Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology
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The incidence and outcome of patients who undergo therapeutic hypothermia (TH) after toxin-induced cardiac arrest (TICA) is not previously described. Our study aimed to describe the incidence, epidemiologic characteristics, and outcomes of patients who experience TICA in a dedicated clinical pathway for post-cardiac arrest care between November 2007 and February 2013. All patients were treated in an evidence-based clinical pathway that included TH. ⋯ Patients who suffered TICA were slightly younger, less likely to have an initial shockable rhythm, and less likely to receive bystander CPR as compared to non-toxic cases. TICA accounted for a significant proportion of patients in this study. Additional, larger studies are needed to fully elucidate the optimal role for TH in TICA.
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Bupropion inhibits the uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Clinical effects in overdose include seizure, status epilepticus, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock. ⋯ These are the first cases of bupropion toxicity treated with veno-arterial EMCO (VA-ECMO) in which bupropion toxicity is supported by confirmatory testing. Both cases demonstrate the effectiveness of VA-ECMO in poisoned patients with severe cardiogenic shock or cardiopulmonary failure.