Clinical Profile and Outcome of Organophosphorus Poisoning in a Tertiary Hospital.

Organophosphorus compound (OPC) poisoning is common in Bangladesh. The toxicity of the agent and paucity of appropriate medical services has resulted in high mortality rates. To find out the clinical profile and outcome of OPC poisoning patients is the main aim of my study. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh from September 2016 to November 2018. In this study, mean age of the study subjects was 25.90±11.24 years. Males (70.8%) were predominant than female (29.2%). In this study, most of the poisoning was done by ingestion (98.3%) and only two (1.7%) by inhalation. Regarding features, most muscarinic effect was constricted pupil and bronchospasm (65.0%). Common nicotinic effect was fasciculation (25.0%) and central effect was headache (61.67%). Mean amount of OPC ingestion was 26.30±17.24 ml in this study. Regarding circumstances of poisoning, familial disharmony (38.3%) and quarrel with other family members (37.5%) were the major reason followed by failure of personal affairs (15.0%) and other reasons (9.2%). Regarding complications, aspiration pneumonia was found in 6.7% cases, cardiac arrhythmia was in 6.7% cases and intermediate syndrome was in 1.7% cases. Most of the study subjects (95.0%) recovered fully. Most of the patients were from rural area. Suicidal was the common motive and familial disharmony and quarrel with other family members are the common circumstances of poisoning. Mortality rate was 5.0%.

Reporte de caso: síndrome de absorción intravascular en histeroscopia, intoxicación por glicina / Case report: Intravascular absorption syndrome in hysteroscopy, glycine intoxication

El síndrome de absorción intravascular en histeroscopia se origina por la rápida absorción vascular de soluciones isotónicas e hipotónicas utilizadas en irrigación intrauterina, ocasionando hipervolemia y dilución de electrolitos, especialmente hiponatremia. Cuando este síndrome es debido a intoxicación por glicina al 1,5% causa acidosis severa y neurotoxicidad. La incidencia de este síndrome es baja pero puede aumentar por factores como: falta de control de altura de bolsas de irrigación, ausencia de equilibrio de fluidos de soluciones de irrigación, tejidos altamente vascularizados como miomas uterinos y uso de sistema de electrocirugía monopolar. Se reporta el caso de una paciente con miomas uterinos, programada para resección mediante histeroscopia que cursa con síndrome de absorción intravascular por glicina, el temprano diagnóstico y rápido tratamiento intraoperatorio y postoperatorio permitió una evolución favorable. El manejo se basó en el uso de diuréticos, restricción de fluidos y soluciones hipertónicas de sodio.

Intravascular absorption syndrome in hysteroscopy is caused by rapid vascular absorption of isotonic and hypotonic solutions used in intrauterine irrigation, causing hypervolemia and electrolyte dilution, especially hyponatremia. When this syndrome is due to 1.5% glycine toxicity, it causes severe acidosis and neurotoxicity. The incidence of this syndrome is low but may increase due to factors such as: lack of control of the height of irrigation bags, lack of fluid balance in irrigation solutions, highly vascularized tissues such as uterine myomas and use of a monopolar electrosurgery system. The case of a patient with uterine myomas, scheduled for resection by hysteroscopy, who presents with intravascular glycine absorption syndrome, is reported. Early diagnosis and rapid intraoperative and postoperative treatment allowed a favorable evolution. Management was based on the use of diuretics, fluid restriction, and hypertonic sodium solutions.

