Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Mostrar: 20 | 50 | 100
Resultados 1 - 20 de 32
Filtrar
Mais filtros

Base de dados
País/Região como assunto
Tipo de documento
País de afiliação
Intervalo de ano de publicação
1.
Intern Med J ; 52(10): 1724-1732, 2022 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34029427

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The chronic recreational inhalation of nitrous oxide (N2 O) 'nanging', can have adverse neurological and psychiatric effects. AIM: To evaluate cases of chronic N2 O use presenting to two hospitals, as well as to evaluate nationally N2 O deaths reported to the coroner and trends in Internet searches and social media posts related to N2 O. METHODS: Retrospective review of two toxicology units, from July 2017 to October 2020, of patients presenting with chronic N2 O use and neurological and/or psychiatric symptoms. We evaluated 10 years (2010-2019) of Internet search and social media trends involving N2 O and the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) database for deaths across Australia. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were identified: median age 22 years, half female, 17 Asian background and 15 students. Presentations included decreased mobility or unsteady gait (n = 15) and psychiatric symptoms (n = 5). The median reported bulb use/day was 300 (interquartile range (IQR): 200-370), for a median of 6 months (IQR: 3-24). On magnetic resonance imaging, 10/18 had subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord and 7/7 sensorimotor neuropathy on nerve conduction studies. All received high-dose intramuscular vitamin B12 and 11 methionine. Despite prolonged rehabilitation, nine required walking aids on discharge. Since 2017, social media posts and Internet searches for N2 O increased rapidly, the latter mostly directed at obtaining N2 O canisters. From the NCIS, 36 deaths were identified, 12 unintentional (recreational drug use), 20 intentional self-harm and 4 traumatic. CONCLUSION: We report a case series of symptomatic chronic N2 O use, many with ongoing neurological sequelae. Furthermore, a sharp increase in Internet searches to obtain N2 O cannisters was noted. Education of high-risk student groups on the long-term sequelae is important.


Assuntos
Mídias Sociais , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Adulto Jovem , Médicos Legistas , Internet , Metionina , Óxido Nitroso/efeitos adversos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/epidemiologia , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/complicações , Vitaminas
2.
Kidney Int ; 100(4): 720-736, 2021 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34358487

RESUMO

Baclofen toxicity results from intentional self-poisoning (acute baclofen poisoning) or accumulation of therapeutic dose in the setting of impaired kidney function. Standard care includes baclofen discontinuation, respiratory support and seizure treatment. Use of extracorporeal treatments (ECTRs) is controversial. To clarify this, a comprehensive review of the literature on the effect of ECTRs in baclofen toxicity was performed and recommendations following EXTRIP methods were formulated based on 43 studies (1 comparative cohort, 1 aggregate results cohort, 1 pharmacokinetic modeling, and 40 patient reports or series). Toxicokinetic data were available for 20 patients. Baclofen's dialyzability is limited by a high endogenous clearance and a short half-life in patients with normal kidney function. The workgroup assessed baclofen as "Moderately dialyzable" by intermittent hemodialysis for patients with normal kidney function (quality of evidence C) and "Dialyzable" for patients with impaired kidney function (quality of evidence C). Clinical data were available for 25 patients with acute baclofen poisoning and 46 patients with toxicity from therapeutic baclofen in kidney impairment. No deaths or sequelae were reported. Mortality in historical controls was rare. No benefit of ECTR was identified in patients with acute baclofen poisoning. Indirect evidence suggests a benefit of ECTR in reducing the duration of toxic encephalopathy from therapeutic baclofen in kidney impairment. These potential benefits were balanced against added costs and harms related to the insertion of a catheter, the procedure itself, and the potential of baclofen withdrawal. Thus, the EXTRIP workgroup suggests against performing ECTR in addition to standard care for acute baclofen poisoning and suggests performing ECTR in toxicity from therapeutic baclofen in kidney impairment, especially in the presence of coma requiring mechanical ventilation.


