Nationwide Aquatic Envenomations Reported to US Poison Control Centers from 2011 to 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Aquatic envenomations are common injuries along the coastal United States that pose a public health risk and can cause significant morbidity. We examined aquatic envenomation exposures that were called in to poison control centers (PCC) in the United States from 2011 to 2020. METHODS: The Association of Poison Control Center's (AAPCC) National Poison Data System was queried for all aquatic envenomations reported during the 10 y period from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020. Data collected included date, exposure and geographic location, patient age and sex, signs and symptoms, management setting, treatments, and clinical outcome. Duplicated records, confirmed nonexposure, and reports not originating within the United States were excluded. RESULTS: There were 8517 human aquatic envenomations reported during the study period, 62% (5243) of whom were male; 56% (4264) of patients were 30 y or younger. There were an average of 852 calls per year, with 46% of calls occurring during June to August. California, Texas, and Florida had the highest number of envenomations during the study period. Fish (61%; 5159) and Cnidaria (30%; 2519) envenomations were the most common exposures. Overall, 37% (3151) of exposures were treated in healthcare facilities, with no deaths reported. CONCLUSIONS: The highest proportion of aquatic envenomations occurred among younger males (≤30 y) during the summer months. While rarely leading to major adverse events, aquatic envenomations were commonly reported injuries to PCC and occurred in all 50 states. Poison control centers continue to be real-time sources of information and data regarding aquatic envenomation trends.

Unintentional Pediatric Lithium Exposure: A 15-Year Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Lithium is an uncommon pediatric exposure, and the effects of accidental or exploratory ingestions are not well characterized. This study examined the clinical effects and outcomes of unintentional lithium ingestions treated in a health care facility for patients up to 16 years old. METHODS: The database from a single-state Poison Control System was queried for all pediatric lithium exposures managed in a health care facility between January 2006 and December 2021. Inclusion criteria were 16 years or younger and acute lithium exposure treated in a health care facility. Those older than 16 years, nonoral exposures, intentional, chronic, or nonlithium exposures, and out-of-state patients were excluded. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen cases were included, and 619 were excluded. The median age was 2 years (range, 0.5-15 years). One hundred fifteen (97%) were 7 years or younger. Sixty-eight (57.6%) were boys. One hundred thirteen (96%) were exploratory ingestions. Lithium carbonate was the most common formulation, with a median reported dose of 525 mg (range, 100-13,500 mg). Sixty-seven (57%) had serum lithium concentrations available: 19 (28%) were detectable (>0.1 mEq/L) and 4 were supratherapeutic (>1.2 mEq/L).One hundred (85%) patients were coded as having no effects. Four (3%) patients had coded effects-1 mild, 2 moderate, and 1 major; all were polydrug ingestions and recovered fully with basic supportive care. The loss to follow-up rate was 12%.A small minority received treatment with intravenous fluids and/or whole bowel irrigation. Thirteen (11%) were admitted, 3 to the ICU. No morbidity or mortality was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of unintentional pediatric lithium ingestions examined were exploratory and resulted in no significant symptoms. Only a small minority had detectable serum lithium concentrations. All isolated lithium exposures were asymptomatic. Unintentional exposures appear to be benign, even with detectable lithium levels. Further study is needed to better risk stratify for home care versus health care facility evaluation.

Mind the gap: Bromism secondary to internet-purchased supplements.

Bromism is an unusual syndrome characterized by a variety of nervous system impairments such as ataxia, confusion, and delusions. Contemporaneous cases are rare as therapeutic use of bromide-containing medications has declined, but bromides can still be obtained as unregulated dietary supplements. Bromism from dietary supplements is not well-described. We present a case of a 23-year-old male who was taking numerous supplements and developed bromism, characterized by ataxia, confusion, and persistent agitation. His laboratory evaluation revealed a large negative anion gap and a serum bromide level of 1200 mg/L (ref: 0-12 mg/L). He was treated with maintenance intravenous normal saline to promote excretion of the bromide ion and slowly returned to baseline over ten days. Bromism is an unusual but well-described constellation of neurologic impairments that presents insidiously and may be easily missed. The emergency physician should be aware of the dangers of bromide-containing dietary supplements and should educate patients taking these supplements of their risks.