2023 American Heart Association focused update on the management of patients with cardiac arrest or life-threatening toxicity due to poisoning: an update to the American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care

In this focused update, the American Heart Association provides updated guidance for resuscitation of patients with cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and refractory shock due to poisoning. Based on structured evidence reviews, guidelines are provided for the treatment of critical poisoning from benzodiazepines, ß-adrenergic receptor antagonists (also known as ß-blockers), L-type calcium channel antagonists (commonly called calcium channel blockers), cocaine, cyanide, digoxin and related cardiac glycosides, local anesthetics, methemoglobinemia, opioids, organophosphates and carbamates, sodium channel antagonists (also called sodium channel blockers), and sympathomimetics. Recommendations are also provided for the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. These guidelines discuss the role of atropine, benzodiazepines, calcium, digoxin-specific immune antibody fragments, electrical pacing, flumazenil, glucagon, hemodialysis, hydroxocobalamin, hyperbaric oxygen, insulin, intravenous lipid emulsion, lidocaine, methylene blue, naloxone, pralidoxime, sodium bicarbonate, sodium nitrite, sodium thiosulfate, vasodilators, and vasopressors for the management of specific critical poisonings.

Encefalopatía posterior reversible: una complicación de la intoxicación por litio / Posterior reversible encephalopathy: a complication of lithium toxicity

Las intoxicaciones en nuestro medio se presenta con una incidencia de 45.1 por cada 100,000 habitantes. Una de las principales causas son las intoxicaciones por psicofármacos dentro de las cuales esta el litio. Este medicamento es utilizado para el manejo del trastorno afectivo bipolar. En la literatura existen diferentes factores de riesgo para la intoxicación por litio como: condiciones que favorezcan la hipovolemia, uso de diuréticos, antihipertensivos, hiponatremia , interacciones medicamentosas y ajuste de dosis. Alrededor del 75 a 90% de los pacientes tratados crónicamente con litio pueden tener niveles tóxicos durante su tratamiento. Como tal la intoxicación puede cursar con diferentes complicaciones renales, cardiovasculares y neurológicas, dentro de estas últimas ésta la encefalopatía. Presentamos el caso de una paciente que ingresa con toxicidad crónica y presenta como complicación neurológica una encefalopatía posterior reversible. El objetivo de este reporte es sensibilizar al personal medico sobre esta complicación poco frecuente pero asociada a gran morbimortalidad. (AU)

Intoxications in our enviroment has an incidence of 45.1 for each 100.000 habitants. One of the main causes are psychopharmaceuticals, one of which is lithium. This drug is used in the management of bipolar disorder. There are several risk factors depicted on literature for this intoxication, such as: conditions that favor hipovolemia, diurethic and antihypertensive use, hiponatremia, drug interactions and lithium dose adjustment. About 75 to 90% of patients chronically treated with lithium can reach toxic levels during their treatment. Lithium intoxication can present with complications affecting different systems such as renal, cardiovascular and nervious, last one includying encephalopathy. We will discuss the case of a patient that presents with chronic lithuim toxicity and develops posterior reversible encephalopathy as a neurologic complication. The goal of this case report is to sensitize medical staff with this unfrequent but dangerous complication. (AU)

Mass Poisoning From Ethylene Glycol at a U.S. Military Base.

Ethylene glycol (EG) toxicity is an important cause of toxic alcohol poisoning in the USA with over 5,000 exposures reported annually. While classically characterized by solitary accidental or intentional ingestions, mass toxic alcohol poisoning outbreaks and more rarely collective consumptions (typically of methanol) have been described. We describe an ethylene glycol poisoning from collective ingestion that involved soldiers presenting at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. Eleven soldiers presented to the emergency department over a 12-h period after ingestion of an unknown substance. The first two patients exhibited severe neurologic symptoms, while the remainder were asymptomatic. As serum EG levels were not immediately available, treatment decisions were based on surrogate laboratory values. Two patients received immediate hemodialysis, and fomepizole (FOM) because of severe acidosis with elevated anion and osmolal gaps. These patients developed acute kidney injury with renal recovery within a 3-week period. Two patients with elevated lactate received bicarbonate-based intravenous (IV) fluids and FOM. Two patients received IV fluids only and required prolonged observation for worsening acidosis and/or acute kidney injury. Five patients with normal laboratory values were treated with IV fluids and observation. All patients received cofactors including thiamine and pyridoxine. All patients survived. The outbreak occurred in the setting of limited dialysis resources, limited FOM availability, and in a resource-limited community. Additional guidelines are needed to determine allocation of limited resources, optimal dialysis and FOM treatment course, and comorbid conditions, which may prolong recovery.

