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Hoffman RS, Manini AF, Russell-Haders AL, Felberbaum M, Mercurio-Zappala M. Use of pralidoxime without atropine in rivastigmine (carbamate) toxicity. Hum Exp Toxicol 2009; 28:599-602. [PMID: 19755437 DOI: 10.1177/0960327109107044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Some experimental models suggest that the use of pralidoxime in carbamate toxicity is deleterious. Although pretreatment with atropine minimizes the adverse effect of pralidoxime reported in these models, concerns over the risks of pralidoxime in humans with carbamate poisoning continue. We present a unique case of carbamate toxicity treated successfully with pralidoxime alone. An 80-year-old woman with Alzheimer's dementia presented to the emergency department with 3-4 days of lightheadedness, vomiting, diarrhea, and bilateral lower extremity muscle pain. Extensive review of systems was otherwise negative. Her vital signs were BP, 207/85 mmHg; pulse, 101 beats/min; rectal temperature, 36.6( degrees )C; respirations, 18/min; and SpO(2), 95% breathing room air. Her bedside glucose measurement was 6.7 mmol/L. Physical examination revealed a confused, diaphoretic, ill-appearing woman with miosis and fasciculations of the tongue, eyelids, gastrocnemius and quadriceps bilaterally. The heart, lung, abdominal and head, eyes, ears, nose and throat examinations were otherwise unremarkable. Nine 5-cm(2) rivastigmine patches (9.5 mg/24-hour) were found adherent to her torso and lower extremities. The patches were immediately removed and underlying skin cleansed with soap and water. Laboratory values including complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, troponin, coagulation studies and urinalysis were unremarkable. Due to the absence of pulmonary muscarinic findings, no atropine was administered. However, 1 g of pralidoxime was administered intravenously over 30 min to treat fasciculations. Within 30 min of this treatment, there was significant improvement in symptoms and resolution of fasciculations. She was admitted to the hospital, required no further pralidoxime therapy and was discharged after 3 days. Rivastigmine is a reversible (carbamate) cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat dementia. In overdose, cholinergic crisis is expected and in this case was precipitated by patch overuse. We believe there was a causal relationship between pralidoxime administration and the prompt resolution of symptoms and fasciculations. This case of apparently safe and effective pralidoxime use without concomitant atropine administration in a patient with carbamate toxicity reinforces recent data demonstrating the potential safety of pralidoxime in carbamate toxicity.
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Manini AF, Schwaner R, Nelson LS, Hoffman RS. What is the pertinent finding and an explanation for the cause? J Med Toxicol 2009; 5:143, 149. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03161226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Barrueto F, Chuang A, Cotter BW, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS. Amiodarone Fails to Improve Survival in Amitriptyline-Poisoned Mice. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009. [DOI: 10.1081/clt-53076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Soghoian SE, Olsen D, Al Hatali BA, Hoffman RS. Subcutaneous crotaline Fab administration in a model of rattlesnake envenomation. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 47:605-6; author reply 606. [PMID: 19586363 DOI: 10.1080/15563650903029097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Farmer BM, Prosser JM, Hoffman RS. Re: "Are one or two dangerous? Diphenoxylate-atropine exposure in toddlers". J Emerg Med 2009; 38:384. [PMID: 19545964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2008.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2007] [Accepted: 01/06/2008] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Khine H, Weiss D, Graber N, Hoffman RS, Esteban-Cruciani N, Avner JR. A cluster of children with seizures caused by camphor poisoning. Pediatrics 2009; 123:1269-72. [PMID: 19403490 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-2097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isolated cases of camphor-induced seizures have been reported in young children after gastrointestinal, dermal, and inhalation exposure. In 1982, after a series of unintentional ingestions of camphor products, the US Food and Drug Administration restricted the camphor content to <11% in some products intended for medicinal use. Camphor products intended for use as pesticides must be registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency. Still, many imported camphor-containing products fail to meet Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency requirements for labeling and content. OBJECTIVE To describe a cluster of cases of camphor-associated seizure activity resulting from the availability of imported camphor products in certain ethnic populations that use it as a natural remedy. METHODS We present 3 cases of seizures associated with imported, illegally sold camphor in young children who presented to a large, urban children's hospital in Bronx, New York, during a 2-week period. RESULTS The children's ages ranged from 15 to 36 months. Two children ingested camphor, and 1 child was exposed through repetitive rubbing of camphor on her skin. All 3 patients required pharmacologic intervention to terminate the seizures. One patient required bag-valve-mask ventilation for transient respiratory depression. All 3 patients had leukocytosis, and 2 patients had hyperglycemia. Exposure occurred as a result of using camphor for spiritual purposes, cold remedy, or pest control. After identification of these cases, the New York City Department of Health released a public health warning to keep camphor products away from children. Similar warnings were issued later by other state health departments. CONCLUSIONS These cases highlight the toxicity associated with camphor usage in the community and that inappropriate use of illegally sold camphor products is an important public health issue. Camphor may be a common, yet unrecognized, source of seizures in children in certain ethnic populations that use it as a natural remedy. Efforts are needed to educate the communities about the hazards of using camphor products and to limit the illegal availability of these products.
