Abstract

JASSO-GUTIERREZ, Luis. Integral approach of consumption and drug administration in a Mexican pediatric population. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2010, vol.67, n.5, pp.399-415. ISSN 1665-1146.

Background. In the absence of a comprehensive analysis of the pediatric age population, a classification is proposed that analyzes the use or administration of drugs in three stages: (1) intrauterine; (2) newborn to school-age and (3) adolescence, with special emphasis on the Mexican population. Methods. Information was searched for in Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, INBIOMED, LILACS, and ARTEMISA. Results. Stage 1 describes the effects of maternal drugs on the fetus such as fetal death, withdrawal syndrome, prematurity, and learning disorders. Stage 2 reports the damage due to the administration by the parents of overthe-counter (OTC) medications such as opioids, dextromethorphan, or psychostimulants. Stage 3 emphasizes that drug use among adolescents has increased in recent years and is accentuated in older ages. In 2008 it was reported as 5.7%, with marijuana, cocaine, inhalants and heroin being dominant. Conclusions. We propose to conduct a national survey in Mexico that includes the three stages, extending the investigation of stage 3 by 7 years to 21 years. Simultaneously, a national outreach and educational program should be established, enabling an intelligent and permanent impact on the population as a whole.

Keywords : drug use in children; drug use in adolescents; three stages of drug use in children.

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