Assuntos
Overdose de Drogas , Intoxicação , Baclofeno , Estudos de Coortes , Overdose de Drogas/terapia , Humanos , Intoxicação/terapia , Diálise Renal , Convulsões
3.
J Am Soc Nephrol ; 31(10): 2475-2489, 2020 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32963091

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Although chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and quinine are used for a range of medical conditions, recent research suggested a potential role in treating COVID-19. The resultant increase in prescribing was accompanied by an increase in adverse events, including severe toxicity and death. The Extracorporeal Treatments in Poisoning (EXTRIP) workgroup sought to determine the effect of and indications for extracorporeal treatments in cases of poisoning with these drugs. METHODS: We conducted systematic reviews of the literature, screened studies, extracted data, and summarized findings following published EXTRIP methods. RESULTS: A total of 44 studies (three in vitro studies, two animal studies, 28 patient reports or patient series, and 11 pharmacokinetic studies) met inclusion criteria regarding the effect of extracorporeal treatments. Toxicokinetic or pharmacokinetic analysis was available for 61 patients (13 chloroquine, three hydroxychloroquine, and 45 quinine). Clinical data were available for analysis from 38 patients, including 12 with chloroquine toxicity, one with hydroxychloroquine toxicity, and 25 with quinine toxicity. All three drugs were classified as non-dialyzable (not amenable to clinically significant removal by extracorporeal treatments). The available data do not support using extracorporeal treatments in addition to standard care for patients severely poisoned with either chloroquine or quinine (strong recommendation, very low quality of evidence). Although hydroxychloroquine was assessed as being non-dialyzable, the clinical evidence was not sufficient to support a formal recommendation regarding the use of extracorporeal treatments for this drug. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our systematic review and analysis, the EXTRIP workgroup recommends against using extracorporeal methods to enhance elimination of these drugs in patients with severe chloroquine or quinine poisoning.


Assuntos
Cloroquina/intoxicação , Infecções por Coronavirus/tratamento farmacológico , Hidroxicloroquina/intoxicação , Pneumonia Viral/tratamento farmacológico , Guias de Prática Clínica como Assunto , Quinina/intoxicação , Diálise Renal/métodos , COVID-19 , Cloroquina/uso terapêutico , Infecções por Coronavirus/complicações , Infecções por Coronavirus/diagnóstico , Infecções por Coronavirus/epidemiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Hidroxicloroquina/uso terapêutico , Masculino , Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde , Pandemias/estatística & dados numéricos , Pneumonia Viral/diagnóstico , Pneumonia Viral/epidemiologia , Intoxicação/terapia , Quinina/uso terapêutico , Diálise Renal/estatística & dados numéricos , Medição de Risco , Estados Unidos , Tratamento Farmacológico da COVID-19
4.
Australas Psychiatry ; 26(1): 50-55, 2018 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28836822

RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: There is an increased rate of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in mental health patients. Some antipsychotic medications are known to prolong the QT interval, thus increasing a patient's risk of SCD via the arrhythmia, torsades de pointes (TdP). Our aim was to evaluate assessment for QT prolongation within a public inpatient mental health facility by auditing electrocardiograph (ECG) use. METHODS: We reviewed records of all mental health inpatient admissions to a public emergency mental health inpatient unit between 1 January 2016 and 11 February 2016. ECG availability was noted and QT interval was manually measured and assessed for risk of TdP using the QT nomogram when present. Demographic information and medication use was collected. RESULTS: Of 263 mental health inpatient admissions, 50 (19%) presentations had an ECG. A total of four (8%) had a prolonged QT interval. Of the 50 patients with an ECG, 12 (24%) were taking medication known to prolong the QT interval. CONCLUSIONS: There was very limited risk assessment for QT prolongation in a public hospital psychiatric inpatient unit, with less than 20% of patients having an ECG performed. Our study supports an association between QT-prolonging drugs and a clinically significant prolonged QT interval; however, a larger study with routine ECG screening is required.


