Atropine therapy and paralytic ileus in an infant.

Signs of intestinal obstruction developed in a 2-month-old infant with trisomy 21 during atropine therapy. Radiographic evaluation strongly suggested Hirschsprung's disease, but rectal biopsy yielded normal histologic results. Following cessation of atropine use, the symptoms resolved completely. This case report demonstrates the association between atropine therapy and intestinal ileus. Caution is advised when using topical atropine therapy in children, especially those with Down's syndrome.