Lithium Poisoning.

Lithium is a commonly prescribed treatment for bipolar affective disorder. However, treatment is complicated by lithium's narrow therapeutic index and the influence of kidney function, both of which increase the risk of toxicity. Therefore, careful attention to dosing, monitoring, and titration is required. The cause of lithium poisoning influences treatment and 3 patterns are described: acute, acute-on-chronic, and chronic. Chronic poisoning is the most common etiology, is usually unintentional, and results from lithium intake exceeding elimination. This is most commonly due to impaired kidney function caused by volume depletion from lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus or intercurrent illnesses and is also drug-induced. Lithium poisoning can affect multiple organs; however, the primary site of toxicity is the central nervous system and clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic supratherapeutic drug concentrations to clinical toxicity such as confusion, ataxia, or seizures. Lithium poisoning has a low mortality rate; however, chronic lithium poisoning can require a prolonged hospital length of stay from impaired mobility and cognition and associated nosocomial complications. Persistent neurological deficits, in particular cerebellar, are described and the incidence and risk factors for its development are poorly understood, but it appears to be uncommon in uncomplicated acute poisoning. Lithium is readily dialyzable, and rationale support extracorporeal treatments to reduce the risk or the duration of toxicity in high-risk exposures. There is disagreement in the literature regarding factors that define patients most likely to benefit from treatments that enhance lithium elimination, including specific plasma lithium concentration thresholds. In the case of extracorporeal treatments, there are observational data in its favor, without evidence from randomized controlled trials (none have been performed), which may lead to conservative practices and potentially unnecessary interventions in some circumstances. More data are required to define the risk-benefit of extracorporeal treatments and their use (modality, duration) in the management of lithium poisoning.

Lipid resuscitation in acute poisoning: after a decade of publications, what have we really learned?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The decision to provide intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy as a treatment modality for the reversal of various drug toxicity was discovered in the last decade. Numerous publications, in both humans and animals attest to its clinical use, but current supporting evidence is inconsistent. RECENT FINDINGS: A recent systematic review reported evidence for benefit of ILE in bupivacaine toxicity. Human randomized trials, large observational studies as well as animal models of orogastric poisoning failed to report a clear benefit of ILE for nonlocal anesthetics poisoning. SUMMARY: ILE can be used to resuscitate local anesthetics especially bupivacaine. The impact of ILE on oral overdoses is controversial and clear evidence on benefit is lacking. A thorough risk benefit assessment with consideration of alternative options is warranted to minimize the risk of adverse effects. Evidence supports using bolus doses of ILE, while infusion rates are still debatable.

Practice Trends in the Use of Extracorporeal Treatments for Poisoning in Four Countries.

Extracorporeal treatments (ECTRs) such as hemodialysis (HD), enhance the elimination of a small number of toxins. Changes in overdose trends, prescribing practices, antidotes, and dialysis techniques may alter the indications and rates of ECTR use over time. This study analyzed trends in ECTR for poisonings in four countries. A retrospective study of national poison center databases from the United States, Denmark, United Kingdom, and five regional databases within Canada was performed. All cases of patients receiving an ECTR were included. ECTR cases were totalled annually and reported as annual rates per 100,000 exposures with stratification per types of ECTR and toxins. The data collection varied by countries. United States, 1985-2014; United Kingdom, 2011-2013; Denmark, 2005-2014, and regions of Canada as follows: Alberta, 1991-2015; Saskatchewan, 2001-2015; Nova Scotia-PEI, 2006-2015; Quebec, 2008-2014; Ontario-Manitoba, 2009-2015; British Columbia, 2012-2015. During the study period, the total number of ECTRs and rates per 100,000 exposures, respectively, were: United States, 40,258 and 65.7; United Kingdom, 343 and 232.6; Denmark, 616 and 305.5; Canada, 2709 and 177.5; case rates increased over time for the United States, Denmark, and Canada, but decreased in the United Kingdom. Across the United States and Denmark, HD was the preferred modality used. Toxins for which ECTR was most often used were: United States, ethylene glycol; Canada, methanol; United Kingdom, ethylene glycol; Denmark, salicylates. A high number of ECTRs were performed for atypical toxins such as acetaminophen and benzodiazepines. These data demonstrate a growing use of HD for poisoning with significant regional variations in the overall rates and indications.