Death by Copper Ammonium Complex-Containing Fungicide.

ABSTRACT: There is a paucity of published reports of copper ammonium complex ingestion, as most published data describe overdoses of copper sulfate formulations. We report a case of suicide by ingestion of copper ammonium complex-containing fungicide with an elevated postmortem copper level. A 77-year-old woman was found dead at home by her relative after ingesting a fungicide containing 8% copper ammonium complex solution. Turquoise emesis was found at the scene, and on autopsy, turquoise material was found throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Postmortem central blood copper level was 500 µg/dL. Cause of death was determined to be acute copper toxicity.

Pediatric perampanel poisoning.

There is no pediatric overdose information available for perampanel. We present twocases involving children 2 years of age. A female ingested 0.77mg/kg perampanel anddeveloped drowsiness and ataxia within an hour, followed by bradycardia after 6 hours.She was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit and given fluids and was thendischarged after 20 hours. The other case involved a male who ingested 0.25mg/kgperampanel and developed ataxia within an hour, eventually he was discharged after 6hour observation in the emergency department without any treatment.

Death from cardiac glycoside "pong-pong" following use as weight-loss supplement purchased on Internet.

Cerbera odollam or "pong-pong" tree contains cardiac glycosides similar to digoxin, oleander and yellow oleander. Cerbera odollam is a common method of suicide in South East Asia and has also been used as a weight loss supplement. We present a case of a 33-year-old female presenting with lethargy, vomiting, bradycardia, severe hyperkalemia of 8.9 mEq/L, slow atrial fibrillation followed by cardiovascular collapse following the ingestion of "pong-pong", the kernel of Cerbera odollam, as a weight loss supplement. Despite the administration of a total of nine vials of digoxin-specific Fab the patient could not be resuscitated. Clinicians should be aware of natural cardiac glycosides being uses as weight-loss agents and consider acute cardiac glycoside poisoning in patients with hyperkalemia, abnormal cardiovascular signs, symptoms and abnormal ECG findings.

Exploratory Ingestions of Novel Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets: What Is the Risk?

BACKGROUND: Historically, anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents included warfarin and aspirin, respectively. In recent years, numerous novel anticoagulants (eg, direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors) as well as the adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists have increased significantly. Little information on the bleeding risk after exploratory ingestion of these agents is available. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the bleeding risk of these agents after an exploratory ingestion in children 6 years or younger. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter poison control center study was conducted on calls between 2005 and 2014. The following agents were included: apixaban, clopidogrel, dabigatran, edoxaban, prasugrel, rivaroxaban, or ticagrelor. Bleeding characteristics and treatment rendered were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 638 cases were identified. Most cases involved antiplatelet agents. No patient developed any bleeding complication. The administration of charcoal was independent of the amount of drug ingested. CONCLUSION: Accidental, exploratory ingestions of these agents seem well tolerated, with no patient developing bleeding complications.

A Retrospective Review of the Presentation and Treatment of Stingray Stings Reported to a Poison Control System.

We studied stingray stings reported to our poison system to identify associated complications and treatments. We undertook a 14-year retrospective observational analysis of stingray stings reported to our poison system. Extracted data included caller age and gender, outcome, management site, symptoms, treatments, and geographical location of the sting. We examined suspected infection rate, hot water treatment efficacy, and possible presence of foreign bodies in the wound. Suspected infection rate was defined as "possible infection" or "likely infection." Hot water treatment efficacy was defined as cases that encoded hot water as a treatment and noted pain relief within 1 hour of treatment in the free-text record, before documentation of other analgesic administration. A total of 576 envenomations were reported. The majority were men (76%), with an average age of 24 years (range, 6-78 years). Symptoms were reported in 485 cases. A total of 9% recorded a foreign body or debris at the wound site. Symptoms included pain (79%), puncture wound (65%), and edema (25%). Infections were reported in 9% of cases. Hot/warm water immersion appeared effective for pain relief in 69% of cases where outcome was documented. The most common geographical location of stingray envenomations was Southern California. Stingray stings are common in California. Hot/warm water seemed to be effective in pain management in our series, whereas foreign bodies or retained spines and infections were other identified complications.