METHEMOGLOBINEMIA - A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW.

The objective of this case report is to present a patient with acquired methemoglobinemia due to poisoning of an unknown cause. A 55-year-old man was brought to the Emergency Department, University Hospital Center Zagreb, with an unwell appearance, cyanotic, restless, and presented with a quantitative consciousness disorder. An initial assessment showed decreased oxygen saturation (SpO2 85 [%]), while point-of-care arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis assessed normal partial pressure of oxygen (pO2). Severe lactic acidosis with a compensatory drop in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and high rates of methemoglobin were found. Supportive oxygen therapy and crystalloid solutions were administered, which resulted in rapid clinical recovery within 40 minutes of the initial assessment. Clinical recovery was accompanied by normalized ABG test results taken serially. Typical antidotes, methylene blue and vitamin C, were not administered due to rapid clinical improvement. Methemoglobinemia can be congenital (hereditary) or acquired (toxic). Both conditions are rarely seen in emergency departments, nevertheless, they should be approached properly since methemoglobinemia can be a severe, and fatal, condition. Methemoglobinemia symptoms are the results of inadequate oxygen transport. The diagnosis was confirmed by co-oximetry, while three clinical entities suspected methemoglobinemia: refractory hypoxia, "cyanosis-saturation gap" and dark brown blood. This paper reports our patient's clinical presentation, discusses the causes and mechanisms of possible poisoning, and reviews recent guidelines for methemoglobinemia management.

[A case of acute fish gallbladder poisoning with multiple organ dysfunction].

Fish bile poisoning may damage human liver and kidney, causing degeneration and necrosis. Can also damage brain cells and heart muscle, resulting in nervous system and cardiovascular system lesions. This paper reports a case of a patient who developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after oral administration of fish bile with Xiexin folk prescription for eye disease. In January 2020, he went to the poisoning and occupational diseases department of the emergency department of Qilu hospital. After receiving hemoperfusion, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and symptomatic support treatment, the patient was improved and discharged. CRRT combined with HP is one of the rapid and effective methods for the treatment of acute fish bile poisoning.

Acute diquat poisoning causes rhabdomyolysis.

We studied the case of a 36-year-old female patient who self-administered about 30 ml of diquat solution (200 g/L) during a suicide attempt. She developed nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness in her limbs and was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital 4 h later. The patient developed progressive swelling and pain in both calves 12 h after admission. Based on symptoms, lower limb color Doppler ultrasound, and elevated levels of myoglobin and creatine kinase, the patient was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis caused by diquat poisoning. The patient recovered and was discharged after treatment with hemoperfusion, continuous venovenous hemodialysis, acid suppression, liver protection, low-dose glucocorticoids, etc. Rhabdomyolysis caused by diquat poisoning has not been previously reported. We attempted to analyze the mechanism of this symptom through a literature review. We recommend the routine monitoring of creatine phosphokinase (CK) and myoglobin (MYO) in patients with diquat poisoning to avoid missed diagnosis. Further, the mechanism of this poisoning symptom was discussed through the literature review.

[Analysis of risk factors for hemorrhage in patients with acute poisoning treated with hemoperfusion].