Assuntos
Antipsicóticos/efeitos adversos , Eletrocardiografia/métodos , Hospitais Psiquiátricos , Pacientes Internados , Síndrome do QT Longo/diagnóstico , Transtornos Mentais/terapia , Torsades de Pointes/diagnóstico , Eletrocardiografia/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Síndrome do QT Longo/induzido quimicamente , Torsades de Pointes/induzido quimicamente
5.
J Emerg Med ; 52(2): 194-196, 2017 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27838137

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Intentional poisoning with warfarin is not the same as over-anticoagulation, for which guidelines exist. The coagulopathy resulting from a warfarin overdose is reversed with vitamin K1, the dose and timing of which is often guided by experience with the management of over-anticoagulation with warfarin therapy, rather than acute overdose. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 50-year-old man who ingested an unknown amount of his warfarin, venlafaxine, and paracetamol. He presented with an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5, which steadily increased over 24 h to 7, despite receiving an initial 1 mg of vitamin K1. He was then treated with 5 mg vitamin K1, and once the INR returned to 4.5, 40 h post ingestion, he was discharged home. He was also treated with a full course of acetylcysteine for the paracetamol overdose. The following day his INR rebounded to 8.5 and he suffered a spontaneous epistaxis requiring readmission; he was treated with low titrated doses of vitamin K1. The warfarin concentration was 74.6 µg/mL 26 h post ingestion and decreased to 3.7 µg/mL over 72 h. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Our case highlights the risk of a rebound elevated INR even 3 days after acute warfarin overdose despite treatment with vitamin K1. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of vitamin K1 in comparison with warfarin, repeat INR testing, and continued treatment with oral vitamin K1 may help avoid complications of rebound coagulopathy in warfarin overdose.


Assuntos
Depressão/complicações , Varfarina/intoxicação , Acetaminofen/farmacologia , Acetaminofen/uso terapêutico , Acetilcisteína/farmacologia , Acetilcisteína/uso terapêutico , Alcoolismo/complicações , Anticoagulantes/farmacologia , Anticoagulantes/intoxicação , Anticoagulantes/uso terapêutico , Depressão/psicologia , Overdose de Drogas/complicações , Overdose de Drogas/tratamento farmacológico , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência/organização & administração , Humanos , Coeficiente Internacional Normatizado , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Suicídio/psicologia , Cloridrato de Venlafaxina/farmacologia , Cloridrato de Venlafaxina/uso terapêutico , Vitamina K/farmacologia , Vitamina K/uso terapêutico , Varfarina/uso terapêutico
6.
Br J Clin Pharmacol ; 82(1): 249-54, 2016 07.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26945707

RESUMO

AIMS: Morbidity and mortality from drug overdose has decreased over three decades. This is credited to safer drugs and therefore better outcomes in overdose. We aimed to investigate changing prescriptions of antipsychotic medications and associated changes in antipsychotic overdoses over a 26-year period. METHODS: All antipsychotic poisoning presentations to a tertiary referral toxicology unit between 1987 and 2012 were reviewed. Data were collected prospectively on demographics, ingestion information, clinical effects, complications and treatment. Rates of antipsychotic drug use in Australia were obtained from Australian government publications for 1990-2011 and linked to overdose admissions by postcode. RESULTS: There were 3180 antipsychotic overdoses: 1235 first generation antipsychotics, 1695 'atypical' second generation antipsychotics and 250 lithium overdoses. Over 26 years, antipsychotic overdoses increased 1.8-fold, with first generation antipsychotics decreasing to one-fifth of their peak (≈80/year to 16) and second generation antipsychotics increasing to double this (≈160/year), olanzapine and quetiapine accounting for 78%. All antipsychotic overdoses had a median length of stay of 18.6 h, 15.7% admitted to intensive care unit, 10.4% ventilated and 0.13% died in hospital, which was the same for first generation compared to second generation antipsychotics. There was a 2.3-fold increase in antipsychotic prescriptions over the same period; first generation antipsychotics declined whereas there was a dramatic rise in second generation antipsychotics, mainly olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone (79%). CONCLUSION: Over 26 years there was an increase in antipsychotic prescribing associated with an increase in antipsychotic overdoses. Although the type of antipsychotics changed, the morbidity and mortality remained the same, so that antipsychotics are an increasing proportion of overdose admissions.


