Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology
-
Single-dose activated charcoal (SDAC) is frequently administered to poisoned patients. The assumption is that toxin absorption is prevented and that toxicity (as defined by morbidity and mortality) of the poisoning is decreased. ⋯ Risks of this procedure have not been determined. The reported adverse events following SDAC administration are reviewed and risk:benefit ratio for this procedure is discussed.
-
Flumazenil is frequently administered to the poisoned patient. Seizures may be precipitated and resedation may occur in patients who awakened following flumazenil administration. ⋯ Benefit:Risk ratio of administering flumazenil should be determined in each overdose patient. Indications for flumazenil are limited.
-
Envenomation by arachnids causes significant medical illness worldwide. Scorpion sting is the most important arachnid envenomation causing adult morbidity and pediatric mortality. Important groups of spiders include the widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.), the recluse spiders (Loxosceles spp.), and two spiders confined to single countries: the Australian funnel web spider (Atrax and Hadronyche spp.) and the armed spider (Phoneutria spp.) from Brazil. ⋯ However, three controlled trials demonstrated that antivenom was not effective, but these included few severe cases. Until controlled trials of antivenom in systemically envenomated patients are undertaken, antivenom use appears justified in severe envenomation. Although envenomation from arthropods is common, no antivenoms exist for these, excepting Lonomia caterpillars in South America, and Ixodes paralysis ticks in Australia.
-
Clinical toxinology encompasses a broad range of medical conditions resulting from envenomation by venomous terrestrial and marine organisms, and also poisoning from ingestion of animal and plant toxins. Toxin-related disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in the tropical and subtropical continents. Snake bite is the single most important toxin-related disease, causing substantial mortality in many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. ⋯ This is now further worsened by a current shortage of antivenom. There is a need for improvement in the preventionand management of toxin-related disease. This will require well-designed studies to define the extent of the problem, initiatives to improve the prevention and management of these conditions, and development of new, and continuation of current, antivenom supplies.
-
J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 2003
ReviewGlucagon in beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker overdoses: a systematic review.
Glucagon is usually accepted as part of the standard treatment in the management of patients with beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker overdoses. ⋯ The evidence supporting the use of glucagon in the management of patients with beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker overdoses is limited to animal studies.