Systematic review on the use of activated charcoal for gastrointestinal decontamination following acute oral overdose.

INTRODUCTION: The use of activated charcoal in poisoning remains both a pillar of modern toxicology and a source of debate. Following the publication of the joint position statements on the use of single-dose and multiple-dose activated charcoal by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and the European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists, the routine use of activated charcoal declined. Over subsequent years, many new pharmaceuticals became available in modified or alternative-release formulations and additional data on gastric emptying time in poisoning was published, challenging previous assumptions about absorption kinetics. The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, the European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists and the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology founded the Clinical Toxicology Recommendations Collaborative to create a framework for evidence-based recommendations for the management of poisoned patients. The activated charcoal workgroup of the Clinical Toxicology Recommendations Collaborative was tasked with reviewing systematically the evidence pertaining to the use of activated charcoal in poisoning in order to update the previous recommendations. OBJECTIVES: The main objective was: Does oral activated charcoal given to adults or children prevent toxicity or improve clinical outcome and survival of poisoned patients compared to those who do not receive charcoal?  Secondary objectives were to evaluate pharmacokinetic outcomes, the role of cathartics, and adverse events to charcoal administration. This systematic review summarizes the available evidence on the efficacy of activated charcoal. METHODS: A medical librarian created a systematic search strategy for Medline (Ovid), subsequently translated for Embase (via Ovid), CINAHL (via EBSCO), BIOSIS Previews (via Ovid), Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library/DARE. All databases were searched from inception to December 31, 2019. There were no language limitations.  One author screened all citations identified in the search based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Excluded citations were confirmed by an additional author and remaining articles were obtained in full text and evaluated by at least two authors for inclusion. All authors cross-referenced full-text articles to identify articles missed in the searches. Data from included articles were extracted by the authors on a standardized spreadsheet and two authors used the GRADE methodology to independently assess the quality and risk of bias of each included study. RESULTS: From 22,950 titles originally identified, the final data set consisted of 296 human studies, 118 animal studies, and 145 in vitro studies. Also included were 71 human and two animal studies that reported adverse events. The quality was judged to have a Low or Very Low GRADE in 469 (83%) of the studies. Ninety studies were judged to be of Moderate or High GRADE. The higher GRADE studies reported on the following drugs: paracetamol (acetaminophen), phenobarbital, carbamazepine, cardiac glycosides (digoxin and oleander), ethanol, iron, salicylates, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants, and valproate. Data on newer pharmaceuticals not reviewed in the previous American Academy of Clinical Toxicology/European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists statements such as quetiapine, olanzapine, citalopram, and Factor Xa inhibitors were included. No studies on the optimal dosing for either single-dose or multiple-dose activated charcoal were found. In the reviewed clinical data, the time of administration of the first dose of charcoal was beyond one hour in 97% (n = 1006 individuals), beyond two hours in 36% (n = 491 individuals), and beyond 12 h in 4% (n = 43 individuals) whereas the timing of the first dose in controlled studies was within one hour of ingestion in 48% (n = 2359 individuals) and beyond two hours in 36% (n = 484) of individuals. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review found heterogenous data. The higher GRADE data was focused on a few select poisonings, while studies that addressed patients with unknown and or mixed ingestions were hampered by low rates of clinically meaningful toxicity or death.  Despite these limitations, they reported a benefit of activated charcoal beyond one hour in many clinical scenarios.

