The Continued Misadventures of Intentional C4 Ingestion: A Case Cluster.

Several published case reports describe the intentional ingestion of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, more commonly referred to as Composite-4 (C4), by military personnel. This putty-like explosive material, used for breaching operations, can produce euphoric effects through polyisobutylene; however, the additional ingredient of Research Department Explosive (RDX), or "Cyclonite," can cause significant central nervous system disruption resulting in seizures. We report a unique case cluster of active-duty personnel with intentional C4 ingestion and wide-ranging symptoms, including seizures. Unit personnel discovered this cluster after progressive patient presentations. This report illustrates the spectrum of C4 ingestion effects, as well as the need for investigation to ensure prompt medical evaluation and management of those suspected of consumption.

Increase in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Hospitalizations Due to Toxic Ingestions during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related community mitigation measures had a significant psychosocial impact. We suspected that more patients were admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for toxic ingestions since the start of the pandemic. We therefore investigated if PICU admissions related to toxic ingestions were higher in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 compared with previous years. We completed a cross-sectional study at a tertiary children's hospital comparing admissions to our PICU between April 2020 and October 2020, during which COVID-19 and community mitigation measures were in place, to those during the same 7-month period in the previous 3 years. Total PICU admissions, admissions for all toxic ingestions (intentional ingestions and accidental ingestions), and demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were compared. Total PICU admissions in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic months were lower compared with the same months in the preceding 3 years (-16%, p < 0.001), however, admissions for toxic ingestions were higher during COVID-19 (+64%, p < 0.001). When separated by type, intentional (+55%, p = 0.012) and accidental ingestions (+94%, p = 0.021) were higher during COVID-19. COVID-19 with community mitigation measures has led to an increase in PICU admissions for intentional and accidental ingestions, indicating an increase in severity of toxic ingestions in children associated with the pandemic. Mental health of adolescents, and safety of infants and toddlers in their home environment, should be targeted with specific interventions in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Angiotensin II Use in Treatment of Refractory Shock Due to Benazepril and Amlodipine Toxic Ingestion.

INTRODUCTION: Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are a leading cause of ingestion-associated fatality. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) overdose as part of co-ingestion is common and associated with refractory shock. Treatment options to manage this profound vasoplegia are limited. We describe the first case of use of newly formulated Angiotensin II for treatment of severe ACEi and CCB poisoning. CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old man presented after suicide attempt by ingesting 20 tablets each of amlodipine 10 mg and benazepril 20 mg. His hypotension was initially managed with 35 mL/kg of crystalloid, norepinephrine, and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic therapy (HIET). His hemodynamics further deteriorated, and he developed lactic acidosis, electrolyte derangements, and renal dysfunction. Further complications of his ingestion included cardiac arrest, subsequent requirement for emergency cricothyrotomy, and renal replacement therapy. Maximal hemodynamic support with HIET therapy insulin drip 4.4 units/kg/hour, norepinephrine 2 mcg/kg/min, epinephrine 1 mcg/kg/min, vasopressin .06 units/hour, and intravenous lipid emulsion was unsuccessful. Ang II was started and titrated to maximal doses with dramatic improvement in hemodynamics. Within hours of starting Ang II, epinephrine was stopped and norepinephrine decreased by 50%. He was downgraded from the intensive care unit without any ongoing end-organ dysfunction. DISCUSSION: Isolated CCB overdoses have high complication rates and well-established treatments. Therefore, management of CCB and ACEi co-ingestion is typically driven by CCB poisoning algorithm. There are multiple reports of CCB and ACEi co-ingestions causing treatment-refractory shock. Therapeutic options are limited by toxicities and availability of salvage therapies. Ang II is a safe and highly effective option to manage these patients.

