Category: Toxicology
Keywords: cyclopeptide, mushroom poisoning, fatality rate (PubMed Search)
Posted: 4/2/2020 by Hong Kim, MD
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Cyclopeptides (Amatoxin)-containing mushroom poisoning results in delayed development of gastrointestinal symptoms that may progress to liver failure. There is no established antidotal treatment for cyclopeptide-induced hepatic failure; silibinin is currently under investigation.
There is a wide range of case fatality reported from cyclopeptides-containing mushroom poisoning: 4.8% to 47%.
National Poison Data System was reviewed from 1/1/2008 to 12/31/2018 for all suspected cyclopeptides containing mushroom poisoning. Out of 8953 suspected cases, 148 cases were included in the study.
Results:
Therapy:
Case fatality
Conclusion:
De Olan J et al. Current fatality rate of suspected cyclopeptide muschroom poisoning in the United States. Clin Toxicol (Phila.) 2020. DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2020.1747624
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine (PubMed Search)
Posted: 3/26/2020 by Hong Kim, MD
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COVID-19 pandemic has brought two old medications – chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine – back from the past.
A couple in Arizona self-medicated with chloroquine this week and experienced chloroquine toxicity; the man died and his wife was admitted to the ICU.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/health/arizona-coronavirus-chloroquine-death/index.html
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine overdose result in cardiotoxicity by Na and K channel blockade (similar to other membrane stabilizing agents such as TCAs, loperamide, etc.). Onset of toxicity is usually within 1 – 3 hours after ingestion.
Other symptoms of toxicity include: nausea/vomiting, respiratory depression/apnea, altered mental status and seizure. Hypokalemia is often encountered.
Use of sodium bicarbonate is controversial due to worsening of hypokalemia. Instead, administration of high dose diazepam and epinephrine (EPI) infusion has shown to decrease mortality (see below).
Riou B et al. NEJM 1988 DOI: 10.1056/NEJM198801073180101
Survival:
Clemessy JL et al. Crit Care Med 1996. DOI:10.1097/00003246-199607000-00021
Treatment: 87% received at least one of the interventions below.
Mortality
Bottom line
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: acetaminophen overdose, methemoglobinemia (PubMed Search)
Posted: 3/19/2020 by Hong Kim, MD
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Methemoglobinemia occurs when iron in the hemoglobin is converted from ferrous (2+) to ferric (3+) state, frequently by substance exposure. There are many medications and chemicals that can induce methemoglobinemia.
Common agents that induce methemoglobinemia include:
Acetaminophen has not been associated with methemoglobinemia. However, two cases of methemoglobinemia in massive acetaminophen overdose were recently reported. Both patients were not on any medication known to cause methemoglobinemia.
Case 1: 54 year-old man with DM, HTN, cognitive impairment and no hx of G6PD deficiency hospitalized for altered mental status
Case 2: 64 year-old man with dementia, polysubstance abuse, depression and hypertension hospitalized from nursing home for altered mental status.
Conclusion
Rainprakaisang T. et al. Methemoglobinemia assoicated with massive acetaminophen ingestion: a case series. Clin Toxicolo (Phila). 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2019.1657883
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: mortality, predictors, MALA, pH, lactate (PubMed Search)
Posted: 2/12/2020 by Hong Kim, MD
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Metformin associated lactic acidosis (MALA) has a high rate of mortality, ranging from 25% to 50%. Lactate level and acidemia are frequently associated with poor clinical outcome in many disease/medical conditions (e.g. sepsis).
A study investigated, via meta-analysis, if lactate level and pH were predictive of mortality in MALA.
Results
44 studies were identified from PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science.
170 cases of MALA were included
pH and lactate were poor predictors of mortality based upon ROC curve
Conclusion
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: risk of death, intentional drug overdose (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/23/2020 by Hong Kim, MD
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Intentional drug overdose (IDO) can lead to significant morbidity and can increased patient's risk of death. A study was recently performed to identify the predictors of death in a cohort of patient who intentionally overdose on drug(s).
National Self-Harm Registry and National Drug-Related Death Index were reviewed (between January 1st, 2007 and December 31st, 2014) to identify the study cohort.
Results
| Non fatal IDO | Fatal IDO |
Number of cases | 63,831 | 364 |
Incidence | 148.8/100,000 | 1.01/100,000 |
Male | 42.0% | 55.2% |
Age, years (median) | 35 | 44 |
Multiple drug ingestion | 48.5% | 78.3% |
Risk of death
Conclusion
International Journal of Drug Policy76https://doi.org/10.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: non-fatal opioid overdose, risk of fatality (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/16/2020 by Hong Kim, MD
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Many patients are treated in the emergency room for non-fatal opioid overdose. However, it is unknown what proportion of these patient population experience subsequent fatality after their ED visit.
A recent study investigated the 1-year mortality rate among Massachusetts ED patients who were treated and discharged from ED for non-fatal opioid overdose.