Assuntos
Antipsicóticos/administração & dosagem , Overdose de Drogas/epidemiologia , Hospitalização/estatística & dados numéricos , Padrões de Prática Médica/tendências , Adulto , Idoso , Antipsicóticos/intoxicação , Austrália/epidemiologia , Overdose de Drogas/mortalidade , Feminino , Humanos , Tempo de Internação , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Padrões de Prática Médica/normas , Estudos Prospectivos , Adulto Jovem
7.
Ann Emerg Med ; 66(2): 154-64, 2015 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25639523

RESUMO

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Antipsychotic drugs are frequently reported to cause QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. We aim to investigate the potential risk of torsade de pointes in antipsychotic overdose by assessing the QT interval with the QT nomogram. METHODS: All presentations to a toxicology service between January 1987 and May 2013 were reviewed. Admissions with single ingestions of an antipsychotic greater than maximum daily dose were extracted. Demographics, dose, ECG, and outcomes (arrhythmias and death) were obtained. QT intervals in multiple leads were manually measured and the median taken. QT-heart rate (QT-HR) pairs were plotted on the QT nomogram and defined as prolonged if above the abnormal line. The QTcF (Fridericia's HR correction) was calculated and compared with dose. RESULTS: From 2,356 antipsychotic overdoses, 494 were included. There were no abnormal QT-HR pairs in 4 aripiprazole, 31 pericyazine, 14 trifluoperazine, and 7 haloperidol overdoses. Abnormal QT intervals occurred in 9 of 16 amisulpride overdoses (56%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 31% to 79%), 16 of 57 thioridazine overdoses (28%; 95% CI 17% to 42%), and 5 of 29 chlorpromazine overdoses (17%; 95% CI 7% to 36%). Abnormal QT intervals occurred in 5 of 41 risperidone overdoses (12%; 95% CI 5% to 27%), 10 of 202 quetiapine overdoses (5%; 95% CI 3% to 9%), and 2 of 76 olanzapine overdoses (3%; 95% CI 0.5% to 10%), but there was no correlation between dose and QTcF, and most abnormal QT intervals were at fast HR. An additional 186 single antipsychotic ingestions with noncardiotoxic coingestants had similar proportions of abnormal QT. There was 1 case of torsade de pointes in a thioridazine overdose. CONCLUSION: There appeared to be significant risk of QT prolongation with amisulpride and thioridazine overdoses. Although there were abnormal QT intervals for quetiapine, olanzapine, and risperidone overdoses, they were associated with tachycardia and not dose dependent, and so were unlikely to be associated with increased torsade de pointes risk.


Assuntos
Antipsicóticos/intoxicação , Overdose de Drogas/diagnóstico , Eletrocardiografia/métodos , Síndrome do QT Longo/induzido quimicamente , Nomogramas , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Amissulprida , Overdose de Drogas/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Humanos , Síndrome do QT Longo/diagnóstico , Síndrome do QT Longo/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Retrospectivos , Medição de Risco/métodos , Sulpirida/análogos & derivados , Sulpirida/intoxicação , Taquicardia/induzido quimicamente , Taquicardia/diagnóstico , Taquicardia/fisiopatologia , Tioridazina/intoxicação , Torsades de Pointes/induzido quimicamente , Torsades de Pointes/diagnóstico , Torsades de Pointes/fisiopatologia , Adulto Jovem
8.
Aust Fam Physician ; 44(1-2): 28-32, 2015.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25688956