Utilization of lipid emulsion therapy in fatal overdose cases: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Although anecdotal reports suggest that intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy is effective in a large variety of overdoses, the few controlled human trials published to date yielded disappointing results. Because of potential publication biases, there are few reports concerning the failure of ILE. The primary aim of this study was to identify fatal poisoning cases in the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) National Poison Data System (NPDS) in which ILE was administered. METHODS: We obtained an approved release of data from NPDS for years 2010-2015 in which the words "lipid," "ILE," or "fat" appeared in the narrative. Duplicate cases were excluded as were cases in which ILE was not clearly given. Case data were extracted by one author using a predetermined tool, and the information was confirmed by a second author. The timing of ILE administration was characterized into one of four categories: cardiac arrest, first line, last resort, or part of multiple therapies given simultaneously. Response to ILE and adverse events was recorded. RESULTS: Of the 826 cases retrieved from NPDS, 459 met final inclusion criteria. Over 50% of included cases involved either a calcium channel blocker or a beta-adrenergic antagonist. Of note, less than 25% of cases involved a substance for which the Lipid Emulsion Working Group found evidence to support its use. Most often, ILE was given along with multiple therapies (277 cases) or as a last resort (137 cases). In 127 cases, ILE was given during cardiac arrest. ILE was used as first line therapy in 34 cases. Response rates were reported as follows: no response (45%), unknown response (38%), transient/minimal response (7%), ROSC (7%), and immediate worsening (3%). Possible adverse reactions included: ARDS in 39 patients, lipemia causing a delay in laboratory evaluation in three cases, lipemia causing failure of a CRRT filter in two cases, worsening or new onset seizure in two cases, asystole immediately after administration in two cases, and fat embolism in one case. CONCLUSION: Within the Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) National Poison Data System (NPDS), hundreds of cases exist in which ILE therapy was given and death occurred. In many of these cases, ILE was given prior to cardiovascular collapse. Although there is some suggestion of transient improvement in a small subset of cases, adverse effects are also reported. When taken in totality, the number of published cases of failed lipid emulsion therapy outnumbers the published instances of ILE success. Given all the uncertainty generated by case reports, the evaluation of the role and efficacy of ILE therapy in non-local anesthetic poisoning needs robust controlled clinical trials.

Amitriptyline accumulation in tissues after coated activated charcoal hemoperfusion-a randomized controlled animal poisoning model.

Amitriptyline poisoning (AT) is a common poisoning, and AT possess the ability to promote life-threatening complications by its main action on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. The pharmacokinetic properties might be altered at toxic levels compared to therapeutic levels. The effect of coated activated charcoal hemoperfusion (CAC-HP) on the accumulation of AT and its active metabolite nortriptyline (NT) in various tissues was studied in a non-blinded randomized controlled animal trial including 14 female Danish Land Race piglets. All piglets were poisoned with amitriptyline 7.5 mg/kg infused in 20 min, followed by orally instilled activated charcoal at 30 min after infusion cessation. The intervention group received 4 h of CAC-HP followed by a 1-h redistribution phase. At study cessation, the piglets were euthanized, and within 20 min, vitreous fluid, liver tissue, ventricle and septum of the heart, diaphragm and lipoic and brain tissues were collected. AT and NT tissue concentrations were quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS. A 4-h treatment with CAC-HP did not affect the tissue accumulation of AT in the selected organs when tested by Mann-Whitney U test (p values between 0.44 and 0.73). For NT concentrations, p values were between 0.13 and 1.00. Although not significant, an interesting finding was that data showed a tendency of increased tissue accumulation of AT and NT in the CAC-HP group compared with the control group. Coated activated charcoal hemoperfusion does not significantly alter the tissue concentration of AT and NT in the AT-poisoned piglet.

Effect of concomitant artesunate administration and cytochrome P4502C8 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of amodiaquine in Ghanaian children with uncomplicated malaria.

