A STUDY OF PREVALENCE, PATTERN AND OUTCOME OF DRUG INDUCED DYSTONIA IN CHILDREN: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern and outcome of Drug induced dystonia in children. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at Pediatric department from September 2020 to June 2021. A total number of 130 children (60 females and 70 males), the mean age of 5.7±4.2 years (range 1-15 years) with drug induced dystonia were recruited from Emergency and outpatient department and treated with benzodiazepine in emergency department. All patients were followed for 9 months and there was no recurrence of dystonia at the last follow-up. Results: Prevalence rate of drug induced dystonia was 0.051% (130/2520). The most frequent causes of drug- induced dystonic reactions were antipsychotics (46.15%) and antiemetics (46.15%). 46.15 % cases of dystonia were seen with anti-emetic drugs, 46.15% with anti-psychotic drugs and 7.69 % with other drugs. 7.69% cases of Opisthotonos dystonia, 53.84% of cases of dystonia in posturing of head and neck and 38.46% of cases in abnormal posturing in head, neck and limb were seen. There were 61.53% cases of drug over dose in our study. All the patients (100%) had complete resolution within 48 h of admission and were discharged. Conclusion: Drug induced dystonia in children were common with antiemetics and antipsychotics either with therapeutic dose or overdose. Benzodiazepines and diphenhydramine were more effective drugs in the treatment of drug induced dystonia in children.