Objective: To explore the clinical characterist ics and risk factors of hemorrhage complicated by hemoperfusion therapy in patients with acute poisoning. Methods: In January 2021, the clinical data of 196 patients with acute poisoning who received hemoperfusion therapy in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed, and the patients were divided into bleeding group and non-bleeding group according to whether the patients were complicated with bleeding. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for hemorrhage in patients treated with hemoperfusion. Results: A total of 21 patients in the bleeding group and 175 patients in the non-bleeding group were included. There was no significant difference in general data such as gender, age, and body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05) . Organophosphorus pesticides (χ(2)= 4.56, P=0.030) , HA230 perfusion device (χ(2)=4.12, P=0.042) , platelet count (t=-2.33, P=0.009) and activated partial thromboplastin time (t=14.53, P<0.001) at 2 h of perfusion were the influencing factors of hemorrhage in patients with acute poisoning treated with hemoperfusion. Among them, organophosphorus pesticides, 2 h perfusion activated partial thromboplastin time ≥35 s and other factors were independent risk factors forcomplicated bleeding (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Patients with acute poisoning, especially organophosphorus pesticide poisoning, are at greater risk of bleeding during hemoperfusion therapy. Monitoring of changes in activated partial thromboplastin time should be strengthened and the dose of anticoagulants should be adjusted in time to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Intoxicación severa por Nicotiana glauca (Palán Palán) con miocardio atontado / Severe poisoning by Nicotiana glauca (Palán Palán) with stunned myocardium

Resumen Nicotiana glauca también llamada Palán Palán, es un arbusto con hojas verdes azuladas y despulidas y una flor amarilla tubular pendulante que presenta alcaloides piridínicos, como nicotina, nornicotina, anatabina y anabastina (análogo estructural de la Nicotina). Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 50 años con cuadro agudo de debilidad muscular generalizada que evoluciona con paro respiratorio, tras la ingesta accidental de una cantidad desconocida de hojas de Nicotiana glauca, cultivadas en una huerta hogareña mediante técnica de hidroponía y confundidas por su conviviente con espinaca. Presentó aumento de lactato y Troponina Ultra Sensible e Hipoquinesia Global de Ventrículo Izquierdo en el ecocardiograma, compatible con Aton tamiento Miocárdico (AM), que evolucionó favorablemente. Si bien hay pocos reportes, se han informado muertes de animales y humanos, tras la ingesta accidental de Nicotiana glauca. El inicio del cuadro es rápido, con patrón bifásico, con vómitos y estímulo simpático, seguido por bloqueo ganglionar y neuromuscular, pudiendo presentar paro respiratorio, shock, convulsiones y coma. El AM es una disfunción miocárdica prolongada con retorno gradual de la actividad contráctil, posterior a un episodio breve de isquemia grave, puede ser asintomático, pudiendo presentar alteraciones en el electrocardiograma, enzimas cardíacas o ecocardiograma. Generalmente presenta pronóstico favorable, pudiendo presentar insuficiencia cardíaca ante patologías concurrentes o aumento de requerimientos de oxígeno.

Abstract Nicotiana glauca is a shrub with bluish green leaves and a pendulous tubular yellow flower. It has pyridine alkaloids, such as nicotine, nornicotine, anatabine and anabastine (structural analog of Nicotine). We present the case of a 50 years old pa- tient with acute generalized muscle weakness that evolves to respiratory arrest, after accidentally ingesting an unknown quantity of Nicotiana glauca leaves, grown in a home vegetable garden, using a hydroponic technique and confused by her cohabiting with spinach. She presented increased lactate and Ultra Sensitive Troponin and Left Ventricular Global Hypokinesia in the echo- cardiogram, compatible with Myocardial Stunned, that it evolved favorably. There are few reports, animal and human deaths have been reported following accidental ingestion of Nicotiana glauca. The onset of the symptoms is early, with a biphasic pattern, with vomiting and sympathetic stimulation, followed by ganglionic and neuromuscular blockage and may present respiratory arrest, shock, seizures and coma. Myocardial Stunned is a prolonged myocardial dysfunction with gradual return of contractile activity after a brief episode of severe ischemia, it can be asymptomatic, and it can present alterations in the electrocardiogram, cardiac enzymes or echocardiogram. Generally presents a benign prognosis, being able to present heart failure with concurrent patholo- gies or increased requirements.

