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Abstract
Although newer cyclic antidepressants have been introduced over the past several years, the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) continue to be the leading cause of morbidity from drug overdose in the United States. Overdose features depend on the particular cyclic antidepressant ingested and its pharmacological properties, and can include CNS depression, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, seizures, and anticholinergic symptomatology. Life-threatening symptomatology almost always begins within 2 hours, and certainly within 6 hours, after arrival to the emergency department. Plasma TCA levels are unreliable predictors of TCA toxicity and are not recommended. An ECG with a prolonged QRS complex more than 100 msec seems to be the best indicator of serious sequelae with TCAs. Management consists of stabilization of vital signs, gastrointestinal decontamination, intravenous sodium bicarbonate, and supportive care. Agents once thought to be useful for the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias and seizures such as phenytoin and physostigmine should be avoided. The future of TCA antibody fragments in the treatment of TCA overdose seems promising. Newer and, to some degree, safer antidepressants in overdose have recently been introduced, and they include fluoxetine, trazodone, and sertraline. Amoxapine, bupropion, and maprotiline seem to be as toxic as the TCAs. A significant interaction between cyclic antidepressants and monoamine-oxidase inhibitors exists. Management includes supportive care and basic poison management. Prevention of poisoning seems to be the most logical and effective method of maintaining patient safety. TCAs should be avoided in children younger than 6 years old. All adults with suicidal ideations should receive no more than a 1-week supply (about 1 g) of drug. Finally consideration should be given to using one of the newer, safer antidepressants in all patients with suicidal ideations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Cohen
- Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Long Island University, Bellevue Hospital Center
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Truhlář A, Deakin CD, Soar J, Khalifa GEA, Alfonzo A, Bierens JJLM, Brattebø G, Brugger H, Dunning J, Hunyadi-Antičević S, Koster RW, Lockey DJ, Lott C, Paal P, Perkins GD, Sandroni C, Thies KC, Zideman DA, Nolan JP, Böttiger BW, Georgiou M, Handley AJ, Lindner T, Midwinter MJ, Monsieurs KG, Wetsch WA. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2015: Section 4. Cardiac arrest in special circumstances. Resuscitation 2015; 95:148-201. [PMID: 26477412 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 527] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anatolij Truhlář
- Emergency Medical Services of the Hradec Králové Region, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Charles D Deakin
- Cardiac Anaesthesia and Cardiac Intensive Care, NIHR Southampton Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Jasmeet Soar
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Annette Alfonzo
- Departments of Renal and Internal Medicine, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, Fife, UK
| | | | - Guttorm Brattebø
- Bergen Emergency Medical Services, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hermann Brugger
- EURAC Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Bozen, Italy
| | - Joel Dunning
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | | | - Rudolph W Koster
- Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David J Lockey
- Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK; School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Carsten Lott
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-Universitaet, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Paal
- Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gavin D Perkins
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Critical Care Unit, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claudio Sandroni
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | | | - David A Zideman
- Department of Anaesthetics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jerry P Nolan
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK; School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
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Soar J, Perkins GD, Abbas G, Alfonzo A, Barelli A, Bierens JJLM, Brugger H, Deakin CD, Dunning J, Georgiou M, Handley AJ, Lockey DJ, Paal P, Sandroni C, Thies KC, Zideman DA, Nolan JP. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2010 Section 8. Cardiac arrest in special circumstances: Electrolyte abnormalities, poisoning, drowning, accidental hypothermia, hyperthermia, asthma, anaphylaxis, cardiac surgery, trauma, pregnancy, electrocution. Resuscitation 2011; 81:1400-33. [PMID: 20956045 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2010.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmeet Soar
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK.