Artesunate (AS) is used in combination with amodiaquine (AQ) as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in many countries. We investigated the effect of concomitant AS administration on the pharmacokinetics of AQ and compared concentrations of desethylamodiaquine (DEAQ), the main metabolite of AQ, in plasma between patients with different variants of the cytochrome P4502C8 (CYP2C8) gene. A two-compartment model was fitted to 169 plasma DEAQ concentrations from 103 Ghanaian children aged 1 to 14 years with uncomplicated malaria treated either with AQ alone (n = 15) or with AS plus AQ (n = 88). The population clearance of DEAQ appeared to increase nonlinearly with body weight, and the central volume of distribution of DEAQ was higher (P < 0.001) in the AS-plus-AQ group than in the AQ-only group. The maximum plasma DEAQ concentration was higher (P < 0.001), and the population distribution half-life was shorter (P < 0.01), in the AQ-only group than in the AS-plus-AQ group. The total areas under the plasma DEAQ concentration-time curves (P = 0.68) and elimination half-lives (P = 0.39) were similar for the two groups. There was a high frequency (0.179) of the non-wild-type allele of CYP2C8, but no differences between CYP2C8 genotypes with regard to AQ efficacy or safety were evident. The sample size, however, was limited, so monitoring of AQ toxicity in the study area is still indicated. The nonlinear clearance of DEAQ and the wide variability in kinetic parameters have safety implications for weight-based dosing of higher-body-weight children with AQ. The pharmacokinetics of artemisinin combination therapies should be studied in malaria patients, because the rapid parasite clearance caused by the artemisinin may affect the kinetics of the partner drug and the combination.

Amodiaquine-artesunate vs artemether-lumefantrine for uncomplicated malaria in Ghanaian children: a randomized efficacy and safety trial with one year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Artesunate-amodiaquine (AS+AQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AM-L) are efficacious artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) regimens that have been widely adopted in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is little information on the efficacy of these regimens on subsequent episodes beyond 28 days, or on the safety of repeated treatments. METHODS: Children aged six months to 14 years with uncomplicated malaria were randomly assigned to treatment with AS+AQ (n = 116), or AM-L (n = 111). Recruited subjects were followed-up, initially for 28 days, and then monthly for up to one year. All subsequent attacks of uncomplicated malaria after 28 days were treated with the same regimen as at randomization. Investigations aimed at determining efficacy and side effects were conducted. RESULTS: Adequate clinical and parasitological response in subjects with evaluable end-points were, 97.1% (100/103) and 98.2% (107/109) on day 14, and 94.2% (97/103) and 95.3% (102/107) on day 28 in the AM-L and AS+AQ groups, respectively. Similar results were obtained after PCR correction. The incidence of malaria attacks in the year following recruitment was similar between the two treatment groups (p = 0.93). There was a high incidence of potentially AQ-resistant parasites in the study area. The incidence of adverse events, such as pruritus, fatigue and neutropaenia were similar in the two treatment groups. No patient showed signs of hearing impairment, and no abnormal neurological signs were observed during one year of follow-up. Other adverse events were mild in intensity and overlapped with known malaria symptomatology. No adverse event exacerbation was observed in any of the subjects who received multiple treatment courses with these ACT regimens during one year follow-up. CONCLUSION: AS+AQ and AM-L were efficacious for treatment of children with uncomplicated malaria in Ghana and drug-related adverse events were rare in treated subjects during one year of follow-up. The high prevalence of potentially AQ resistant parasites raises questions about the utility of AQ as a partner drug for ACT in Ghana. The efficacy of AS+AQ in Ghana requires, therefore, continuous monitoring and evaluation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT 00406146 http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Advanced Electrocardiogram Analysis in the Amitriptyline-poisoned Pig Treated with Activated Charcoal Haemoperfusion.