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Marine stings are common but most are minor and do not require medical intervention. Severe and systemic marine envenoming is uncommon, but includes box jellyfish stings, Irukandji syndrome, major stingray trauma and blue-ringed octopus envenoming. Almost all marine injuries are caused by jellyfish stings, and penetrating injuries from spiny fish, stingrays or sea urchins. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the presentation and management of marine envenomations and injuries that may occur in Australia. DISCUSSION: First aid for jellyfish includes tentacle removal, application of vinegar for box jellyfish, and hot water immersion (45°C for 20 min) for bluebottle jellyfish stings. Basic life support is essential for severe marine envenomings that result in cardiac collapse or paralysis. Irukandji syndrome causes severe generalised pain, autonomic excess and minimal local pain, which may require large amounts of analgesia, and, uncommonly, myocardial depression and pulmonary oedema occur. Penetrating marine injuries can cause significant trauma depending on location of the injury. Large and unclean wounds may have delayed healing and secondary infection if not adequately irrigated, debrided and observed.


Assuntos
Primeiros Socorros/métodos , Peçonhas/efeitos adversos , Animais , Austrália , Mordeduras e Picadas/complicações , Mordeduras e Picadas/terapia , Cubomedusas/patogenicidade , Venenos de Peixe/intoxicação , Humanos , Mordeduras de Serpentes/patologia , Mordeduras de Serpentes/terapia , Peçonhas/farmacologia
9.
Clin Toxicol (Phila) ; 62(6): 372-377, 2024 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38889430

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Chlorpromazine, one of the oldest antipsychotic medications, remains widely available and is still taken in overdose. We aimed to investigate the clinical effects of chlorpromazine overdose and determine if there is a relationship between the reported dose ingested and intensive care unit admission or endotracheal intubation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to our toxicology tertiary referral hospital with chlorpromazine overdose (reported dose ingested greater than 300 mg) between 1987 and 2023. We extracted demographic information, details of ingestion, clinical effects and complications (Glasgow Coma Scale, hypotension [systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg], delirium, dysrhythmias), length of stay, intensive care unit admission, and endotracheal intubation. RESULTS: There were 218 chlorpromazine overdose cases, with presentations decreasing in frequency over the 36 years. The median age at presentation was 32 years (interquartile range: 25-40 years) and 143 (61 per cent) were female. The median reported dose ingested was 1,250 mg (interquartile range; 700-2,500 mg). The majority of presentations (135; 62 per cent) involved reported co-ingestion of other medications, typically benzodiazepines, paracetamol or antipsychotics. There were 76 (35 per cent) chlorpromazine alone ingestions in which there was a slightly higher median reported dose ingested of 1,650 mg (interquartile range: 763-3,000 mg) compared to the reported co-ingestion group, median reported dose ingested of 1,200 mg (interquartile range: 700-2,100 mg). Of all presentations, 36 (27 per cent) had a Glasgow Coma Scale less than 9, 50 (23 per cent) were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 32 (15 per cent) were endotracheally intubated. There was a significant difference in the median reported dose ingested between patients intubated (2,000 mg; interquartile range: 1,388-3,375 mg) and those not intubated (1,200 mg; interquartile range: 644-2,050mg; P < 0.001), and between those admitted to the intensive care unit and not admitted to the intensive care unit (P < 0.0001). The median reported dose ingested in seven chlorpromazine alone presentations who were intubated was 2,500 mg (interquartile range: 2,000-8,000 mg, range: 1,800-20,000 mg). Eighteen (8 per cent) patients developed delirium, eight (4 per cent) had hypotension, three had seizures, and there was one death. DISCUSSION: Almost one quarter of cases were admitted to the intensive care unit and over half of these were intubated. Whist the decision to admit to an intensive care unit or intubate a patient is based on clinical need, there was a significant association between reported dose ingested and requirement for endotracheal intubation. Both the frequency of presentation and reported dose ingested declined after 2013. The major limitations of the study were a retrospective design and no analytical confirmation of ingestion. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the most common effect of chlorpromazine overdose was central nervous system depression and that endotracheal intubation was associated with larger reported doses ingested, particularly in single chlorpromazine ingestions.


