Veterinary and human toxicology
-
Eye/skin chemical splashes are a significant problem. Diphoterine is an hypertonic, polyvalent, amphoteric compound developed in France as an eye/skin chemical splash water-based decontamination solution. In vitro and in vivo, it actively decontaminates approximately 600 chemicals, including acids, alkalis, oxidizing and reducing agents, irritants, lacrimators, solvents, alkylating agents, and radionuclides. ⋯ Diphoterine chemical reactions are not exothermic. Diphoterine and its acid/alkali decontamination residues are not irritating to the eyes or skin; it is essentially nontoxic. Diphoterine can prevent eye/skin burns following chemical splashes and results in nearly immediate pain relief.
-
We used exchange transfusion as an alternative to hemodialysis in an infant with severe salicylism. A 4-mo old, 5 kg male was presented to a local hospital with acute vomiting, tachypnea, hyperpnea and intermittent agitation and lethargy. Shortly after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure he passed several tablets in his stool. ⋯ There were no complications. The patient recovered completely to his pre-morbid state. Double volume exchange transfusion was used safely as an effective alternative to hemodialysis in this case of severe infant salicylate poisoning.
-
Previous reports of gabapentin overdose have described mild symptoms of somnolence, ataxia and slurred speech. Quetiapine has produced a false positive for cyclic antidepressants on immunoassay drugscreens. Quetiapine overdose is associated with coma, QTc prolongation and hypotension. We report a case of massive gabapentin and presumptive quetiapine overdose with the highest recorded serum gabapentin concentration (104.5 u/ml) associated with coma, respiratory depression requiring mechanical ventilation, and hypotension.
-
Scopolia extract (SE) contains hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which are both anticholinergic. It is usually used as a patent medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders, to relieve spasmotic discomfort, or to decrease the secretion of gastric acid. ⋯ We report a case of severe anticholinergic poisoning after accidentally drinking 8 ml of SE. The patient presented with acute delirium and was successfully treated with physostigmine.
-
Chlorine gas exposure is uncommon in children and when it occurs usually results in mild ocular, oropharyngeal, or respiratory symptoms. Occasionally, however, chlorine gas poisoning may cause severe pulmonay toxicity. We report the case of a 14-y-old boy with a history of asthma who was exposed to chlorine gas as a result of an ill-advised science experiment. ⋯ He was treated with positive pressure ventilation, beta-adrenergic agonists, and corticosteroids. After 19 d, he was extubated and subsequently made an excellent recovery. We discuss his case and review the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment and possible long-term sequelae of chlorine gas toxicity.