Opioid exposure associated with poppy consumption reported to poison control centers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

OBJECTIVE: To assess characteristics of exposures to contaminated poppy and identify trends in exposure and poppy-related deaths. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of adverse events associated with exposure to poppy products (primarily poppy seeds) from the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System (NPDS), 2000-2018, supplemented with analysis of overdoses and deaths related to poppy from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) (2004-2018), and the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) (1968-2018). RESULTS: There were 591 NPDS exposure cases involving poppy between 2000 and 2018 including 392 in persons aged 13+. Rates of intentional exposures in NPDS increased among the age 13+ group over the study period. Most intentional exposures occurred in males in their teens and twenties. NPDS included 18 overdoses and three deaths likely attributable to poppy, most involving poppy seed tea. CAERS and FAERS included five additional deaths likely attributable to opioids in poppy. CONCLUSIONS: Including previously reported cases, there are now at least 19 U.S. deaths associated with poppy seeds in the literature. We recommend that practitioners working in opioid treatment and recovery be alert to use of poppy to treat pain and symptoms of withdrawal.

Pediatric ingestions with gummy formulated medications: a retrospective study.

CONTEXT: Gummy formulations are widely available with estimated 65% marketed for children. Currently, there are few studies describing children ingesting gummy formulated medications. The aim of this study was to quantify and identify the type of ingestions due to gummy formulated medications, evaluate their clinical significance as defined by adverse outcomes: associated symptoms, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. METHODS: Retrospective study in children aged 0-19 exposed to gummy formulated medications from 2015 to 2017 as identified by calls made to the Regional Poison Control Center (RPCC). A list of potentially toxic gummy formulated medications was compiled and reviewed by medical and clinical toxicologists. We categorized medications into vitamins, minerals and supplements, melatonin, and other. Data collected included: medication name, number of units, age, sex, symptoms described, ED visit, hospitalization, and unintentional or intentional ingestion. DISCUSSION: Of the 66,059 pediatric exposures received by RPCC, 1143 (1.7%) involved gummy formulated medications of which 1098 were analyzed. Median age was 3 years, 57.7% were males and 7% were symptomatic. Seventy-four percent exposures involved vitamins and 24% melatonin. In comparison to other gummy exposures, those who ingested melatonin had 8.4 times higher odds of being symptomatic (OR: 8.4, 95% CI: 5.1, 14) and 4.8 times higher odds of visiting ED (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: 2.5, 9). The predominant symptoms reported were drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, and hyperactivity. Two patients were hospitalized who ingested multiple medications, one was unintentional, and one was intentional as a suicide attempt thus admitted for psychiatric stabilization. CONCLUSIONS: Gummy formulated medications comprised <2% of the total pediatric calls to the RPCC. Although, the occurrence of symptoms is rare, these medications especially those containing melatonin should be safely stored.

A comparative analysis of kratom exposure cases in Thailand and the United States from 2010-2017.

Background: Interest in the Southeast Asian natural remedy kratom has increased in Western countries recently, along with increasing concern over its potential toxic effects.Objective: To describe and compare demographics, common co-exposure substances, clinical effects, treatments, and medical outcomes of kratom "abuse" exposures in the United States (US) and Thailand.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of kratom "abuse" exposures, defined as use when attempting to gain a psychotropic effect, reported to the National Poison Data System (NPDS) in the US and the Ramathibodi Poison Center (RPC) in Thailand from 2010 to 2017. Multivariate analysis identified risk factors for severe medical outcomes, defined as both ICU admissions and death.Results: Nine-hundred-twenty-eight cases were included (760 from NPDS and 168 from RPC). A greater proportion of cases involved co-exposures in Thailand (64.8% versus 37.4%; odds ratio [OR] = 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.15-4.47, p < .01). Both countries had a similar prevalence of opioid and benzodiazepine co-ingestions, but the US had more co-ingestions with other sedatives (4.6% versus 0%, OR = 0, 95% CI = 0-0.47, p < .01). Common clinical effects included tachycardia (30.4%), agitation/irritability (26.2%), and drowsiness/lethargy (21.1%). Six deaths occurred, including one single-substance exposure in the US, three multiple-substance exposures in the US, and two multiple-substance exposures in Thailand. Severe medical outcomes were reported more frequently in the US (OR = 18.82, 95% CI = 5.85-60.56, p < .01).Conclusions: Despite lower frequencies of co-ingestants overall, US kratom abuse exposures yielded greater clinical severity. This disparity may be attributable to differences in the products labeled "kratom," greater sedative co-exposures in the US, and/or differences in population genetics or use patterns.