Not Just a Drop in the Bucket-Inversion of Oxymetazoline Nasal Decongestant Container Increases Potential for Severe Pediatric Poisoning.

Oxymetazoline is an over-the-counter nasal decongestant with potent alpha agonist properties. In overdoses as small as 1-2 mL, toxicity can be seen including bradycardia and respiratory depression. We demonstrated that inverting the container increased the volume delivered 20- to 30-fold compared with holding it upright in an in vitro model.

Characteristics of Pediatric Exposures to Antidementia Drugs Reported to a Poison Control System.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize pediatric exposures to the antidementia drugs donepezil, memantine, rivastigmine, and galantamine by reviewing a poison control system's database. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of a statewide poison control system's database identified cases of pediatric (less than 19 years of age) exposures to antidementia drugs over an 11-year period. Data collected included age, sex, drug(s) involved, route of exposure, reason for exposure, symptoms, and interventions. RESULTS: There were 189 cases identified (53% male, median age: 2.3 years, 99% unintentional exposures). Donepezil was the most commonly reported exposure (106 cases), followed by memantine (57), galantamine (18), oral rivastigmine (16), and transdermal rivastigmine (3). Coingestants were reported in 68 (36%) cases. Symptoms were reported in 38 (20%) cases. Gastrointestinal symptoms were most common (n = 21) followed by central nervous system depression (n = 15). Oral rivastigmine was associated with higher rates of symptoms. No bradycardia, seizures, or fasciculations were reported. Eighty-nine cases (47%) were evaluated at a health care facility, and 13 (7%) were admitted to a hospital. Oral rivastigmine exposures were associated with increased rate of health care facility evaluation. Activated charcoal was administered in 28 cases. Atropine was given only once, for drooling. There were no serious outcomes or deaths in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Reported pediatric exposures to antidementia drugs resulted in minimal morbidity and no mortality. Oral rivastigmine exposures were found to be associated with more symptoms and health care facility evaluations.

Assessment of Digoxin-Specific Fab Fragment Dosages in Digoxin Poisoning.

Digoxin poisoning still remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, digoxin-specific Fab fragments are commercially available as an antidote. However, these Fab fragments are several thousand dollars per vial. There is a standardized formula to calculate appropriate Fab fragment dosage based on the serum digoxin concentration. This can greatly reduce the amount of Fab fragment administered. There is also an empiric dosing guideline recommending 6-10 vials be given; however, this may result in higher amounts of Fab fragments being administered than required. We performed this study to assess the amounts of digoxin-specific Fab fragments administered in the treatment of digoxin poisonings recorded in a poison control system database from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2009, in which digoxin serum concentrations were available. This was a retrospective study of 278 patients, 107 with acute poisonings (group A) and 171 following chronic poisoning (group B). In group A, the calculated Fab dose was higher than the calculated dose based on available concentrations in 39 (36%) of group A and 15 (9%) of group B patients. The average wholesale price cost of the excessive dosages ranged from $4818 to as high as $50,589 per patient. Our data suggests that clinician education on digoxin poisoning and the use of the standardized formula to calculate the Fab dose may decrease over utilization and decrease costs associated with the administration of digoxin-specific Fab fragments in the treatment of digoxin poisonings.

Review of Experience of a Statewide Poison Control Center With Pediatric Exposures to Oral Antineoplastic Drugs in the Nonmedical Setting.

The use of oral antineoplastic agents in nonmedical settings continues to increase. There are limited data available on pediatric exposures to these agents. We sought to identify characteristics of such exposures. We performed a retrospective review of database of a statewide poison system from 2000 to 2009 for all cases of pediatric exposures to oral antineoplastic agents, which took place in a nonmedical setting. Data collected include gender, age, agent of exposure, dose, drug concentration, reason for exposure, symptoms, outcomes, interventions, and length of hospital stay. There were a total of 328 patients. The mean average age was 4.1 years. Eighty-nine percentage (n = 293) was unintentional. Exposures to 21 different antineoplastic agents were identified. Methotrexate (n = 91) and 6-mercaptopurine (n = 47) were the most common agents encountered. Two hundred ninety-nine (91%) cases had no symptoms reported. When reported, gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 17) and central nervous system sedation (n = 6) were most common. One case of pancytopenia was reported. No deaths were reported in this series. Sixty-seven percent (n = 220) were managed at home, whereas 19 (6%) were admitted to a health care facility. Cases were followed by the poison control center for 0.34 days (SD = 1.40). In this study, exposures to oral antineoplastics were primarily unintentional, asymptomatic, and managed at home. Study limitations include possible reporting bias, inability to objectively confirm exposures, and limited duration of monitoring by the poison control center. In this retrospective review, no significant morbidity or mortality was reported from pediatric exposures to oral antineoplastic drugs in the nonmedical setting.