Guía de actuación y abordaje frente a intoxicación por dióxido de cloro/clorito de sodio, a partir de la experiencia de los CIAT de América Latina / Guidelines for action and approach to chlorine dioxide/sodium chlorite poisoning based on the experience of the CIATs in Latin America

Resumen El 11 de marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud, declaró la pandemia a nivel mundial por la COVID-19. Ante este escenario, los centros de información y asesoramiento toxicológico (CIAT) de América Latina comenzaron a recibir consultas por exposición/intoxicación a dióxido de cloro/clorito de sodio y sus compuestos relacionados, por desvío de uso, destinado a la prevención y/o tratamiento de la COVID-19 sin aval científico alguno ni contar con registro sanitario para ese fin. A través de la Red de Toxicología de América Latina y el Caribe (RETOXLAC), se comprobó que no eran hechos aislados, sino que se estaba produ ciendo el mismo fenómeno en toda la región y que existían antecedentes de intoxicaciones con dichos productos y alertas desde hace más de una década, con indicaciones no aprobadas, para el tratamiento de distintas patologías como SIDA, cáncer, esclerosis lateral amiotrófica ELA, malaria, autismo, entre otras, sin evidencia. Ante esta realidad, los CIAT presentan una revisión de los signos y síntomas observados según la vía de ingreso, basados en la comunicación de riesgo en salud; proponiéndose pruebas de apoyo al diagnóstico, algoritmo de tratamiento para las intoxicaciones y modelo de ficha clínica para la vigilancia epidemiológica de los casos atendidos. Recomendamos a las autoridades y organismos responsables, reforzar las acciones tendientes a la vigilancia, control y prevención de este tipo de intoxicaciones, producto del mal uso de un desinfectante no autorizado para fines terapéuticos/médicos.

Abstract On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic due to COVID-19. Faced with this sce- nario, the Poison Control Centers (CIATs for its initials in spanish) in Latin America began to receive consultations for exposure/poi- soning to chlorine dioxide/sodium chlorite and its related compounds for their use aimed to prevent or treat COVID-19 without any scientific endorsement or having a sanitary registry for that purpose. It was found through the Toxicology Network of Latin America and the Caribbean (RETOXLAC) that they were not isolated events but rather that the same phenomenon was occurring throughout the region and that there has been a history of poisoning and alerts with these products for more than a decade with unapproved indications for the treatment of different pathologies such as AIDS, cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), malaria, autism, among others, without evidence. In the light of this situation, the CIATs present a review of the signs and symptoms observed ac- cording to the route of exposure based on health risk communication; proposing tests to support the diagnosis, an algorithm for poisoning treatment, and a model of a clinical record for the epidemiological surveillance of the assisted cases. We recommend to the authorities and responsible organisms reinforce the actions aimed at surveillance, control, and prevention of this type of poisoning due to the misuse of an unauthorized disinfectant for therapeutic or medical purposes.

QT interval prolongation and the rate of malignant ventricular dysrhythmia and cardiac arrest in adult poisoned patients.

INTRODUCTION: Prolongation of QTc interval, a common electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormality encountered in the toxicology patient, is reportedly associated with an increased risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmias (MVD), such as ventricular tachycardia (VT, with and without a pulse), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and/or cardiac arrest. Quantifiable cardiac arrest risk in relation to specific QTc interval length is not known in this population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational study to assess the rate of cardiac arrest and its association with degree of QTc prolongation in a cohort of patients requiring toxicology consultation. RESULTS: 550 patients were included in our analysis (average age 36 years and 49% male). Average QTc was 453 milliseconds (ms). Overall incidence of cardiac arrest in the study cohort was 1.1% with 6 reported cases; when considering patients with QTc > 500 ms, incidence was 1.7%. Two patients with cardiac arrest experienced ventricular dysrhythmia with decompensation prior to cardiac arrest; four patients developed sudden cardiac arrest. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmia, including cardiac arrest, is low in this poisoned patient population with an overall rate of 1.1%. Two-thirds of cardiac arrest cases occurred in patients with normal QTc intervals. When considering patients with prolonged QTc intervals, the rate of cardiac arrest remains very low at 0.8%. Considering QTc greater than 500 ms, the rate of cardiac arrest is 1.7%. Further prospective studies are required to quantify the risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmias, including cardiac arrest, and its relation to the degree of QTc interval in poisoned patients.