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Chan GM, Hoffman RS, Gold JA, Whiteman PJ, Goldfrank LR, Nelson LS. Racial variations in the incidence of severe alcohol withdrawal. J Med Toxicol 2009; 5:8-14. [PMID: 19191209 DOI: 10.1007/bf03160974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The use of race as a risk assessment tool and pharmacologic target has garnered recent attention and debate. It is currently unclear if a relationship between race and the development of severe alcohol withdrawal exists. We explored this potential relationship using several study groups. METHODS A simultaneous prospective enrollment of patients and retrospective chart review of severe alcohol withdrawal in two separate settings was performed comparing both the incidence of withdrawal and alcoholism based on race. These two study groups were then compared to an "at risk" group of alcoholics and the general ED population to determine differences in the distribution of race. RESULTS Individuals of white race in both study groups were at increased odds [OR 1.93 (CI 1.11-3.39) and 2.19 (CI 1.41-3.40)] of having severe alcohol withdrawal when compared to non-White "at risk" alcoholics. Blacks in both study groups however, appear to have lower odds [OR 0.23 (CI 0.11-0.47) and 0.11 (CI 0.05-0.23)] of having severe alcohol withdrawal when compared to non-Black "at risk" alcoholics. CONCLUSIONS Despite the controversial use of race in medical research and targeting therapies, there appears to be a difference in the odds of severe alcohol withdrawal based on race. The reasons for this finding are currently unclear.
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Odujebe OA, Hoffman RS. Backyard mushroom ingestions: no gastrointestinal decontamination--no effect? Are you sure? J Emerg Med 2009; 36:308-309. [PMID: 19095396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2008.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
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Bretholz A, Morrisey R, Hoffman RS. Letter to the Editor. Toxicology 2009; 257:172; author reply 173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2008.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2008] [Accepted: 10/13/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wood DM, Dargan PI, Hoffman RS. Management of cocaine-induced cardiac arrhythmias due to cardiac ion channel dysfunction. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 47:14-23. [PMID: 18815938 DOI: 10.1080/15563650802339373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine use is common in many areas of the world, particularly the United States and Western Europe. Toxicity following the use of cocaine is associated with a wide range of clinical features. In this review, we will focus on the cocaine-associated cardiac arrhythmias and, in particular, some of the controversies in their etiology and management. Cocaine can produce arrhythmias either through the production of myocardial ischemia or as a direct result of ion channel alterations. Excessive catecholamines, combined with sodium and potassium channel blockades, give rise to a wide variety of supra-ventricular and ventricular rhythms. The animal and human evidence for ion channel dysfunction is reviewed, and the effects of catecholamines are followed from the cardiac action potential to the development of arrhythmias. Finally, theoretical constructs are combined with existing evidence to develop a rational treatment strategy for patients with cocaine-induced cardiac arrhythmias. In particular, we review the evidence concerning the controversies relating to the use of lidocaine in comparison with sodium bicarbonate, in terms of QRS prolongation secondary to sodium channel blockade.
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Shy BD, Gupta A, Hoffman RS. Sodium bicarbonate vs sodium chloride in preventing contrast medium-induced nephropathy. JAMA 2009; 301:377-8; author reply 379-380. [PMID: 19176435 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2009.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Smith SW, Ferguson KL, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS, Greller HA. Prolonged severe hypotension following combined amlodipine and valsartan ingestion. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 46:470-4. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650701779695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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238
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Hoffman RS. Understanding the limitations of retrospective analyses of poison center data. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 45:943-5. [PMID: 18163236 DOI: 10.1080/15563650701233370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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239
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Schwartz L, Martinez L, Louie J, Mercurio-Zappala M, Howland MA, Nokes K, Hoffman RS. An Evaluation of a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Education Program. Health Promot Pract 2009; 11:320-4. [DOI: 10.1177/1524839908327732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States. Research has shown that proper use of a CO detector in the home can reduce morbidity and mortality related to unintentional CO exposure. The authors evaluated three CO education workshops that included distribution of free CO detectors for home use, and their intervention reached 133 participants. Pretest surveys and follow-up calls evaluated change in knowledge and behavior factors. Results showed that statistically significant increases were found on three out of five knowledge-based items and 91% of respondents (N = 80) reported installing CO detectors in their home. Follow-up calls provided an opportunity to clarify information and provide tailored information to participants.