Human Poisoning Through Atypical Routes of Exposure.

There are over 2 million human exposure cases reported to United States poison centers annually. Much of the data involves exposure through ingestion, dermal contact, inhalation, ocular, or parenteral routes. There is limited data characterizing exposure via atypical routes. We conducted a retrospective review of the California Poison Control System Database for a 24-month period from January 2012 to December 2013 for poison exposure that occurred through the otic, vaginal, or rectal route. There were a total of 634 cases involving single-route and single-substance atypical poison exposure. There were 287 (45%) cases of otic exposure, 190 (30.0%) cases of vaginal exposure, and 157 (25%) cases of rectal exposure. Five hundred forty (85%) of the cases were unintentional. Gasoline exposure through the otic route occurred in 83 (13.1%) cases, followed by hydrogen peroxide (4.7%), acetaminophen (3.8%), and miconazole (2.7%). Adverse effects occurred in 336 (53%) cases. No deaths were reported. The most common treatment was observation only, occurring in 396 (62.4%) cases. The majority of the cases did not warrant hospital evaluation (73.5%). This is the first retrospective characterization study of atypical routes of poison exposure. These results may provide education to providers and the public regarding risks of exposure to substances through atypical routes.

An acute gabapentin fatality: a case report with postmortem concentrations.

Gabapentin (GBP) (Neurontin®, Horizant®, Gralise®) is a widely prescribed medication used primarily for the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain. GBP has a favorable adverse effect profile in therapeutic dosing with the most common reported effects being dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, and peripheral edema. Even with intentional GBP self-poisonings, serious effects are rare. A 47-year-old female was found dead at work with her daughter's bottle of GBP 600 mg. There were 26 tablets missing and the decedent's only known medication was hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Following initial detection by an alkaline drug screen (GC-MS), analysis utilizing specific liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed an elevated postmortem GBP peripheral blood concentration of 37 mg/L, central blood 32 mg/L, liver 26 mg/kg, vitreous 32 mg/L, and gastric contents 6 mg. Screening for volatiles, drugs of abuse, alkaline compounds, and acid/neutral compounds was negative with the exception of ibuprofen (<2 mg/L) detected in peripheral blood. This report presents a fatality that appears to be associated with an isolated and acute GBP ingestion.

Orbeez: the magic water absorbing bead--risk of pediatric bowel obstruction?

OBJECTIVES: In December 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled the water-absorbing toy WaterBalz after reports of small intestine obstruction after ingestion by children. Orbeez, another water-absorbing bead, remains available and is marketed as a children's toy. We sought to determine the extent to which Orbeez enlarge in various liquid media and the potential risk for bowel obstruction. METHODS: Three Orbeez beads were added to 210 mL of the following liquid media: room temperature tap water, whole milk, simulated gastric fluid, GoLytely (polyethelyelene glycol, 3350 and electrolytes), and vodka (40% ethanol by volume). Diameters before exposure to media were measured using a caliper to the nearest 0.1 mm and again at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Ten beads were then added to the beads already immersed in simulated gastric fluid and water and observed for an additional 72 hours (96 hours total) for clumping or increase in diameter. Clumping was defined as two or more beads remaining persistently adherent to one another despite gentle circular movement (swirling) of the liquid. RESULTS: Growth in each of the media was observed. Growth in simulated gastric fluid was minimal, whereas the beads were observed to be the largest after 24 hours in vodka. Clumping of the beads was not observed to occur. CONCLUSIONS: Orbeez beads enlarge to a different extent in different liquid media. It is unlikely that Orbeez beads would expand to sizes or demonstrate clumping that would be concerning for intestinal obstruction.

