Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology
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For many physicians an antidote is an antidote. According to the International Programme on Chemical Safety definition, an antidote is a therapeutic substance used to counteract the toxic action(s) of a specified xenobiotic. Given this wide definition, the efficacy of an antidote may vary considerably depending on which toxic action(s) being counteracted and the level of counteracting power. ⋯ This may be particularly important in severe poisoning when the antidote may only be considered as an important adjunct to supportive care, e.g. deferoxamine in acute iron poisoning. Unless this is stressed, the unexperienced physician may rely too much on the antidote and pay insufficient attention to the supportive care. The varying efficacy levels will be discussed based on the presently ongoing International Programme on Chemical Safety/Commission of the European Communities evaluation program on antidotes.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1995
Case ReportsLiver transplantation after severe poisoning due to amatoxin-containing Lepiota--report of three cases.
Four cases of severe Lepiota poisoning, including three which developed toxic fulminant hepatitis treated by orthotopic hepatic transplantation, are reported here. The toxicity of the Lepiota is discussed as well as the indications for hepatic transplantation in poisonings due to amatoxin-containing mushrooms.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1995
Case ReportsProlonged neuromuscular blockade when mivacurium and pancuronium were administered in series.
Long acting non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade is useful in many clinical circumstances, especially during surgical procedures. Reinstitution of the blockade for short periods to facilitate the completion of clinical tasks can be accomplished in different ways. We present a case wherein a short-acting non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker used after a long-acting one resulted in an unusual prolongation of the neuromuscular blockade.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1995
ReviewOutcome following organ removal from poisoned donors in brain death status: a report of 12 cases and review of the literature.
Experience with organ procurement from poisoned donors in brain death status is still limited in comparison with other etiologies. From 1963 to 1993, 2769 grafts (heart 141, kidney 1922, liver 623, pancreas 43) were performed in our University Hospital. Since 1975, among 1174 patients admitted to the ICU for acute poisoning, 12 patients who developed brain death status were considered for organ donation. ⋯ The one year survival rate of 75% is similar to that observed in the population who received organs from nonpoisoned donors. Organ procurement can be considered in few selected cases of acute poisoning. The accuracy of the diagnosis of irreversible brain damage is essential in this setting.
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Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents have been used with increasing frequency in critically ill patients. Recently, numerous reports have described patients with prolonged muscle weakness after use of these agents for more than two days. Brief weakness lasting several hours to several days is likely the result of prolonged neuromuscular blockade, while more prolonged weakness lasting several weeks to months is likely caused by a myopathy. ⋯ Selective loss of thick myofilaments on muscle biopsy has been produced experimentally in rats by combing denervation with high doses of corticosteroids. As this disorder likely leads to additional respiratory compromise, difficulty weaning from the ventilator, and prolonged hospitalization, prevention is warranted. Methods of prevention include minimizing the dosage of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents and of other drugs with an effect on the neuromuscular junction, twitch monitoring with a peripheral nerve stimulator and allowing patients to come to an unparalyzed state for brief periods.