2019 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System (NPDS): 37th Annual Report.

Introduction: This is the 37th Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers' (AAPCC) National Poison Data System (NPDS). As of 1 January, 2019, all 55 of the nation's poison centers (PCs) uploaded case data automatically to NPDS. The upload interval was 6.52 [6.12, 8.68] (median [25%, 75%]) minutes, creating a near real-time national exposure and information database and surveillance system.Methods: We analyzed the case data tabulating specific indices from NPDS. The methodology was similar to that of previous years. Where changes were introduced, the differences are identified. Cases with medical outcomes of death were evaluated by a team of medical and clinical toxicologist reviewers using an ordinal scale of 1-6 to assess the Relative Contribution to Fatality (RCF) of the exposure.Results: In 2019, 2,573,180 closed encounters were logged by NPDS: 2,148,141 human exposures, 68,711 animal exposures, 351,163 information requests, 5,078 human confirmed nonexposures. Total encounters showed a 1.70% increase from 2018, while health care facility (HCF) human exposure cases remained nearly steady with a slight decrease of 0.495%. All information requests decreased by 4.58%, medication identification (Drug ID) requests decreased by 29.7%, and human exposure cases increased by 2.30%. Human exposures with less serious outcomes have decreased 2.08% per year since 2008, while those with more serious outcomes (moderate, major or death) have increased 4.61% per year since 2000.Consistent with the previous year, the top 5 substance classes most frequently involved in all human exposures were analgesics (11.0%), household cleaning substances (7.13%), cosmetics/personal care products (6.16%), antidepressants (5.32%), and sedatives/hypnotics/antipsychotics (5.21%). As a class, antidepressant exposures increased most rapidly, by 1,957 cases/year (3.90%/year) over the past 10 years for cases with more serious outcomes.The top 5 most common exposures in children age 5 years or less were cosmetics/personal care products (11.4%), household cleaning substances (10.5%), analgesics (8.97%), foreign bodies/toys/miscellaneous (7.17%), and dietary supplements/herbals/homeopathic (5.06%). Drug identification requests comprised 13.4% of all information contacts. NPDS documented 2,619 human exposures resulting in death; 2,048 (78.2%) of these were judged as related (RCF of 1-Undoubtedly responsible, 2-Probably responsible, or 3-Contributory).Conclusions: These data support the continued value of PC expertise and need for specialized medical toxicology information to manage more serious exposures. Unintentional and intentional exposures continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the US. The near real-time status of NPDS represents a national public health resource to collect and monitor US exposure cases and information contacts. The continuing mission of NPDS is to provide a nationwide infrastructure for surveillance for all types of exposures (e.g., foreign body, infectious, venomous, chemical agent, or commercial product), and the identification and tracking of significant public health events. NPDS is a model system for the near real-time surveillance of national and global public health.

Kratom exposures reported to United States poison control centers: 2011-2017.

Context: Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a plant indigenous to Southeast Asia that has gained national attention in the United States for its increased use in the self-management of opioid withdrawal and pain, as well as for concerns about its safety. Methods: This study analyzes exposures to kratom reported to poison control centers (PCCs) in the United States during 2011-2017 from the National Poison Data System (NPDS). Discussion: From 2011 through 2017, 1807 kratom exposures were reported to United States PCCs. Almost two-thirds (65.0%) of these exposures occurred during 2016-2017. Most exposures occurred among adults ≥20 years (88.9%), males (70.8%), at a residence (86.1%), and were intentional (74.3%). Among first-ranked kratom exposures, 31.8% resulted in admission to a health care facility (HCF) and 51.9% in a serious medical outcome. Multiple-substance exposures were associated with greater odds of admission to a HCF (OR: 2.80; 95% CI: 2.21-3.55) and a serious medical outcome (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.77-2.85) compared with single-substance exposures. There were 11 deaths associated with kratom exposure, including two that occurred after exposure to kratom only. Among kratom-only exposures, 86.1% resulted in one or more clinical effects. The most common clinical effects were agitation/irritability (22.9%) and tachycardia (21.4%). There were seven neonatal exposures, including five experiencing withdrawal. Conclusions: Kratom is associated with a variety of serious medical outcomes, especially when used with other substances. More research is needed to define the human response to kratom. Increased regulation of kratom products would help guarantee product quality and safety. Individuals who choose to use kratom should be educated about its potential risks, including the dangers of using it in combination with other substances.