Drug-facilitated sexual assault and other crimes: A systematic review by countries.

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) and drug-facilitated crime (DFC) constitute a mode of violence that is generally unknown to the population and may go unnoticed by health professionals. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the victims of DFC, compiling their sociodemographic characteristics, the toxic substances used and their biological matrices and modes of action, in order to identify the substances that are commonly put to criminal use. The aim would be to establish political and health strategies that inform and warn people about possible criminal social behaviors consequent danger to health. This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Alcohol, benzodiazepines and cocaine were among the most commonly detected substances. In most of the hospitals, immunoassays, liquid chromatography (LC-MS), or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were used to identify the substances, while the most frequently used biological matrices were blood and urine. From a judicial point of view, the instrumental protocols and techniques followed for the detection of toxics in different biological matrices must guarantee the reliability and validity of the results for use in a court of law. The recommendations of international organizations should be followed and must be called upon to strengthen their respective national laws against this chemical submission (CS) phenomenon.

Caracterización epidemiológica de las exposiciones a dióxido de cloro/clorito de sodio en el contexto de la pandemia COVID-19: Reporte de los centros toxicológicos de América Latina / Epidemiological characterization of exposures to chlorine dioxide/ sodium chlorite in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: Report of Poison Control Centers in Latin America

Resumen Los centros de información y asesoramiento toxicológico CIATs de América Latina, en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19, recibieron una serie de llamadas para consultas y asesoramientos relacionados con el uso de dióxido de cloro/clorito de sodio, que se estaban empleando en el tratamiento o prevención de dicha enfermedad. Dentro de la legislación vigente en los países de América Latina, no se contemplan productos farmacéuticos registrados para uso en humanos, ni se tiene evidencia de registros sanitarios en Europa, Canadá o Estados Unidos para tal fin, que contengan dióxido de cloro o clorito de sodio. Esta publicación, compila la información registrada como parte de la estadística del trabajo de ocho CIATs correspondientes a igual número de países de América Latina. Se identificó sexo, edad, sintomatología, circunstancia y grado de severidad de los 56 casos de pacientes intoxicados con dióxido de cloro/clorito de sodio registrados en el período del 15 de marzo al 30 de septiembre de 2020 en estos ocho países. Los resultados obtenidos confirman que la causa más común fue por mal uso, y el lugar de ocurrencia fue el hogar o sus alrededores, siendo el mayor porcentaje adultos jóvenes comprendidos entre 30 y 49 años. Los síntomas de intoxicación más frecuentemente encontrados fueron gastrointestinales, seguidos de cardiovasculares y respiratorios. La vía de ingreso al organismo en la mayoría de los casos fue por vía oral, reportándose algunos casos por vía inhalatoria, y en el 50% de los casos se constituyeron casos de severidad moderada, severa o fatal (3 fallecimientos). Este estudio contribuye a generar información relevante para las diferentes autoridades sanitarias, los ministerios de salud, las entidades encargadas de inspección, vigilancia y control de los países en los que se comercializan estos productos de manera ilegal por medio de redes sociales y promoviéndolos para uso en humanos para prevenir o curar COVID-19.