Assuntos
Antipsicóticos , Clorpromazina , Overdose de Drogas , Humanos , Clorpromazina/intoxicação , Feminino , Masculino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Adulto , Overdose de Drogas/terapia , Antipsicóticos/intoxicação , Intubação Intratraqueal , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Escala de Coma de Glasgow , Tempo de Internação/estatística & dados numéricos , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva , Adulto Jovem , Centros de Atenção Terciária
10.
Emerg Med Australas ; 36(4): 650-651, 2024 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38807508

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin B17 tablets are sold (online) as an alternative cancer therapy medication. Its use however is not benign, given that it is metabolised into hydrogen cyanide. We aimed to measure the number of calls received by the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSW PIC) regarding Amygdalin exposures. METHODS: A retrospective review of all amygdalin/cyanogenic glycoside product ingestion exposure calls to NSW PIC between 2015 and 2022. RESULTS: There were 120 unique exposure calls. Eighty-two (68%) were regarding minor exposures, with the remaining 38 (32%) of calls involving patients who had either a signifcant history or symptoms to prompt referral to hospital or were already seeking advice from a treating hospital clinican. CONCLUSION: There is a significant burden of concern generated from the misuse of cyanogenic glycoside products for cancer prevention and treatment, which can result in hospital admission carrying significant health risk and expenditure.


Assuntos
Amigdalina , Neoplasias , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , New South Wales/epidemiologia , Masculino , Amigdalina/uso terapêutico , Amigdalina/farmacologia , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Centros de Controle de Intoxicações/estatística & dados numéricos , Idoso , Adolescente , Criança , Glicosídeos/uso terapêutico , Glicosídeos/farmacologia
11.
Emerg Med Australas ; 2024 Jul 19.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39030972

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Recreational gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use is rising in Australia. We aimed to describe ED presentation patterns related to GHB over time and the impact this has on ED resource use. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospective data collection from two clinical toxicology units based in Queensland and New South Wales. RESULTS: There were 751 GHB-related presentations to the two units (Newcastle, 127; Princess Alexandria, 624), with marked increases in presentations occurring in 2019 and 2023. The major intervention was intubation, with 95 (13%) patients intubated. CONCLUSION: GHB presentations to ED are rising and the impact on acute bed space and clinical resources is significant.

12.
Addiction ; 118(7): 1370-1375, 2023 07.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36776135

RESUMO

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inhalational misuse of volatile substances has been a significant public health concern because of the risk of sudden death and associated chronic complications such as encephalopathy. The Australian Government released a Consensus-based clinical practice guideline in 2011 on the management of volatile substance use in Australia, which noted a lack of available data particularly on harms. This study aimed to measure (1) the number of calls received by the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSWPIC) regarding inhalational hydrocarbon exposures or poisonings and (2) the number of unintentional deaths reported to the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) in Australia. DESIGN, SETTING, CASES, MEASUREMENTS: We performed a retrospective review of all recreational inhalational hydrocarbon exposure calls to the NSWPIC between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020. A search was made of the NCIS database in all states and territories over the same period to determine the number of non-intentional inhalational hydrocarbon-related deaths in Australia. FINDINGS: Between January 2010 and December 2020, there were 752 primary calls made to the NSWPIC regarding hydrocarbon use or exposure. Age or age bracket was recorded in 748 cases, with 508 (67%) calls involving children or adolescents. Over the same time, there were 58 unintentional deaths involving the recreational use of inhalational hydrocarbons. The median age at death was 23 years (interquartile range = 15-30 years), and 72% (42 cases) were male. Cause of death was predominately acute suffocation/asphyxia, encephalopathy related to chronic use, cardiac arrest likely from sudden sniffing syndrome or thermal injuries secondary to unintentional fires sparked by the volatile agents. CONCLUSION: Although death and cardiac arrest are uncommon among people in Australia who misuse hydrocarbons for recreational use, the deaths and cardiac arrests tend to occur in adolescents.