Coated activated charcoal haemoperfusion (CAC-HP) does not reduce the plasma concentration in amitriptyline (AT)-poisoned pigs. The aim of this non-blinded, randomized, controlled animal trial was to determine if CAC-HP reduces the pathological ECG changes caused by AT poisoning. Fourteen female Danish Landrace pigs (mean weight 27.7 kg, range 20-35 kg (CAC-HP) and 24.4 kg, range 18-30 kg (control group, CG), n = 7 in each group) were included. After randomization, the pigs were anaesthetized and intravenously poisoned with AT. The intervention group underwent 4 hr of CAC-HP plus standard care (oral activated charcoal). Intervention was compared to standard care alone. From each pig, a 12-lead ECG and haemodynamic variables were obtained at baseline, at full AT loading dose, before and during CAC-HP. Baseline ECG variables (RR, PR, QRS, QTc, QTp, QTe, TpTe and TpTe/QT) for lead II, v2 and v5 were not significantly different (F = 0.035-0.297, p-values 0.421-0.919). Differences within groups over time and between groups were tested by anova repeated measures. For all variables, the time-plus-group level of significance revealed a p-value > 0.05. Severe cardiovascular arrhythmias occurred in both groups with 3 in the CAC-HP group versus 1 incident with premature death in the CG. The attenuating effect of CAC-HP to orally instilled activated charcoal alone on AT-induced ECG alterations did not differ significantly. We conclude that the use of modern CAC-HP as an adjunctive treatment modality in AT-poisoned pigs is inadequate.

Activated Charcoal Haemoperfusion in the Treatment of Experimental Amitriptyline Poisoning in Pigs - The Effect on Amitriptyline Plasma Concentration and Haemodynamic Parameters.

Coated activated charcoal haemoperfusion (CAC-HP) is a well-known treatment modality. Case reports have revealed conflicting results about the efficacy of CAC-HP in the treatment of amitriptyline (AT) poisoning, and no randomized clinical trials have been identified in the literature. This study aimed at quantifying the efficacy of modern CAC-HP as an adjunctive treatment of AT intoxication compared with standard care alone. Fourteen female Danish landrace pigs were randomized to either standard care or standard care plus 4 hr of CAC-HP. The pigs were anaesthetized, and vital parameters were continuously recorded. Amitriptyline infusion (7.5 mg/kg) was completed in 20 min. Thirty minutes after AT infusion, activated charcoal was instilled orally in both groups. In the intervention group, CAC-HP was initiated 60 min. after AT infusion. Blood and urine samples were collected as were vital parameters at specific time intervals. The protocol was approved by the Danish Experimental Animal Expectorate and complied with the NIH guide for care and use of laboratory animals. Data were managed according to the ARRIVE guidelines. No statistical significant differences between intervention and control groups were found when analysing for differences in AT levels in plasma at any time-point. Furthermore, significant differences between the control and intervention groups in regard to vital parameters could not be found either. In our animal model, the addition of CAC-HP did not improve the clearance of AT compared with standard treatment alone. We suggest that the effect of modern CAC-HP as a treatment modality in AT-poisoned human patients may be inadequate.

Systematic review of the effect of intravenous lipid emulsion therapy for local anesthetic toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Following national and regional recommendations, intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) has become established in clinical practice as a treatment for acute local anesthetic (LA) toxicity, although evidence of efficacy is limited to animal studies and human case reports. A collaborative lipid emulsion workgroup was therefore established by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology to review the evidence on the effect of ILE for LA toxicity. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature published through 15 December 2014. Relevant articles were determined based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre-treatment experiments, pharmacokinetic studies not involving toxicity and studies that did not address antidotal use of ILE were excluded. RESULTS: We included 113 studies and reports. Of these, 76 were human and 38 animal studies. One publication included both a human case report and an animal study. Human studies included one randomized controlled crossover trial involving 16 healthy volunteers. The subclinical LA toxicity design did not show a difference in the effects of ILE versus saline. There was one case series and 73 case reports of ILE use in the context of toxicity (83 patients) including CNS depression or agitation (n = 45, 54%), seizures (n = 49, 59%), hypotension, hypertension, EKG changes, arrhythmias (n = 39, 47%), cardiac arrest (n = 18, 22%), cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and/or requirement for endotracheal intubation and/or mechanical ventilation (n = 35, 42%). There were 81 (98%) survivors including 63 (76%) with no reported sequelae from the LA poisoning or ILE, although the presence or absence of sequelae was not reported in 15 (18%) cases. Animal studies included 29 randomized controlled studies, three observational studies, five case series, and one case report; bupivacaine was used in 29 of these reports (76%). Of 14 controlled experiments in animals, eight showed improved survival or time to return of spontaneous circulation and five no benefit of ILE versus saline or non-ILE treatments. Combining ILE with epinephrine improved survival in five of the six controlled animal experiments that studied this intervention. The studies were heterogeneous in the formulations and doses of ILE used as well as the doses of LA. The body of the literature identified by this systematic review yielded only a very low quality of evidence. CONCLUSION: ILE appears to be effective for reversal of cardiovascular or neurological features in some cases of LA toxicity, but there is currently no convincing evidence showing that ILE is more effective than vasopressors or to indicate which treatment should be instituted as first line therapy in severe LA toxicity.