Abstract The Poison Control Centers in Latin America, in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, received a series of calls for consultations and recommendations related to the use of chlorine dioxide/sodium chlorite, in the treatment or prevention of CO-VID-19. Under current legislation in Latin America, no pharmaceutical products are registered for use in humans that contain chlorine dioxide or sodium chlorite, nor is there evidence of sanitary registries in Europe, Canada, or the United States for this purpose. This publication compiles the information registered by eight Poison Control Centers that correspond to the same number of Latin American countries. Sex, age, symptoms, circumstance, and degree of severity of the 56 cases of patients poisoned with chlorine dioxide/ sodium chlorite registered in the period from March 15th to September 30th, 2020 were identified. The results obtained confirm that the most common cause of poisoning was unintentional misuse, all of which occurred at home or its surroundings, with the highest percentage of registered cases being young adults between 30 and 49 years old. The most frequent symptoms of intoxication were gastrointestinal, followed by cardiovascular and respiratory. The route of exposure in most cases was oral, with some cases reported by inhalation; 48.2% of the cases were of moderate, severe, or fatal (3 deaths). This study contributes to the generation of relevant information for different health authorities, ministries of health, entities in charge of inspection, surveillance, and control in countries where these products are illegally marketed through social networks and promoted for use in humans to prevent or cure COVID-19.

The management of the poisoned patient using a novel emergency department-based resuscitation and critical care unit (ResCCU).

OBJECTIVES: The Resuscitation & Critical Care Unit (ResCCU) is a novel ED-based ICU designed to provide early critical care services. This study sought to identify characteristics of poisoned patients treated in the ResCCU. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-center case study of poisoned patients over the age of 18 years old over a 16-month period. Patient demographics, drug concentrations, and severity of illness scores were extracted from electronic medical records. Patients were divided into two groups, those who required short term ICU level care (< 24 h) and prolonged ICU care (> 24 h). RESULTS: A total of 58 ED visits with a tox-related illness were analyzed. There were 24 women (41%) and 34 men (59%). There were 42 patients (72%) who required short term ICU level care and 16 patients (28%) who required prolonged ICU care. In the short-term ICU group, 13 patients (31%) were discharged home directly from the ResCCU, 29 patients (69%) were sent to the inpatient floor, and 1 of the admitted floor patients expired. There were no patients admitted to the floor that required a step-up to the inpatient ICU. 56 patients (97%) were alive at post-admit day 7 and 28, and only 8 (14%) were re-admitted within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were treated in the ED-based ICU for toxicology-related illnesses were frequently able to be either discharged home or admitted to a regular floor after their initial stabilization and treatment, and none that were sent to the floor required an ICU step-up.

Assessment of Children Exposed to Maras Powder Intoxication.

INTRODUCTION: A smokeless tobacco known as Maras powder (MP) is commonly consumed in the southern region of Turkey. To the extent of our knowledge, no previous study in literature has reported acute MP intoxication in children. AIM: Our aim was to determine the clinical effects and treatment strategies of MP poisoning in children.Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children <18 years of age with MP intoxication who were followed up in the Intensive Care Unit between January 2016 and April 2018 in our center. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (M/F= 25/16) were included in this study. The mean age was 13.2±22.4 months (age range: 7 to 30 months). The patients presented with vomiting (n=23, 56%), cough (n=17, 41.5%), loss of consciousness (n=11, 26.8%), respiratory distress (n=6, 14.6%), convulsion (n=7, 17%), cyanosis (n=1, 2.4%), and abdominal pain (n=1, 2.4%) following oral ingestion of the substance. On their physical examination all patients with convulsion were in a comatose state. Thirty-two patients (78%) had tachycardia; 15 patients (36.5%) had pharyngeal hyperemia; and three (7.3%) had hiccups. Although the female patients had a lesser rate of symptoms than male patients, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our aim was to inform the doctors about the clinical picture that develops after taking this substance and contribute to the understanding of the treatment approach.

The Crashing Toxicology Patient.

This article examines, using an organ-systems based approach, rapid diagnosis, resuscitation, and critical care management of the crashing poisoned patient in the emergency department. The topics discussed in this article include seizures and status epilepticus, respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse and mechanical circulatory support, antidotes and drug-specific therapies, acute liver failure, and extracorporeal toxin removal.