normal. His serum paracetamol level on arrival was 34 mg/I, which did not justify treatment with acetyl cysteine. Serum sodium, potassium and urea were normal. He was treated conservatively and observed overnight. On further questioning the patient revealed that the reason for his overdose was increasing clumsiness in his legs over the preceding six months which had halted a promising athletic career and had led to him being the focus of teasing at school. His home situation seemed to be supportive and caring, and no other cause for his attempted suicide was apparent.