Guanfacine toxic ingestion with subsequent cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Guanfacine is a central alpha-2 agonist often prescribed for Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder as well as tic disorder, with a usual dose of 1-4 mg per day. Due to its sympatholytic mechanism of action, Guanfacine can cause autonomic instability and hypotension. It can additionally cause cardiac dysfunction to include symptomatic bradycardias and contractility suppression. The authors present a case of a 17 year-old male with an ingestion of 80 mg of extended release Guanfacine with delayed onset cardiogenic pulmonary edema requiring mechanical ventilation. Previous pediatric ingestions have generated bradycardia, hypotension, and decreased level of consciousness, responsive to intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and occasionally naloxone. However, cardiogenic pulmonary edema from reduced cardiac contractility is a novel consequence of extended release Guanfacine ingestion. With Guanfacine's extended half-life, this unique case underscores the importance of emergency providers' familiarity with this toxidrome as well the necessity for prolonged, close observation following Guanfacine ingestion.

Importance of thorough examination in foreign body exposure: An impressive case of asphyxiation with foam sealant.

Foreign body exposure requires a systematic exploration. There are no specific guidelines regarding cancer screening with prior toxin exposure. More research about the pathophysiology and management may further our knowledge and improve morbidity.

Ingesta de cuerpos extraños magnéticos en la edad pediátrica. Caso clínico de localización y extracción endoscópica con ayuda de un imán / Ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies during the paediatric age. Case report, location and endoscopic extraction aided by a magnet

La ingesta accidental de más de un imán puede producir complicaciones graves. Los protocolos actuales recomiendan la extracción endoscópica de ser posible. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un caso clínico de una ingesta de dos imanes y la técnica endoscópica de extracción. Niño de 11 años que acudió a Urgencias tras la ingesta de dos imanes, asintomático. En la radiografía de abdomen, se identificaron dos cuerpos extraños radiopacos, aparentemente unidos, en la cámara gástrica. Se realizó una endoscopía bajo anestesia general en quirófano. Para facilitar la extracción, se colocó, encima de la pared abdominal, a nivel gástrico, un imán de neodimio. En la endoscopía, se observaron dos pequeños imanes localizados y fijados en la cara anterior del estómago. Una vez localizados, se retiró el imán externo y se procedió a su extracción con cesta

The ingestion of more than one magnet can cause multiple complications. Current protocols recommend endoscopic extraction if possible. We report a patient who swallowed two magnets and the endoscopic extraction technique. An 11-yearold boy presented at the Emergency Room after ingesting two small magnets, being asymptomatic. In the abdominal x-ray two radiopaque bodies were identified at the gastric chamber, apparently together. A gastroscopy was done in the operating room under general anaesthesia. To enable the extraction, a neodymium magnet was placed externally at the abdominal wall. In the endoscopic image, the two magnets were fixed to the anterior gastric wall. Once located, the neodymium magnet was removed and the two magnets were retrieved with an endoscopic basket.

Catastrophic Caustic Ingestion: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The majority of oral ingestion of caustic material by adults is intentional, and the aftermath varies widely with potentially fatal results. Injuries range from superficial burns of facial and oropharyngeal structures to extensive necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract. Management focuses on the identification of the ingested substance and prompt treatment and supportive care of the multiple complications stemming from the ingestion. Complications following caustic ingestion include both immediate and long term. CASE PRESENTATION: A fifty-seven-year-old man presented following intentional ingestion of drain cleaner. The patient was intubated and underwent emergent esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD], which revealed extensive damage to his oesophagus and stomach. He survived his initial injury but had a prolonged hospital course and ultimately died after developing tracheoesophageal and bronchooesophageal fistulas which were too extensive for surgical repair. CONCLUSION: The sequelae of caustic ingestion can be minor or severe, both immediate and delayed. Despite appropriate prompt management and supportive care, patients may die as a result of the initial injury or subsequent complications.

[Ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies during the paediatric age. Case report, location and endoscopic extraction aided by a magnet]. / Ingesta de cuerpos extraños magnéticos en la edad pediátrica. Caso clínico de localización y extracción endoscópica con ayuda de un imán.

The ingestion of more than one magnet can cause multiple complications. Current protocols recommend endoscopic extraction if possible. We report a patient who swallowed two magnets and the endoscopic extraction technique. An 11-yearold boy presented at the Emergency Room after ingesting two small magnets, being asymptomatic. In the abdominal x-ray two radiopaque bodies were identified at the gastric chamber, apparently together. A gastroscopy was done in the operating room under general anaesthesia. To enable the extraction, a neodymium magnet was placed externally at the abdominal wall. In the endoscopic image, the two magnets were fixed to the anterior gastric wall. Once located, the neodymium magnet was removed and the two magnets were retrieved with an endoscopic basket.