Evidence-based recommendations on the use of intravenous lipid emulsion therapy in poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Although intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) was first used to treat life-threatening local anesthetic (LA) toxicity, its use has expanded to include both non-local anesthetic (non-LA) poisoning and less severe manifestations of toxicity. A collaborative workgroup appraised the literature and provides evidence-based recommendations for the use of ILE in poisoning. METHODS: Following a systematic review of the literature, data were summarized in four publications: LA and non-LA poisoning efficacy, adverse effects, and analytical interferences. Twenty-two toxins or toxin categories and three clinical situations were selected for voting. Voting statements were proposed using a predetermined format. A two-round modified Delphi method was used to reach consensus on the voting statements. Disagreement was quantified using RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. RESULTS: For the management of cardiac arrest, we recommend using ILE with bupivacaine toxicity, while our recommendations are neutral regarding its use for all other toxins. For the management of life-threatening toxicity, (1) as first line therapy, we suggest not to use ILE with toxicity from amitriptyline, non-lipid soluble beta receptor antagonists, bupropion, calcium channel blockers, cocaine, diphenhydramine, lamotrigine, malathion but are neutral for other toxins, (2) as part of treatment modalities, we suggest using ILE in bupivacaine toxicity if other therapies fail, but are neutral for other toxins, (3) if other therapies fail, we recommend ILE for bupivacaine toxicity and we suggest using ILE for toxicity due to other LAs, amitriptyline, and bupropion, but our recommendations are neutral for all other toxins. In the treatment of non-life-threatening toxicity, recommendations are variable according to the balance of expected risks and benefits for each toxin. For LA-toxicity we suggest the use of Intralipid® 20% as it is the formulation the most often reported. There is no evidence to support a recommendation for the best formulation of ILE for non-LAs. The voting panel is neutral regarding ILE dosing and infusion duration due to insufficient data for non-LAs. All recommendations were based on very low quality of evidence. CONCLUSION: Clinical recommendations regarding the use of ILE in poisoning were only possible in a small number of scenarios and were based mainly on very low quality of evidence, balance of expected risks and benefits, adverse effects, laboratory interferences as well as related costs and resources. The workgroup emphasizes that dose-finding and controlled studies reflecting human poisoning scenarios are required to advance knowledge of limitations, indications, adverse effects, effectiveness, and best regimen for ILE treatment.

Methodology for AACT evidence-based recommendations on the use of intravenous lipid emulsion therapy in poisoning.

Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy is a novel treatment that was discovered in the last decade. Despite unclear understanding of its mechanisms of action, numerous and diverse publications attested to its clinical use. However, current evidence supporting its use is unclear and recommendations are inconsistent. To assist clinicians in decision-making, the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology created a workgroup composed of international experts from various clinical specialties, which includes representatives of major clinical toxicology associations. Rigorous methodology using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation or AGREE II instrument was developed to provide a framework for the systematic reviews for this project and to formulate evidence-based recommendations on the use of ILE in poisoning. Systematic reviews on the efficacy of ILE in local anesthetic toxicity and non-local anesthetic poisonings as well as adverse effects of ILE are planned. A comprehensive review of lipid analytical interferences and a survey of ILE costs will be developed. The evidence will be appraised using the GRADE system. A thorough and transparent process for consensus statements will be performed to provide recommendations, using a modified Delphi method with two rounds of voting. This process will allow for the production of useful practice recommendations for this therapy.