Results
Of those who died,
Manner of death
Place of death
Conclusion
Weiner SG et al. One-year mortality of patients after emergency department treatment for nonfatal opioid overdose. Ann Emerg Med 2020 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.04.020
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: acetaminophen, pharmcobezoar (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/2/2020 by Hong Kim, MD
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Pharmacobezoars (clumps of medication/pills) formation has been demonstrated in few medications such as aspirin, and ferrous sulfate tablets. Their presence can alter management due to prolonged absorption and may cause GI obstruction.
Acetaminophen (APAP) is a commonly available over-the-counter medication that is often implicated in an acute overdose event. A recently published in-vitro study (using pig stomach) investigated whether APAP can form a pharmacobezoar.
APAP group/dosage
Positive control group
Negative control group
Results
Conclusion
Li YK et al. In vitro study of pharmacobezoar formation in simulated acetaminophen overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2019.1705971
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: gabapentin, misuse (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/26/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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Non-opioid medications such as gabapentin are frequently prescribed for the management of pain.
A retrospective study of the National Poison Data System (data collected by the U.S. Poison Centers) from 2013 – 2017 showed increasing trend of gabapentin exposure.
Gabapentin exposure increased between 2013 and 2017 by:
5 most commonly co-ingested substances with gabapentin
16.7% of the isolated gabapentin exposure required hospitalization.
Conclusion:
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: droperidol, agitation, sedation, QT prolongation (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/5/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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After many years of national shortage and FDA’s black box warning in 2001 (QT prolongation) droperidol is slowing becoming available.
In 2015, a prospective observational study was published involving ED patients who received droperidol for agitation (acute behavioral disturbance).
Method
Results
Four leading reason for ED presentation
Adverse events
Conclusion
Calver L et al. The safety and effectivenss of droperidol for sedation of acute behavioral disturbance in the emergency department. Ann Emerg Med. 2015;66:230-238.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: EVALI, e-cigarette, vaping, lung injury (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/22/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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As of November 20, 2019:
2290 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) from 49 states (except Alaska), District of Columbia and 2 U.S. territories.
Analysis of 29 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples from EVALI patients submitted to CDC from 10 states showed:
*** Vitamin E acetate appears to be associated with EVALI but the investigation is continuing.***
Some research has suggested that oral vitamin E use has potential beneficial effects (i.e. anti-inflammatory/antioxidant) in the lung (e.g. asthma and allergic lung disease), cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer (Cook-Mills JM et al. 2013; Jiang Q et al. 2001)
Common uses of vitamin E
There is limited to no data on pulmonary effect of vitamin E from inhalation in the scientific literature.
Stay tuned for additional updates from CDC.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: meformin overdose, metformin associated lactic acidosis, observation period (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/14/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed oral hypoglycemic agents. Metformin associated lactic acidosis (MALA) is uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of metformin overdose.
Lactic acidosis occurs due to inhibition of mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, resulting in decreased conversion of lactic acid to pyruvate.
A small retrospective study (using Illinois Poison Center data) attempted to characterize the development of MALA after an acute overdose.
MALA was defined as
Results
40 cases of MALA identified between Jan. 2001 to Dec. 2014
Time to development of MALA (n=30)
Death: 1 (2.5%)
Conclusion
Jillian Theobald, Jamie Schneider, Navneet Cheema & Carol DesLauriers (2019) "Time to development of metformin-associated lactic acidosis," Clinical Toxicology, DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1686514
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: droperidol, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, recurrent nausea/vomiting (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/7/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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Droperidol has recently become available again in select U.S. institutions. It has been used as an antiemetic and to treat agitation prior to the FDA’s black box warning (for QT prolongation) and national shortage.
Recently, a retrospective study was conducted (Melbourne, Australia) in the use of droperidol in the management of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).
Results
689 medical records were identified from January 2006 to December 2016.
76 cases met diagnostic criteria of CHS (below)
Droperidol group (DG) = 37; no droperidol group (NDG)= 39
Median length of stay:
Median time to discharge after final drug administration:
Frequency of droperidol (dose) used:
Metoclopramide and Ondansetron use in non-droperidol group was twice that of droperidol group
Conclusion
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: VA-ECMO, drug-induced cardiogenic shock (PubMed Search)
Posted: 10/24/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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Patients with drug-induced cardiogenic shock [DIC] (e.g. overdose of CCB/BB, membrane stabilizing agents, etc.) are often managed with medical interventions such as vasopressors, bicarbonate infusion, high-dose insulin, lipid emulsion therapy. A fraction of these patients may be refractory to the standard medical therapy. VA-ECMO (venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) has been utilized in such situation; yet clinical experience of using VA-ECMO in DIC is limited.
A recent retrospective study of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization’s ECMO registry showed
Conclusion
Clinical utility of venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in patients with drug-induced cardiogenic shock: a retrospective study of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organizations’ ECMO case registry
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: suicide attempt, adolescent, young adults, epidemiological trend (PubMed Search)
Posted: 10/10/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
(Updated: 11/21/2024)
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The rate of suicide attempt has been increasing over the past decade. A recently published article investigated the temporal trend of suicide attempts in adolescent/young adult population (10 – 25 years old) from 2000 to 2018.