Assuntos
Encefalopatias , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias , Criança , Adolescente , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Feminino , Austrália , New South Wales , Estudos Retrospectivos , Hidrocarbonetos
13.
Emerg Med Australas ; 35(4): 600-604, 2023 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36657484

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Assistant in Medicine (AiM) programme and its impact on physician burden and productivity in the ED. METHODS: Calvary Mater Newcastle ED employed eight final year medical students as part-time AiMs for a 10-week period from October to December 2021. Each student worked one 10-h shift per week. During these shifts, AiMs were assigned to a supervising doctor postgraduate year 3 or above to assist them with tasks including documentation, patient reviews, hospital consults, procedures, and discharge preparation. At the conclusion of each shift, the supervising doctor completed an online questionnaire of their experience. RESULTS: Forty-seven responses were received. Thirty-six doctors (77%) felt they were able to see more patients in comparison to an average shift without an AiM and 40 doctors (85%) felt that having an AiM increased their overall productivity. Forty-five doctors (96%) supported the implementation of final year medical students as AiMs as a permanent addition to the medical workforce in the ED. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates the strong potential the AiM programme has to improve productivity, workflow and efficiency in the ED.


Assuntos
Medicina de Emergência , Estudantes de Medicina , Humanos , Eficiência Organizacional , Projetos Piloto , Medicina de Emergência/educação , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência
14.
Clin Toxicol (Phila) ; 60(9): 1063-1066, 2022 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35670823

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Tapentadol is an atypical opioid with mu-receptor affinity and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition approved for use in Australia in 2011. However, data on tapentadol poisoning are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To investigate tapentadol poisonings and related deaths in Australia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of tapentadol poisonings from New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSWPIC) and three toxicology units in Australia. The National Coronial Information System (NCIS) database was searched to determine the number of tapentadol-related deaths. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2020, 220 tapentadol calls were made to NSWPIC, with a 4.5-fold increase in tapentadol exposure calls. The median dose ingested was 575 mg (IQR: 300-1163 mg). Most overdoses included co-ingestions (75%), especially benzodiazepines (26%) and opioids (25%). From Jan 2016 to Dec 2021, 107 patients presented to the three toxicology units with tapentadol poisoning. The median dose ingested was 500 mg (IQR: 200-1400 mg). Most patients took co-ingestants (84%), including benzodiazepines (40%) and opioids (32%). Naloxone was administered in 39 patients (36%), 10 (9%) were intubated and the median length of stay was 18 h (IQR: 9-30). Thirty-five tapentadol-related deaths were recorded within NCIS between Jan 2015 and Oct 2021 with a median age of 51 years (IQR: 42-61 years). CONCLUSION: There are increasing tapentadol poisonings and deaths reported to the NSWPIC, three toxicology units, and NCIS in Australia. Most tapentadol poisonings were taken with benzodiazepines and/or other opioids.


Assuntos
Analgésicos Opioides , Venenos , Adulto , Austrália/epidemiologia , Benzodiazepinas , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Naloxona , Norepinefrina , Tapentadol
18.
Clin Toxicol (Phila) ; 58(7): 692-697, 2020 07.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31601126