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Majlesi N, Hoffman RS, Nelson L. Letters on "Predictors of mortality in patients with delerium tremens". Acad Emerg Med 2009; 16:92; author reply 92-3. [PMID: 19133859 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2008.00306.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Soghoian S, Sinert R, Wiener SW, Hoffman RS. Ethylene Glycol Toxicity Presenting with Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2009; 104:22-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2008.00334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Smith SW, Giesbrecht E, Thompson M, Nelson LS, Hoffman RS. Solanaceous steroidal glycoalkaloids and poisoning by Solanum torvum, the normally edible susumber berry. Toxicon 2008; 52:667-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2008] [Revised: 07/29/2008] [Accepted: 07/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Farmer BM, Hoffman RS. Acetaminophen poisoning. N Engl J Med 2008; 359:1963; author reply 1965. [PMID: 18979573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
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Fulton JA, Kahn J, Nelson LS, Hoffman RS. Renal Infarction During the Use of Rizatriptan and Zolmitriptan: Two Case Reports. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008; 44:177-80. [PMID: 16615676 DOI: 10.1080/15563650500514574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Rizatriptan and zolmitriptan are both used to relieve acute migraine and cluster headaches. The mechanism of action is similar to the other triptans, in that they reverse abnormal cerebral vasodilation through their activity as 5-HT1B receptor agonists. Triptan-induced vasoconstriction is attributed to its activity on peripheral 5-HT1B receptors and has rarely been reported to result in stroke, myocardial infarction and ischemic colitis. We present two cases of renal infarction associated with therapeutic triptan use. The first patient is a 57-year-old man with a history of hypertension that was well controlled on valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. He was recently diagnosed with cluster headaches and was treated with indomethacin, prednisone, butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine and hydrocodone without relief. He then received two therapeutic doses of rizatriptan on each of the two days prior to presentation. Subsequently, he presented to the emergency department complaining of nausea, vomiting and right-sided abdominal pain. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast revealed a very large wedge shaped infarction of the right kidney. The second patient is a 34-year-old man with a past medical history significant only for life-long migraine headaches successfully treated for the past six years with zolmitriptan. Shortly after taking one therapeutic dose of zolmitriptan, he presented to the emergency department complaining of nausea and left-sided abdominal pain. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast revealed multiple wedge-shaped infarctions of the left kidney. Renal infarction was confirmed in both patients by arteriogram of the renal arteries. Although both rizatriptan and zolmitriptan are effective in the treatment of migraine and cluster headaches, they may induce peripheral vasospasm leading to renal infarction.
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Kanagarajan K, Marraffa JM, Bouchard NC, Krishnan P, Hoffman RS, Stork CM. The use of vasopressin in the setting of recalcitrant hypotension due to calcium channel blocker overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008; 45:56-9. [PMID: 17357383 DOI: 10.1080/15563650600795669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of hypotension caused by calcium channel blocker overdose (CCB) remains a challenge. We describe the successful use of vasopressin in two patients with massive CCB overdoses in whom hypotension was unresponsive to calcium, glucagon, insulin, and conventional vasopressor therapies. While various modes of treatments have been used to treat the hypotension of CCB overdose, this is the first report to our knowledge of the successful use of vasopressin in this clinical setting.
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Farmer BM, Prosser JM, Hoffman RS. Letter to the Editor. Hum Exp Toxicol 2008; 27:737; author reply 739. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327107086242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Shih R, Mercurio M, Morasco R, Hoffman RS, Weisman RS, Herschman JH, Meggs W, Goldfrank LR, Marcus SM. Artificial Surfactant Administration in an Animal Model of Hydrocarbon Induced Pulmonary Toxicity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/15563659609020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Stolbach AI, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS. Mechanical ventilation was associated with acidemia in a case series of salicylate-poisoned patients. Acad Emerg Med 2008; 15:866-9. [PMID: 18821862 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2008.00205.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite little empiric evidence, mechanical ventilation (MV) in the setting of salicylate poisoning is considered by many to be harmful. When salicylate-poisoned patients are ventilated at conventional settings, the respiratory alkalosis is abolished, more salicylate is able to pass into the central nervous system (CNS), and neurotoxicity worsens. The objective of this study was to identify a relationship between MV, acidosis, and outcome in salicylate-poisoned patients. METHODS The authors electronically searched a poison control center (PCC) database (2001-2007) for patients with salicylate poisoning, defined as a serum concentration > 50 mg/dL, who had MV listed as a therapy. For the 7-year study period, a total of 3,144 salicylate-poisoning cases were identified. Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria of having both salicylate concentrations > 50 mg/dL and required MV; only 7 of them had post-MV data available. RESULTS In all seven patients with post-MV blood gas data, the post-MV pH was < 7.4. In five of six patients with recorded PCO2, the post-MV PCO2 was > 50 mm Hg. Two of the seven patients in the study group died following intubation (two patients died within 3 hours [serum salicylate concentrations, 85 and 79 mg/dL, respectively]). Another patient sustained severe neurologic injury (serum salicylate concentration, 84 mg/dL). The other four patients were ultimately discharged home. In the three patients with the worst clinical outcome, deterioration was reported within hours of intubation. CONCLUSIONS Inadequate MV of patients with salicylate poisoning is associated with respiratory acidosis, acidemia, and clinical deterioration in this series of cases. This supports warnings about the danger of improper MV in patients with salicylate poisoning. A prospective study should be performed.
