Clinical toxicology : the official journal of the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists
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Clin Toxicol (Phila) · Jun 2008
Case ReportsFinding needles in a haystack: a case series of carbon monoxide poisoning detected using new technology in the emergency department.
The diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult because the symptoms are nonspecific and may mimic other illnesses. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, the standard test at this time is venous or arterial carboxyhemoglobin levels. A new device, the Rad-57 pulse CO-oximeter (Masimo Inc.), can measure carboxyhemoglobin levels non-invasively at emergency department triage. ⋯ The non-invasive pulse CO-oximeter could be a major triage tool for identifying unsuspected carbon monoxide poisoning among patients with nonspecific symptoms.
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Clin Toxicol (Phila) · Jun 2008
Case ReportsProlonged severe hypotension following combined amlodipine and valsartan ingestion.
Compared to other calcium channel blockers (CCBs), overdose with dihydropyridine CCBs are considered relatively benign due to their vascular selectivity. Although not a sustained-release preparation, amlodipine's prolonged duration of effect is concerning following overdose. In addition, angiotensin II receptor blocker blunting of vasoconstrictive and sympathetic compensatory responses could exacerbate calcium channel blocker toxicity. We describe severe toxicity associated with an overdose of amlodipine and valsartan. ⋯ Co-ingestion of amlodipine with valsartan produced profound toxicity. Early institution of HIE therapy may be beneficial to reverse these effects.
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To examine the costs of acute poisoning patients admitted to an intensive care unit. ⋯ Poisoned patients admitted to an intensive care unit represent a considerable cost for the health care system in Turkey.