La ingesta accidental de más de un imán puede producir complicaciones graves. Los protocolos actuales recomiendan la extracción endoscópica de ser posible. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un caso clínico de una ingesta de dos imanes y la técnica endoscópica de extracción. Niño de 11 años que acudió a Urgencias tras la ingesta de dos imanes, asintomático. En la radiografía de abdomen, se identificaron dos cuerpos extraños radiopacos, aparentemente unidos, en la cámara gástrica. Se realizó una endoscopía bajo anestesia general en quirófano. Para facilitar la extracción, se colocó, encima de la pared abdominal, a nivel gástrico, un imán de neodimio. En la endoscopía, se observaron dos pequeños imanes localizados y fijados en la cara anterior del estómago. Una vez localizados, se retiró el imán externo y se procedió a su extracción con cesta.

Intentional Toxic Ingestion of Sodium Fluoride: A Case Report.

Sodium fluoride is an accessible and frequently used compound that if ingested can cause ventricular dysrhythmias, hemorrhage, and death. We present a case report of a 21-year-old female who presented following an intentional ingestion of a lethal dose of sodium fluoride, developing massive hemorrhage and cardiac arrest.

Acute Ataxia in Children: A Review of the Differential Diagnosis and Evaluation in the Emergency Department.

Acute ataxia in a pediatric patient poses a diagnostic dilemma for any physician. While the most common etiologies are benign, occasional individuals require urgent intervention. Children with stroke, toxic ingestion, infection, and neuro-inflammatory disorders frequently exhibit ataxia as an essential-if not the only-presenting feature. The available retrospective research utilize inconsistent definitions of acute ataxia, precluding the ability to pool data from these studies. No prospective data exist that report on patients presenting to the emergency department with ataxia. This review examines the reported causes of ataxia and attempts to group them into distinct categories: post-infectious and inflammatory central and peripheral phenomena, toxic ingestion, neurovascular, infectious and miscellaneous. From there, we synthesize the existing literature to understand which aspects of the history, physical exam, and ancillary testing might aid in narrowing the differential diagnosis. MRI is superior to CT in detecting inflammatory or vascular insults in the posterior fossa, though CT may be necessary in emergent situations. Lumbar puncture may be deferred until after admission in most instances, with suspicion for meningitis being the major exception. There is insufficient evidence to guide laboratory evaluation of serum, testing should be ordered based on clinical judgement-recommended studies include metabolic profiles and screening labs for metabolic disorders (lactate and ammonia). All patients should be reflexively screened for toxic ingestions.

Outcomes in Cardiac Arrest Patients due to Toxic Exposure Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia.

The incidence and outcome of patients who undergo therapeutic hypothermia (TH) after toxin-induced cardiac arrest (TICA) is not previously described. Our study aimed to describe the incidence, epidemiologic characteristics, and outcomes of patients who experience TICA in a dedicated clinical pathway for post-cardiac arrest care between November 2007 and February 2013. All patients were treated in an evidence-based clinical pathway that included TH. Database and medical records were independently reviewed by investigators to ascertain TICA. TICA was defined as cardiac arrest (CA) directly and immediately caused by a xenobiotic exposure. All patients were enrolled at Carolinas Medical Center, an urban 874-bed teaching hospital that serves as a regional cardiac resuscitation center. All patients were adult victims of cardiac arrest who had obtained return of spontaneous circulation and were enrolled in a clinical pathway for post-cardiac arrest care that included TH. Three hundred eighty-nine patients underwent treatment following CA during the study period and 48 (12 %) were deemed TICA. Patients who suffered TICA were slightly younger, less likely to have an initial shockable rhythm, and less likely to receive bystander CPR as compared to non-toxic cases. TICA accounted for a significant proportion of patients in this study. Additional, larger studies are needed to fully elucidate the optimal role for TH in TICA.