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Smith SW, Manini AF, Szekely T, Hoffman RS. Bedside detection of urine beta-hydroxybutyrate in diagnosing metabolic acidosis. Acad Emerg Med 2008; 15:751-6. [PMID: 18637083 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2008.00175.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While critically important, the rapid identification of the etiology of metabolic acidosis (MA) may be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Alcoholic, starvation, and severe diabetic ketoacidosis (AKA, SKA, and DKA, respectively) may produce beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) in marked excess of acetone (ACET) and acetoacetate (AcAc). Unfortunately, current urine dipstick technology poorly detects ACET and cannot measure BOHB. The inability to detect BOHB might delay therapy for ketoacidoses or provoke unnecessary evaluation or empiric treatment of other causes of MA, such as toxic alcohol poisoning. The authors tested the previous assertion that commonly available hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) would improve BOHB detection. The effectiveness of alkalinization and use of a silver nitrate (AgNO(3)) catalyst was also assessed. METHODS Control and urine test specimens containing from 0.5 to 800 mmol/L ACET, AcAc, and BOHB were prepared. Urine specimens were oxidized with H(2)O(2) (3%) 1:9 (H(2)O(2):urine), alkalinized with potassium hydroxide (KOH; 10%), exposed to AgNO(3) sticks, or altered with a combination of these methods in a random fashion. Three emergency physicians (EPs) blinded to the preparation technique evaluated urine dipsticks (Multistix, Bayer Corp.) placed in the specimens for "ketones." RESULTS Multistix detected AcAc appropriately; ACET was detected only at high concentrations of >or=600 mmol/L. Multistix failed to measure BOHB at all concentrations tested. H(2)O(2) improved urinary BOHB detection, although not to clinically relevant levels (40 mmol/L). Alkalinization and AgNO(3) sticks did not improve BOHB detection beyond this threshold. CONCLUSIONS Addition of H(2)O(2) (3%), alkalinization, or AgNO(3) sticks did not improve clinically meaningful urine BOHB detection. Clinicians should use direct methods to detect BOHB when suspected.
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Smith SW, Howland MA, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS. Acetaminophen Overdose with Altered Acetaminophen Pharmacokinetics and Hepatotoxicity Associated with Premature Cessation of Intravenous N-Acetylcysteine Therapy. Ann Pharmacother 2008; 42:1333-9. [DOI: 10.1345/aph.1k680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To report a case of erratic absorption, double peak serum concentrations, and hepatotoxicity following premature cessation of intravenous N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment in the setting of a massive acetaminophen overdose. Case Summary: A 78-year-old man reportedly ingested approximately 96 immediate-release acetaminophen 500-mg tablets (48 g) over a one-hour period in an apparent suicide attempt. The acetaminophen concentration at 2.25 hours was 264 μg/mL. Intravenous NAC was initiated 5 hours postingestion. At 6.25 hours postingestion, the acetaminophen concentration was 281 μg/mL. Following administration of intravenous NAC for 21 hours, therapy was discontinued despite a residual acetaminophen concentration of 116 μg/mL. The patient experienced hepatotoxicity, coagulopathy, and renal injury. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed significantly prolonged acetaminophen absorption and a second peak acetaminophen concentration of 228 μg/mL approximately 48 hours post ingestion. Direct in-hospital monitoring of the patient made a second ingestion unlikely. Discussion: Acetaminophen overdose is usually effectively managed with NAC. Patients with massive ingestions may have altered absorption kinetics due to acetaminophen's solubility being exceeded, physiologically or chemically altered gastrointestinal emptying or motility, or other factors. These patients may benefit from gastrointestinal decontamination and prolonged NAC therapy. Conclusions: In patients with massive acetaminophen ingestion, erratic absorption may occur, and toxic serum concentrations may persist beyond a standard 21–hour course of intravenous NAC therapy. Acetaminophen concentrations and aminotransferase levels should be evaluated at the completion of the intravenous NAC infusion to ensure complete elimination of acetaminophen and absence of hepatotoxicity and to exclude the need lor prolonged treatment.
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