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) · Dec 2019
A review of 4652 exposures to liquid laundry detergent capsules reported to the United Kingdom National Poisons Information Service 2008-2018.
Introduction: Liquid laundry detergent capsules contain concentrated liquid laundry detergent in a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol membrane. Objective: To review 4652 exposures reported to the United Kingdom National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) and to assess the impact of regulatory changes on potential toxicity. Methods: Telephone enquiries to the NPIS and returned questionnaires for these products were analyzed for the period January 2008 to December 2018. ⋯ The most commonly reported features in the 127 cases with PSS ≥2 were vomiting (n = 75), stridor (n = 34), CNS depression (n = 22), keratitis/corneal damage (n = 21), coughing (n = 18), conjunctivitis (n = 13), hypersalivation (n = 12), foaming from the mouth (n = 11) and hypoxemia (n = 11). However, respiratory features (stridor, hypoxemia, bronchospasm, respiratory distress, dyspnea, pulmonary aspiration and tachypnea) were the reason for grading 56 of 127 cases as PSS ≥2. Conclusions: This large data set of 4652 exposures is reassuring in that 97.2% of exposures resulted in no or only minor features, only 107 patients suffered moderate features (PSS 2) and 19 severe (PSS 3) features; one patient died.
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Clin Toxicol (Phila) · Dec 2019
ReviewConsensus statements on the approach to patients in a methanol poisoning outbreak.
Background: Methanol poisoning is an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although it often occurs as smaller sporadic events, epidemic outbreaks are not uncommon due to the illicit manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. Objective: We aimed to define methanol poisoning outbreak (MPO), outline an approach to triaging an MPO, and define criteria for prioritizing antidotes, extracorporeal elimination treatments (i.e., dialysis), and indications for transferring patients in the context of an MPO. ⋯ Transporting extracorporeal treatment equipment and antidotes may be more efficient. Conclusion: We have developed consensus statements on the response to a methanol poisoning outbreak. These can be used in any country and will be most effective when they are discussed by health authorities and clinicians prior to an outbreak.