Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2001
Epidemiology of acute carbon monoxide poisoning in a Spanish region.
In Spain, as in most of the world, the incidence of acute carbon monoxide poisoning is probably underestimated. ⋯ Compared with previous Spanish series or with the antecedent year, acute carbon monoxide poisoning has a high prevalence in our region. Two factors appear to be essential to the accurate diagnosis of acute carbon monoxide poisoning: 1) the ability of emergency room physicians to recognize the clinical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and 2) access to a carbon monoxide-oximeter.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2000
ReviewMechanisms of toxicity, clinical features, and management of acute chlorophenoxy herbicide poisoning: a review.
Chlorophenoxy herbicides are used widely for the control of broad-leaved weeds. They exhibit a variety of mechanisms of toxicity including dose-dependent cell membrane damage, uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, and disruption of acetylcoenzyme A metabolism. Between January 1962 and January 1999, 66 cases of chlorophenoxy herbicide poisoning following ingestion were reported in the literature. FEATURES FOLLOWING INGESTION: Adjuvants in the formulations may have contributed to some of the features observed. Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and, occasionally, gastrointestinal hemorrhage were early effects. When present, hypotension was predominantly due to intravascular volume loss, although vasodilation and direct myocardial toxicity may have contributed in some cases. Neurotoxic features included coma, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, ataxia, nystagmus, miosis, hallucinations, convulsions, fasciculation, and paralysis. Hypoventilation occurred not infrequently, usually in association with central nervous system depression, but respiratory muscle weakness was a factor in the development of respiratory failure in some patients. Myopathic symptoms including limb muscle weakness, loss of tendon reflexes, and myotonia were observed and increased creatine kinase activity was noted in some cases. Other clinical features reported included metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, increased aminotransferase activities, pyrexia, and hyperventilation. Twenty-two of 66 patients died. FEATURES FOLLOWING DERMAL AND INHALATIONAL EXPOSURE: Substantial dermal or inhalational 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid exposure has occasionally led to systemic features but no such reports have been published in the last 20 years and no fatalities have been reported at any time. Substantial dermal exposure has been reported to cause mild gastrointestinal irritation after a latent period followed by progressive mixed sensory-motor peripheral neuropathy. Mild, transient gastrointestinal and peripheral neuromuscular symptoms have also occurred after occupational inhalation exposure, with or without dermal exposure. ⋯ While chlorophenoxy herbicide poisoning is uncommon, ingestion of a chlorophenoxy herbicide can result in serious and sometimes fatal sequelae. In severe cases of poisoning, alkaline diuresis or hemodialysis to increase herbicide elimination should be considered.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2000
Review Case ReportsIntermediate syndrome after malathion ingestion despite continuous infusion of pralidoxime.
A 33-year-old female ingested an unknown quantity of malathion in a suicide attempt. Cholinergic signs consistent with severe organ, phosphate intoxication developed and were treated within 6 hours of ingestion. Intravenous atropine and a continuous infusion of pralidoxime (400 mg/h) were administered. ⋯ Despite an initial clinical improvement and the presence of plasma pralidoxime concentrations exceeding 4 microg/mL, the patient developed profound motor paralysis consistent with the diagnosis of Intermediate Syndrome. In addition to the dose and frequency of pralidoxime administration, other factors including persistence of organophosphate in the body, the chemical structure of the ingested organophosphate, and the time elapsed between ingestion and treatment may limit the effectiveness of pralidoxime as an antidote in organophosphate ingestions. This case study suggests that these factors should be taken into account in assessing the risk of Intermediate Syndrome after intentional organophosphate ingestions.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2000
Case ReportsHigh-efficiency dialysis for carbamazepine overdose.
Carbamazepine intoxication is associated with seizures, coma, arrhythmias, and death. In acute intoxications, charcoal hemoperfusion enhances removal of the drug but is associated with thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, hypothermia, and hypocalcemia. Alternatively, high-efficiency hemodialysis can be used without the side effects of charcoal hemoperfusion. ⋯ We report an 18-month-old comatose, convulsing child with plasma carbamazepine 27 microg/mL treated with high efficiency hemodialysis. Therapeutic carbamazepine levels were obtained after 4.5 hours of high-efficiency hemodialysis. The patient developed no untoward side effects, improved clinically, and was subsequently discharged home without sequelae. We conclude that high-efficiency hemodialysis is a safe, effective alternative to charcoal hemoperfusion in the pediatric population.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2000
Inadequate stocking of antidotes in Taiwan: is it a serious problem?
Insufficient hospital stock of a variety of poisoning antidotes is a worldwide problem. In an attempt to establish an antidote storage and distribution system for the response of the various poisoning accidents, we conducted a nationwide survey to characterize the current availability of selected antidotes and their anticipated need in Taiwan. ⋯ The appropriate storage of antidotes in hospitals or workplaces in rural areas is instrumental in the timely treatment of certain poisonings, while nationwide unavailability is the critical problem. Raising awareness of the importance of antidotes by education, regular review of antidote storage, distribution plans, and appropriate legislation might provide solutions.