Accidental Ingestion of Dapsone in Children - A Case Report Experienced in Government Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Dapsone (4, 4-diaminodiphenylsulfone), a sulfonamide derivative, was introduced in 1943 as an effective chemotherapeutic agent for leprosy [1][2][3]. Dapsone is increasingly used in the treatment of a wide variety of dermatological disorders in tropical world [4,5]. Because of its use in various conditions, its toxicity is commonly seen in adults [4]. However, dapsone intoxication in children is usually accidental and has been considered invariably fatal [6,7]. Methemoglobinemia is the major life-threatening situation associated with poisoning of DDS [8]. In initial stages of acute poisoning, there will not be any major manifestations and hence there may be delay in seeking medical attention [9]. Here we report a case of accidental severe dapsone poisoning with methemoglobinemia with sinus arrhythmia.