Distribution patterns, dermatomal anesthesia, and ropivacaine serum concentrations after bilateral dual transversus abdominis plane block.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The ability of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks to anesthetize the upper abdomen remains debatable. We aimed to describe the local anesthetic distribution following ultrasound-guided TAP blocks with repeated magnetic resonance imaging investigations and to relate this to the resulting dermatomal anesthesia. METHODS: Eight volunteers were included in a randomized, observer-blinded study. Sixty milliliters of ropivacaine 0.375% was administered: 1 injection of 30 mL as a lateral classic TAP block, followed by a sham upper intercostal TAP block, and on the contralateral side, 2 separate 15-mL injections at the upper intercostal and lateral classic TAP plexuses, respectively. The primary outcome measure was magnetic resonance imaging-assessed area expansion of all injectates over a 6-hr period. Dermatomal anesthesia and sequential serum ropivacaine levels were recorded at the same time intervals. RESULTS: All injectate areas expanded in a statistically significant manner in the anterior abdominal wall. Lateral classic TAP blocks with 30-mL injectates did not extend into the upper intercostal TAP plexus. The dual 15-mL injectates on the other hemiabdomen remained within the upper intercostal and lateral classic TAP compartments and resulted in significantly (P < 0.018) more widespread dermatomal anesthesia. Measured serum ropivacaine concentrations were below the potential level of toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging analysis revealed a significant time-dependent expansion of injectates. Magnetic resonance imaging and the degree of dermatomal anesthesia confirmed that the upper and lateral TAP compartments do not appear to communicate. Separate injections at the upper intercostal and lateral classic TAP plexuses are necessary to block the entire abdominal wall.

Successful reversal of life threatening cardiac effect following dosulepin overdose using intravenous lipid emulsion.

CONTEXT. We report a successful acute reversal of potential life threatening QRS complex widening and prolonged QT interval following dosulepin overdose using intravenous lipid emulsion 20% in an unstable patient. CASE DETAILS. A 36-year-old female following the ingestion of 5.25 g of dosulepin. On submission the QRS complex was 120 ms and the QT interval was 348 ms (BP 129/71 mmHg, HR 113 beats/min). Her level of consciousness deteriorated and the patient had episodes of seizures. The patient received bicarbonate, 200 mmol, and assisted ventilation. Ninety minutes following submission, the QRS complex was 158 ms and the QT interval was 422 ms (BP 118/55 mmHg, HR 91 beats/min), and to treat the intoxication intravenous lipid emulsion 20% was dosed as 1.5 ml/kg (100 ml) in 5 min followed by 400 ml in 20 min. Blood pressure was immediately stabilised and the monitored QRS complex narrowed and QT interval became shorter. DISCUSSION. Cyclic antidepressants affect the cardiac conduction system and the myocardium. The exact mechanism of action from intravenous lipid emulsions may not be determined from the data presented, and the obtained effect does not rule out the supposed effects of alkalinisation and supported ventilation. However, the effects of the treatment of the severe dosulepin intoxication support the theory of intravenous lipid emulsions creating an intravenous lipid sink for drugs with high lipid solubility.

Ingestion of six cylindrical and four button batteries.

We report a suicidal ingestion of six cylindrical and four button batteries, in combination with overdosed prescription medicine and smoking of cannabis.

Common adder bite to the tongue causing life threatening toxicity from airway compromise.

We illustrate the acute phase and development of symptoms in a 24-year-old man following a European Common Viper bite to the tongue.