Datura and Brugmansia plants related antimuscarinic toxicity: an analysis of poisoning cases reported to the Taiwan poison control center.

INTRODUCTION: Datura and Brugmansia plants, especially Datura species, have been used for their hallucinogenic effects in the United States and Europe; whereas Datura plants have been used as a traditional medicine in many Asian countries. This study was conducted to better understand the pattern and outcome of Datura/Brugmansia plant related poisoning in Taiwan. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series study of all cases with Datura/Brugmansia exposure reported to the Taiwan Poison Control Center between 1986 and 2015. Data for patients with relevant poisoning were reviewed and abstracted. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential predictors of the severity of poisoning; bivariate analysis was employed to assess the effectiveness of physostigmine in the treatment of Datura/Brugmansia poisoning. RESULTS: A total of 203 cases involving 114 Datura exposures and 89 Brugmansia suaveolens exposures were eligible for analysis. Using Datura/Brugmansia for a medicinal purpose by the patients without consulting Chinese medicine practitioners was the most common reason of poisoning (81.2%); whereas only 2% of the patients were poisoned after medicinal use associated with the prescription from Chinese medicine practitioners. None of the 203 patients had used Datura/Brugmansia plant for recreational purpose. Most frequently observed clinical effect was mydriasis (53.2%), followed by confusion (40%), tachycardia (35.5%), dry mouth (35.5%), dizziness (34%), dry skin (32.5%), and delirium (31%). Seventy-three cases (36%) had severe effects; none of them died. Misidentification of the plants and ingestion of plant parts other than flowers were positively associated with the severity of poisoning. Forty patients (19.7%) received physostigmine therapy and patients receiving physostigmine had an earlier resolution of central nervous system toxicity than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Medicinal use without consulting Chinese medicine practitioners is the main reason for Datura/Brugmansia poisoning in Taiwan. Consumption of parts other than flowers and misidentification of the plants predicted the severity of poisoning in this study. Patients who received physostigmine appear to have earlier improvement in the central nervous system effects. No adverse events were reported from physostigmine administration.

High dose insulin for beta-blocker and calcium channel-blocker poisoning.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: High dose insulin (HDI) is a standard therapy for beta-blocker (BB) and calcium channel-blocker (CCB) poisoning, however human case experience is rare. Our poison center routinely recommends HDI for shock from BBs or CCBs started at 1U/kg/h and titrated to 10U/kg/h. The study objective was to describe clinical characteristics and adverse events associated with HDI. METHODS: This was a structured chart review of patients receiving HDI for BB or CCB poisoning with HDI defined as insulin infusion of ≥0.5U/kg/h. RESULTS: In total 199 patients met final inclusion criteria. Median age was 48years (range 14-89); 50% were male. Eighty-eight patients (44%) were poisoned by BBs, 66 (33%) by CCBs, and 45 (23%) by both. Median nadir pulse was 54 beats/min (range 12-121); median nadir systolic blood pressure was 70mmHg (range, 30-167). Forty-one patients (21%) experienced cardiac arrest; 31 (16%) died. Median insulin bolus was 1U/kg (range, 0.5-10). Median starting insulin infusion was 1U/kg/h (range 0.22-10); median peak infusion was 8U/kg/h (range 0.5-18). Hypokalemia occurred in 29% of patients. Hypoglycemia occurred in 31% of patients; 50% (29/50) experienced hypoglycemia when dextrose infusion concentration ≤10%, and 30% (31/105) experienced hypoglycemia when dextrose infusion concentration ≥20%. CONCLUSIONS: HDI, initiated by emergency physicians in consultation with a poison center, was feasible and safe in this large series. Metabolic abnormalities were common, highlighting the need for close monitoring. Hypoglycemia was more common when less concentrated dextrose maintenance infusions were utilized.

The Scheduling of Kratom and Selective Use of Data.

Kratom is a traditional drug from Southeast Asia that has been an emerging new substance in the United States. On August 30, 2016, the DEA announced the intention to emergency schedule kratom into Schedule I. To support this decision, the DEA cited an increase in drug seizures of kratom and an increase in calls to poison control concerning kratom. However, a short time later, on October 12, 2016, the DEA withdrew the intent to schedule kratom after public and congressional backlash. The withdrawal by the DEA was somewhat unprecedented. To better understand both decisions, the current article examines the evidence the DEA cited to support their decision to emergency schedule kratom and the degree and type of media coverage of kratom to determine if a media-driven drug panic occurred.

