Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology
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For years, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) had supported home use of syrup of Ipecac. However, due to mounting evidence that Ipecac use did not improve outcome nor reduce Emergency Department (ED) referrals, the AAP in November of 2003 issued a statement that Ipecac not be used for the home management of poison ingestion. To determine if the cessation of the use of Ipecac for home ingestions is associated with an increased number of follow-up calls, an increased time of observation at home and an increase in the number of ED referrals for care by poison center staff were administered. ⋯ While prior studies have shown that not using Ipecac did not affect clinical outcome, our research suggested that it may have initially influenced triaging outcome. Since the use of Ipecac by centers was once a commonly used home remedy for some ingestions (albeit without rigorously established efficacy), poison center personnel had to transition to the "no Ipecac" policy. Although our referrals increased during a transitional period of time, referral rates have since stabilized and returned to baseline.
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Salicylates are common exposures. We report an unusual case of salicylate ingestion, as salsalate, with resolution of symptoms and return of salicylate levels to non-toxic values, with a subsequent, unexpected recrudescence to toxic levels requiring reinstitution of therapy. A 31-year-old man ingested unknown amounts of salsalate, hydroxyzine, and a benzodiazepine. ⋯ He was treated with sodium bicarbonate and charcoal, which resulted in decreased serum salicylate to therapeutic levels. Salicylate ingestions are known to exhibit unusual toxicokinetics and absorption in overdose; however, this is the first case we are aware of that shows a return to toxic concentrations after apparent resolution of toxicity. Recrudescence of salicylate concentrations to a degree that would dictate reinstitution of therapy for overdose is unusual and may warrant prolonged monitoring of serum salicylate concentrations in salsalate ingestions.
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Poisoning is the second leading cause of injury-related fatality in the USA and the leading cause of cardiac arrest in victims under 40 years of age. The study objective was to define the electrocardiographic (ECG) predictors of adverse cardiovascular events (ACVE) complicating suspected acute poisoning (SAP). This was a case-control study in adults at three tertiary-care hospitals and one regional Poison Control Center. ⋯ Independent predictors of ACVE based on multivariable logistic regression were prolonged QTc, any non-sinus rhythm, ventricular ectopy, and ischemia. Recursive partitioning analysis identified very low risk criteria (94.1% sensitivity, 96.2% NPV) and high risk criteria (95% specificity). Among patients with SAP, the presence of QTc prolongation, QT dispersion, ventricular ectopy, any non-sinus rhythm, and evidence of ischemia on the initial ECG are strongly associated with ACVE.
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Case Reports
Massive ethylene glycol ingestion treated with fomepizole alone-a viable therapeutic option.
Fomepizole is used to treat and prevent toxicity from ethylene glycol poisoning. Treatment with fomepizole without hemodialysis in massive ethylene glycol ingestion has been rarely reported in the literature; however, published literature and practice guidelines recommend considering dialysis for ethylene glycol levels >50 mg/dL. We report a case of massive ethylene glycol ingestion resulting in the highest serum ethylene glycol concentration in a patient without ethanol co-ingestion who was treated with fomepizole and was not hemodialyzed. ⋯ Published literature and practice guidelines suggests considering hemodialysis initiation in patients with an ethylene glycol level > 50 mg/dL. This recommendation is anecdotally, rather than evidence, based. With the potential risks inherent in hemodialysis, our case provides evidence that treatment with fomepizole without hemodialysis appears to be a viable alternative option in patients with even extremely high plasma ethylene glycol concentrations as long as their renal function is intact.
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Case Reports
Acute chloroform ingestion successfully treated with intravenously administered N-acetylcysteine.
Chloroform, a halogenated hydrocarbon, causes central nervous system depression, cardiac arrhythmias, and hepatotoxicity. We describe a case of chloroform ingestion with a confirmatory serum level and resultant hepatotoxicity successfully treated with intravenously administered N-acetylcysteine (NAC). A 19-year-old man attempting suicide ingested approximately 75 mL of chloroform. ⋯ Previous reports describe survival after treatment with orally administered NAC, we report the first use of intravenously administered NAC for chloroform ingestion. Acute oral ingestion of chloroform is extremely rare. Our case illustrates that with appropriate supportive care, patients can recover from chloroform ingestion, and intravenously administered NAC may be of benefit in such cases.