An observational case series of dabigatran and rivaroxaban exposures reported to a poison control system.

OBJECTIVE: Characterize clinical presentations and outcomes of dabigatran and rivaroxaban exposures reported to a poison control system. METHODS: Data for cases of dabigatran and rivaroxaban exposures called into the California Poison Control System from January 2011 to July 2013 were collected. Data collected included patient demographics, type of exposure, medication, dosage, vital signs, laboratory values, interventions, outcomes, and disposition. Exclusion criteria included confirmed nonexposures or miscoded cases. RESULTS: A total of 56 cases were identified, with 7 excluded, leaving 37 dabigatran and 12 rivaroxaban cases. Children age 12 years or less accounted for 5 dabigatran and 2 rivaroxaban cases. Bleeding was reported in 15 dabigatran cases. There were 4 cases of acute self-harm overdose with dabigatran ranging from 1800 to 3900 mg. Mild bleeding was reported in only one of these overdose cases. There were 2 fatal hemorrhages in dabigatran cases, both in chronic therapeutic dosing. Bleeding was reported in 5 rivaroxaban cases, all in patients with chronic exposure; no deaths were reported. There were no adverse outcomes in pediatric patients. Coagulation parameters did not correlate well with bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the greatest risk of adverse events was in patients chronically taking these agents, irrespective of excess dosing. Acute self-harm ingestions and accidental pediatric ingestions had few adverse effects, although massive overdose can lead to abnormal coagulation studies. It does not appear that single low-dose ingestions of either medication will lead to clinically significant bleeding. It may be possible to manage some pediatric exposures and most accidental ingestions with observation.

Adverse effects of e-cigarette exposures.

In 2007, a new source of nicotine exposure was introduced to the United States market, the electronic cigarette (ECIG) or "e-cigarette". Since then, the USA ECIG market has been doubling annually. Despite their widespread popularity, there is a paucity of existing data regarding ECIG toxicity. We report the experience of a statewide poison system. The database of a statewide poison system was queried for human ECIG exposures from 2010 (when Poisindex code first generated) through 2012. Year, age, manner and route of exposure, estimate exposure amount, product concentration, if evaluated at healthcare facility and symptoms were recorded. A total of 35 cases were identified--4 in 2010, 12 in 2011, 19 in 2012. Age range 8 months-60 years. Reported symptoms were mild and transient. Five patients were evaluated in an emergency department and none were admitted. Product concentrations ranged from 4 to 30 mg of nicotine per ml. Poison centers are likely to see an increase in exposures to ECIG given their growing popularity. Our modest results suggest that adverse effects and accidental exposures to ECIG cartridges are unlikely to result in serious toxicity.

Examining the risk of methanol poisoning from methyl acetate-containing products.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aims to review California Poison Control System data to qualitatively describe reported methyl acetate (MA) exposures and determine if a metabolic acidosis develops. METHODS: We queried the Poison Control System data between January 1997 and December 1, 2010. Inclusion criteria were single MA ingestions. RESULTS: Eighty-three cases were analyzed. Females made up 52% of study subjects. Seventy-five cases (90%) were 5 years or younger. Most (93%) ingestions were unintentional. Sixty-two cases (75%) were referred to a health care facility (HCF). Of these, 75% of cases referred to an HCF had no effect, and 25% of cases had a minor effect. There were no major effects, including deaths reported. One case received single-dose activated charcoal, and 1 case received intravenous fluids as therapy. All other cases were observed only. Of all cases, including home-managed and HCF cases, 63 (76%) had no symptoms. Vomiting was observed in 12 cases (14%), drowsiness in 1 case, ataxia in 1 case, abdominal pain in 1 case, and throat/oral irritation in 5 cases. Fifty-three percent of cases referred to HCF had at least 1 chemistry panel done (27% had >1 chemistry panel done). One patient had a mild metabolic acidosis without symptoms that resolved after a period of observation. There was no renal dysfunction. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that minor ingestions of MA may be observed at home, but a prospective study is needed to exclude the risk of home observation.