[Poisonings in Germany : Poisons Centres, Medical Management and National Monitoring]. / Vergiftungen in Deutschland : Giftinformationszentren, medizinische Versorgung und nationales Monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Illnesses caused by exposure to extracorporeal artificial substances play a major role in emergency medicine, family medicine, and environmental medicine. OBJECTIVE: The current situation of medical poisoning management and national reporting of poisonings in Germany are described. MATERIALS UND METHODS: The information and data presented here are derived from a literature review and from stakeholder interviews. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Eight poison centres (PCs) offer consultation supporting the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning cases in Germany today. Furthermore, those affected, their relatives and first aiders contact these German PCs, mainly because of a suspected poisoning. German PCs are also contacted by those affected and by institutions in other situations when expert toxicological judgement is needed, especially in cases with an environmental background. Often, interpretation of analytical laboratory results of body fluid samples or environmental samples are requested, or reference to environmental medicine treatment facilities is made. The PCs and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) cooperate on the national reporting of the risks of poisoning for the population. In addition, the BfR collects and evaluates poisoning reports from German medical doctors that have been directly submitted. A pilot project on a national monitoring of poisonings should collate future case reports. An extensive and current overview of poisonings in Germany is a prerequisite for the identification of unsafe products and to fully comply with the international reporting needs of the German Federal Government in the case of chemical outbreaks and the resulting suspected cases.

Dofetilide in Overdose: A Case Series from Poison Center Data.

Dofetilide is a class III antiarrhythmic used for treating atrial dysrhythmias. Though its adverse effects are well described in routine use, very little is known about dofetilide toxicity in overdose. This is a retrospective case series of consecutive patients reported to our poison center after dofetilide overdose. Twenty-seven cases were included. Seventeen patients were treated at a healthcare facility, and of these, eight were admitted. Twenty-one patients took one extra capsule, four took someone else's medication, one took three extra capsules, and one had a large intentional overdose. Ten patients had co-ingestants reported, including three QT-prolonging agents. No one required cardioversion, defibrillation, CPR, or overdrive pacing. The patient who reported taking 90 times his usual dose in suicide attempt was the only patient to have significant clinical effects. He experienced an 8-beat run of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, frequent multifocal PVCs, and ventricular bigeminy. He received magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride supplementation. In this series, unintentional small overdoses did not result in significant clinical effects and were often managed successfully at home, despite the fact that information showing a single capsule can cause torsades. This study is limited by its small sample size, retrospective design, and reliance on incomplete information.

Fire eater's lung: retrospective analysis of 123 cases reported to a National Poison Center.

BACKGROUND: Fire eater's lung (FEL) is a distinct form of acute chemical toxic pneumonitis, which is caused by aspiration of flammable petrochemical derivatives used by street performers for 'fire eating'. The optimal management of this condition has not yet been determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate patient characteristics, clinical features, treatment, and outcome of FEL. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of consecutive cases of FEL in children and adults reported to a national poison center (the Swiss Toxicological Information Center) between 1995 and 2012. RESULTS: 123 cases (83.7% males, mean age 21.9 years) were included. The most frequently reported symptom was cough (50.4%), followed by chest pain (45.5%), and fever (35.8%). Dyspnea was reported by 23.6%. Cough (p = 0.002) and chest pain (p = 0.02) were significantly more prevalent in subjects reporting to have aspirated the fuel compared to those who have swallowed it or who did not perceive poison exposure. A pulmonary infiltrate was detected in 83% of the cases in whom chest X-ray was performed. Overall, 22% were treated with an antibiotic agent for a mean duration of 10.4 days. Corticosteroids were administered in 4.9%. All showed complete recovery irrespective of the therapeutic management. CONCLUSION: The combination of intense pleuritic chest pain, cough, dyspnea, and fever, or any of these symptoms after 'fire eating' or erroneous swallowing of a petroleum distillate should alert the clinician to the diagnosis of FEL. Early antibiotic treatment of severe cases seems justified, considering that clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings of FEL are overlapping with bacterial superinfection.