Methods
Results
Top 5 substance involved in suicide attempt
Agents associated with serious medical outcome (after 2011)
Conclusion
Spiller HA et al. Suicide attempts by self-poisoning in the United States among 10-25 year olds from 2000 to 2018: substances used, temporal changes and demographics. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019. Oct 6:1-12. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1665182. [Epub ahead of print]
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: e-cigarrette liquid exposure, National Poison Data System (PubMed Search)
Posted: 10/3/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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E-cigarette (vaping) use has become increasingly popular over the past 10 years, especially among adolescents. Intentional exposure (i.e. ingestion in self harm) of nicotine (e-cigarette liquid) can be life threatening where it can produce mixture of stimulatory (early), cholinergic toxicity and muscle paralysis/respiratory failure by blocking the neuromuscular junction. However, the severity of clinical toxicity in unintentional exposure can vary widely depending on the dose/route/circumstance of their exposure.
A recently published study investigated the characteristics of e-cigarette liquid exposure between Jan 1, 2010 to Dec 31, 2018 using the National Poison Data System
Result
Top 4 clinical/demographic characteristics are listed below.
Age group:
Route of exposure
Level of care:
Clinical effects - overall
In <5 years group
Conclusion
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: capsaicin, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, marijuna use. (PubMed Search)
Posted: 9/19/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome [CHS] (i.e. cyclic/recurrent nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain) is associated with long-term and frequent use of marijuana. Patients with CHS often report temporary relief of symptoms with hot water/shower exposure. Emergency room providers may encounter a growing number of patients with CHS with increasing legalization of marijuana-containing products.
Topical capsaicin has been gaining interest as a potential adjunct to the conventional management of patients with CHS (e.g. antiemetics, opioids, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics).
A small retrospective study was performed involving 43 patients who had multiple visits, and were treated with and without capsaicin. The primary outcome was the ED length of stay (LOS).
Results
Conclusion
Wagner S et al. Efficacy and safety of topical capsaicin for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in the emergency department. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019. Sep 4:1-5. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1660783. [Epub ahead of print]
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: ethanol, breath analyzer, mouth wash (PubMed Search)
Posted: 9/12/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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Breath analyzers are commonly used by law enforcment officers to test for alcohol intoxication. Breath analyzer uses ethanol partition ratio between blood:breath of 1:2100 = 1 gm of ethanol in 2100 mL of breath/air.
Mouth wash products are frequently used for oral hygiene, and at times, to "mask" odor of substances. These products are readily available in any grocery stores or pharmacy and contain upto 26.9% ethanol (e.g. Listerine) (18.9% - Scope; 14.0% - Cepacol).
Recently, a small study using healthy volunteers (n=11) was published to investigate the impact of limited ethanol exposure (mouth wash and ethanol vapor) on the breath-alcohol concentration (BrAC).
Method
Results
Blood: No or very low levels of ethanol (0.002 mg/g) were detected in blood at all collection time for both exposures.
BrAC - first collection -- seconds after exposure
Mean time to negative BrAC level (Swedish statutory limit of 0.1 mg/L = 0.01 mg/dL in air) (FYI: US limit = 80 mg/dL)
Conclusion
Ernstgard L et al. Washout kinetics of ethanol from the airways following inhalation of ethnaol vapors and use of mouthwash. Clin Toxicol. 2019 Jun 19:1-7. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1626868. [Epub ahead of print]
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: nitrous oxide, neurotoxicity (PubMed Search)
Posted: 9/5/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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Numerous different household products can potentially be misused/abused. One such product is whipped cream charger/propellant that contains nitrous oxide.
Acute toxicity produce dose dependent response
Chronic toxicity causes myeloneuropathy (demyelination of the dorsal and lateral columns of the spinal cord) due to vitamin B12 deficiency
Management
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: vaping, THC, e-cigarette, pulmonary injury (PubMed Search)
Posted: 8/22/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
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Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued alerts regarding cases of pulmonary illnesses that may be linked to "vaping" (in 15 states with 149 possible cases). These cases are still under investigation but all cases reported vaping weeks/months prior to hospitalization.
Most cases involve young adults who have been using THC-containing products
Common complaints included
Imaging studies:
Clinical course
What to do:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/s0821-cdc-fda-states-e-cigarettes.html
https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/081619.htm
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: drug-induced liver injury (PubMed Search)
Posted: 8/16/2019 by Hong Kim, MD
(Updated: 11/21/2024)
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Direct hepatotoxicity from a drug is predictable and dose-dependent.
Most commonly implicated agents include:
On the contrary, idiosyncratic prescription drug-induce liver injury is rare, unpredictable and not related to dose.
Most commonly implicated agents are:
Bottom line: