Patients with Altered Mental Status May Benefit from Medical Toxicology Consultation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Presentation of intoxicated patients to hospitals is frequent, varied, and increasing. Medical toxicology expertise could lead to important changes in diagnosis and treatment, especially in patients presenting with altered mental status. OBJECTIVES: To describe and analyze clinical scenarios during a 1-year period after the establishment of a medical toxicology consultation service (MTCS). METHODS: Cases of 10 patients with altered mental status at presentation were evaluated. Medical toxicology consultation suggested major and significant changes in diagnosis and management. RESULTS: Of 973 toxicology consultations performed during the study period, bedside consultation was provided for 413 (42%) patients. Of these 413, 88 (21%) presented with some level of altered mental status. We described 10 patients in whom medical toxicology consultation brought about major and significant changes in diagnosis and management. CONCLUSIONS: Benefits may be derived from medical toxicology consultations, especially in patients with altered mental status. Medical toxicology specialists are well positioned to provide high value and expedited patient care.