Amanita phalloides poisoning and treatment with silibinin in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

OBJECTIVES: To report the frequency and clinical outcomes of Amanita phalloides poisoning in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, and the treatments used (including silibinin). DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS: Retrospective case series of patients admitted to public hospitals in Canberra and Sydney for suspected A. phalloides poisoning between 1999 and 2012 (identified from hospital records and calls to the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of poisoning and the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Twelve patients presented with a history suggesting A. phalloides poisoning, 10 with probable poisoning and two with possible poisoning. Eight of those with probable poisoning developed significant hepatotoxicity and four died. Silibinin was administered to nine of those with probable poisoning (the other presented before 2005). Maintaining silibinin supply became a challenge during two clusters of poisoning. Eight of the patients with probable poisoning were not long-term residents of the ACT, and six were immigrants from Asia. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate due to A. phalloides poisoning in this case series was high despite treatment according to current standards, including use of silibinin, and the frequency of hepatotoxicity was more than double that for the previous decade. Ongoing public health campaigns are required.

Exposures to 1,3-dimethylamylamine-containing products reported to Texas poison centers.

1,3-Dimethylamylamine (DMAA) is an ingredient in a number of weight loss and exercise performance enhancing products. However, information on the safety of DMAA-containing products is limited. Exposures to DMAA-containing products reported to Texas poison centers during 2010-2011 were identified and selected factors were examined. A total of 56 exposures were found, of which 75.0% were reported during 2011. OxyElite Pro™ was the reported product in 80.4% of the exposures. The patients were 51.8% male and 55.4% age ≤5 years. The patient was managed on site (such as at home) in 57.1% of the cases, and the exposure was known or expected to result in an outcome that was classified as not serious in 80.4%. The most frequently reported clinical effects were tachycardia (28.6%), nausea (16.1%), and vomiting (12.5%). The most common treatments were dilution (41.1%), food (19.6%), and activated charcoal (14.3%). It should be noted that the adverse clinical effects may be due to other ingredients in the DMAA-containing products, such as caffeine.

Adherence to calcium channel blocker poisoning treatment recommendations in two Canadian cities.

CONTEXT: No study has documented whether physicians call poison control centres (PCC) for calcium channel blocker (CCB) poisoning or if interventions suggested by the PCC are being applied. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the compliance of physicians with the Quebec Poison Control Center's (QPCC) recommendations for the treatment of CCB poisoning. It also assessed the outcomes of these patients. METHODS: This retrospective chart review was conducted with CCB-poisoned adults who were admitted to a hospital in Quebec City or Montreal between January 2004 and November 2007. Using the sequence of interventions, it was determined whether or not the PPC recommendations were adhered to. Level of care provided, morbidity and mortality were reported. The researchers also used the QPCC database to verify if the poison centre was consulted for the care of the patient. RESULTS: A total of 103 cases were identified. 42% (43/103) were classified as compliant (all PCC recommendations were followed) and 58% (60/103) non-compliant group (some or no PCC recommendations followed). The poison control centre (PCC) was contacted for 74% of the total cases (81% of cases in the compliant group and 68% in the non-compliant group). High-dose insulin euglycemia therapy (HIET) was not started when indicated or started at too low dosage in 20 cases. Glucagon was given, even if not indicated, in 14 cases and decontamination was inappropriate in at least 10 cases. For the entire sample, there was an average of 8 days of hospitalization, 47 h of intensive care, 11 h of vasopressor use, a morbidity of 50% and a mortality of 6%. Acute renal failure (35%), metabolic acidosis (25%), acute pulmonary oedema (15%), aspiration pneumonia (15%), rhabdomyolysis (8%), myocardial ischemia (7%), abnormal liver function tests (AST/ALT) (6%), cerebral anoxia (4%) and ileus (3%) were among the most frequent complications. The outcomes in the non-compliant group versus the compliant group showed a mortality of 10% versus 0% (95%CI 0.00-0.20, p-value < 0.0001), a morbidity 67% versus 26% (95%CI 0.17-0.57, p-value < 0.0001) (OR 0.21 unadjusted and 0.64 adjusted, p-value < 0.0001), a median hospital length of stay (LOS) of 5 days versus 1 da y (p-value < 0.0001) (OR of a LOS ≥ 1 day 0.23 unadjusted and 0.39 adjusted, p-value < 0.0001), a median ICU LOS of 34 h versus 0 h (p-value < 0.0001) (OR of a ICU LOS ≥ 1 day 0.16 unadjusted and 0.38 adjusted, p-value < 0.0001) and a median duration of vasopressor of 17 h versus 3 h (p-value 0.0002) (OR of a vasopressor ≥ 1 h 0.15 unadjusted and 0.29 adjusted, p-value < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the majority of the physicians did not follow PCC recommendations for the treatment of CCB poisoning. Further studies are ongoing as to evaluate the barriers to protocol adherence and to develop evidence based guidelines accompanied by an effective implementation strategy.

