Drugs of abuse in hair: application in pediatric patients.

Background: We are describing a case of pediatric maltreatment. A 3-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room because of drowsiness that was caused by what his parents described as an 'accidental' intake of a powder contained in a plastic wrapper that was found in a park.

Methods: Urine immunochemical screening for drugs of abuse showed a positive result for opiate exposure. Despite the described 'accident,' the physician suspected abuse and ordered a hair analysis to verify possible intake of drugs of abuse. The child's hair was analyzed along its whole length for drugs of abuse using gas chromatography mass spectrometry in accordance with international guidelines.

Results And Discussion: Morphine and 6-acetylmorphine were identified, and the doctor informed the city's juvenile court. The boy's family was involved with social services for a period of observation to confirm suspected prolonged abuse. Hair analysis proves to be a useful tool for periodical examination of drug exposure to protect children from significant health and social risks.