RESUMO

Context: Inpatient toxicology services undertake remote as well as inpatient management of poisoned patients. The aim of this study is to describe the introduction of a tablet-based electronic data collection tool allowing data to be captured on inpatient and remote consultations.Methods: Retrospective review of all cases entered in the database from 1 March 2014 to 28 February 2016. Data collected included demographics (age, sex), clinical details (exposure category), presentation facility and disposition.Results: The database included 3616 cases: 59 (1.6%) were excluded due to inadequate details, 122 (3.4%) had no electronic medical record available, 1985 (54.9%) presented to the inpatient unit facility and 1450 (40.1%) were external consultations. Of these 1450, 223 (6.2%) were paediatric (aged less than 12 years), 395 (10.9%) adolescent (12-17 years) and 832 (23.0%) adults (18 years and over). The proportion of paediatric cases (median age 2 y; 45.7% females) with pharmaceutical ingestions was 122 (54.7%; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 48.2-61.1) compared with 345 (87.3%; 95% CI: 83.7-90.3) in adolescents (median age 15 y; 79.5% females). Of the adult presentations, 659 (18.2%) were metropolitan/regional facility presentations and 173 (4.8%) rural facilities with 125 (3.4%) adults subsequently transferred to the inpatient facility. Median age was 38 years (interquartile range (IQR) 35-52) with 338 (51.4%) females in the metropolitan group and 37 years (IQR 26-48) with 51 (30.5%) females in the rural group. There were more bites and stings in the rural group, 41 (23.7%; 95% CI: 18.0-30.6) versus 54 (8.2%; 95% CI: 6.3-10.5), more recreational substance exposures 27 (15.6%; 95% CI: 11.0-21.8) versus 40 (6.1%; 95% CI: 4.5-8.2) and less pharmaceutical exposures 93 (53.8%; 95% CI: 46.3-61.0) versus 462 (70.1%; 95% CI: 66.5-73.5).Conclusions: The tablet based database provided useful information on populations of poisoned patients not accessible previously. It demonstrated important differences in the types of patients presenting to rural versus metropolitan hospitals.


Assuntos
Computadores de Mão , Coleta de Dados/métodos , Transferência da Responsabilidade pelo Paciente , Intoxicação/terapia , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Bases de Dados Factuais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Retrospectivos , População Rural , Toxicologia/métodos , População Urbana , Adulto Jovem
19.
Clin Toxicol (Phila) ; 58(1): 20-28, 2020 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31018700

RESUMO

Background: The assessment and management of patients with QT interval prolongation in poisoning requires an appropriate method of measuring and adjusting the QT interval for the heart rate (HR) in order to decide if the patient is at risk of life-threatening dysrhythmias, notably torsade de pointes (TdP). As the Clinical Toxicology Collaborative (CTC) workgroup reviewed the published literature on drug-induced QT interval prolongation in poisoning, it became obvious that many publications were missing essential data that were necessary to thoroughly assess and compare the evidence. The aim of this guidance document is to identify essential and ideal criteria required when reporting a case of drug-induced QT interval prolongation and/or TdP in poisoning.Methods: We employed a mixed methods approach as follows. Initially, we reviewed 188 cases of available published case reports and series in the literature regarding drug-induced QT interval prolongation and/or TdP in poisoning as the first step to another project. Common features and deficiencies were identified. Given the large gaps in reporting quality, we conducted an iterative consultative process involving all 23 members of the CTC to identify essential and ideal criteria to analyse publications of QT interval prolongation in poisoning. A priori standards were developed for acceptance or rejection of individual criteria.Results: Survey response was 100%. A minimum set of essential criteria for reporting cases of QT interval prolongation and drug-induced TdP in overdose setting are provided and a 35-item checklist is presented.Conclusions: We report a QT reporting checklist to ensure published case reports and series describing drug-induced QT interval prolongation in poisoning can contribute to the fund of knowledge of QT interval prolongation, TdP and other malignant dysrhythmias.


Assuntos
Overdose de Drogas/complicações , Síndrome do QT Longo/induzido quimicamente , Publicações/normas , Fatores Etários , Lista de Checagem , Feminino , Humanos , Síndrome do QT Longo/diagnóstico , Síndrome do QT Longo/terapia , Masculino , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Sexuais
SELEÇÃO DE REFERÊNCIAS
DETALHE DA PESQUISA