Plant exposures reported to the Poisons Information Centre Erfurt from 2001-2010.

At the moment, no recent study about plant exposures in Germany and in the federal states the Poisons Information Centre (PIC) Erfurt is serving is available. To get new information about important characteristics of plant exposures like the development of frequency, plants, age groups involved, circumstances of exposure, and symptom severity, we conducted a retrospective study including all human plant exposures reported to the PIC Erfurt over a 10-year period from the beginning of 2001 to the end of 2010. In total, 13 001 plant exposures were registered. While the absolute number of plant exposures discontinuously increased from 1110 in 2001 to 1467 in 2009, and decreased to 1157 in 2010, their relative frequency to all human exposures fell from 9.2 % in 2001 to 5.9 % in 2010. Age groups: children 87.5 % (toddler 60.0 %); adults 11.3 % (middle-aged adults 5.2 %). Gender: female 39.0 % and male 41.2 %. Circumstances: accidental 91.6 %, unknown 4.6 %, abuse 2.9 %, suicide 0.9 %. Severity of symptoms: none to slight 85.5 %, moderate 1.7 %, unknown 12.7 %, severe 0.1 % (in total 9, one 4-year-old girl, involved plant genera: Aconitum, Arum, Chelidonium, Datura, brugmansia, Dieffenbachia, Ricinus, 2 Taxus), fatal 0.03 % (in total 4, involved plant genera: 2 Aconitum, 2 Taxus). In comparison to all human exposures, the relative frequency of severe symptoms in accidental and intentional plant exposures by abuse was significantly lower but as high by suicide. The significant higher involvement of children resulted mainly in none or mild symptoms. Severe symptoms could mostly be observed in adults in intentional plant exposures or when poisonous plants were mistaken for eatable. Because some plant exposures resulted in severe symptoms and even death, their dangerousness should not be trivialised.

Salvia divinorum: exposures reported to a statewide poison control system over 10 years.

BACKGROUND: Salvia divinorum, a hallucinogenic herb, has in recent years become popular among teenagers and young adults. Salvia is presently marketed as a "legal" alternative to other drugs of abuse, but little is known about the clinical toxicity of this substance. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical and demographic features of this emerging substance of recreational abuse using data obtained from the records of a poison control center. METHODS: We performed retrospective review of exposures to the herbal hallucinogen Salvia divinorum as reported to the California Poison Control System (CPCS) over the last 10 years. Demographic and clinical data were collected and compiled from the computerized records of the CPCS for the search terms "salvia" and "sage." RESULTS: There were 37 exposures to S. divinorum and 96 exposures to non-hallucinogenic Salvia species. Eighteen (49%) of the exposures were to S. divinorum alone. Intentional Salvia exposures resulted in a variety of neurologic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal effects. Notably, the use of concomitant substances of abuse was associated with a high rate of complications and psychomotor disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: Intentional use of S. divinorum, whether alone or in combination with alcoholic beverages and other drugs, causes neurologic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal effects. This poison-center-based review helps to characterize the clinical toxicity of S. divinorum, but more clinical and pharmacologic research is warranted for this rapidly emerging substance of abuse.

Black widow spider envenomation in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Little data exist regarding the optimal treatment and outcomes of pregnancies complicated by black widow spider envenomation. Our objective is to evaluate the clinical effects, medical outcomes, and treatment differences between pregnant and nonpregnant women. METHODS: This observational study is based on a review of the database maintained by the American Association of Poison Control Centers from 2003 to 2007. RESULTS: Of the 12,640 human black widow spider envenomations reported at 61 poison centers in the United States, 3194 (25.3%) involved women of reproductive age, defined as age 15-45 years of age, with 97 (3.0% of reproductive-age women) being pregnant. Comparing pregnant and nonpregnant women, there were no significant differences in recommended or administered treatments. Pregnant women were more likely than nonpregnant women (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.20-2.83) to have outcomes coded as minor, moderate, or major rather than no effect. Significantly higher percentages of pregnant patients were treated at a healthcare facility where they were either released (36.1% vs. 19.9%, p < 0.001) or admitted (13.4% vs. 4.0%, p < 0.001), than nonpregnant women. There were no documented pregnancy losses. CONCLUSIONS: Black widow spider envenomation is a rare occurrence in pregnant women and the short-term outcomes appear to be favorable.