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Deakin CD, Morrison LJ, Morley PT, Callaway CW, Kerber RE, Kronick SL, Lavonas EJ, Link MS, Neumar RW, Otto CW, Parr M, Shuster M, Sunde K, Peberdy MA, Tang W, Hoek TLV, Böttiger BW, Drajer S, Lim SH, Nolan JP. Part 8: Advanced life support: 2010 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science with Treatment Recommendations. Resuscitation 2011; 81 Suppl 1:e93-e174. [PMID: 20956032 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2010.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Soar J, Perkins G, Abbas G, Alfonzo A, Barelli A, Bierens J, Brugger H, Deakin C, Dunning J, Georgiou M, Handley A, Lockey D, Paal P, Sandroni C, Thies KC, Zideman D, Nolan J. Kreislaufstillstand unter besonderen Umständen: Elektrolytstörungen, Vergiftungen, Ertrinken, Unterkühlung, Hitzekrankheit, Asthma, Anaphylaxie, Herzchirurgie, Trauma, Schwangerschaft, Stromunfall. Notf Rett Med 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10049-010-1374-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Morrison LJ, Deakin CD, Morley PT, Callaway CW, Kerber RE, Kronick SL, Lavonas EJ, Link MS, Neumar RW, Otto CW, Parr M, Shuster M, Sunde K, Peberdy MA, Tang W, Hoek TLV, Böttiger BW, Drajer S, Lim SH, Nolan JP, Adrie C, Alhelail M, Battu P, Behringer W, Berkow L, Bernstein RA, Bhayani SS, Bigham B, Boyd J, Brenner B, Bruder E, Brugger H, Cash IL, Castrén M, Cocchi M, Comadira G, Crewdson K, Czekajlo MS, Davies SR, Dhindsa H, Diercks D, Dine CJ, Dioszeghy C, Donnino M, Dunning J, El Sanadi N, Farley H, Fenici P, Feeser VR, Foster JA, Friberg H, Fries M, Garcia-Vega FJ, Geocadin RG, Georgiou M, Ghuman J, Givens M, Graham C, Greer DM, Halperin HR, Hanson A, Holzer M, Hunt EA, Ishikawa M, Ioannides M, Jeejeebhoy FM, Jennings PA, Kano H, Kern KB, Kette F, Kudenchuk PJ, Kupas D, La Torre G, Larabee TM, Leary M, Litell J, Little CM, Lobel D, Mader TJ, McCarthy JJ, McCrory MC, Menegazzi JJ, Meurer WJ, Middleton PM, Mottram AR, Navarese EP, Nguyen T, Ong M, Padkin A, Ferreira de Paiva E, Passman RS, Pellis T, Picard JJ, Prout R, Pytte M, Reid RD, Rittenberger J, Ross W, Rubertsson S, Rundgren M, Russo SG, Sakamoto T, Sandroni C, Sanna T, Sato T, Sattur S, Scapigliati A, Schilling R, Seppelt I, Severyn FA, Shepherd G, Shih RD, Skrifvars M, Soar J, Tada K, Tararan S, Torbey M, Weinstock J, Wenzel V, Wiese CH, Wu D, Zelop CM, Zideman D, Zimmerman JL. Part 8: Advanced Life Support. Circulation 2010; 122:S345-421. [DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.110.971051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Yalindağ-Oztürk N, Goto CS, Shepherd G, Torres ON, Giroir B. A pilot pharmacokinetic study of tricyclic antidepressant ovine Fab for TCA poisoning in children. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2010; 48:418-23. [PMID: 20524830 DOI: 10.3109/15563651003796358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT A pilot study of tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)-specific antibody fragments (TCA Fab) in TCA-intoxicated adults showed a marked increase in serum total TCA concentrations following TCA Fab infusion with no worsening signs of TCA toxicity. TCA Fab pharmacokinetics (PK) was not described in this adult study. The objective of this study was to evaluate the PK of TCA Fab in children with TCA poisoning. METHODS This was an open-label, single-center, dose escalation pilot trial of three patients. Inclusion criteria were documented TCA ingestion with at least one serious complication (QRS prolongation, dysrhythmia, hypotension, seizure, or coma). Patients were assigned to either a low-dose intravenous TCA Fab regimen (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) or a high-dose regimen (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg) as needed to reverse TCA toxicity. Following the administration of TCA Fab, samples of blood and urine were obtained for PK evaluations. The outcomes of interest were serum and urine TCA concentrations (free and total), serum and urine Fab concentrations, improvement or worsening of TCA toxicity, and adverse effects. RESULTS Three study patients were 11, 11, and 14 years of age. Two patients received 15 mg/kg of TCA Fab and one patient received a total of 90 mg/kg of TCA Fab (30 + 60 mg/kg). Serum-bound TCA increased significantly following TCA Fab administration with concomitant enhanced urinary elimination. Serum-free TCA concentrations were minimal to undetectable. Fab data were available for two patients. The serum TCA Fab area under the curve was 306.12 mg/L/h for the 15 mg/kg dose and 2,198.10 mg/L/h for the 90 mg/kg dose of TCA Fab. Maximum Fab concentrations correlated with maximum bound TCA in serum. The volume of distribution (V(D)) of TCA Fab was 0.2-0.3 L/kg. The clearance was 0.036-0.05 L/kg/h and the elimination half-life was 4 h. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION The limited PK data from this study are consistent with binding of TCA to TCA Fab and redistribution of TCA from the tissue to serum with subsequent enhanced urinary excretion of TCA. No toxic effects were observed with increased total TCA concentrations and no adverse effects were observed following TCA Fab administration. The small number of patients in this pilot study does not allow for safety or efficacy conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilüfer Yalindağ-Oztürk
- Department of Pediatrics, Baskent University Istanbul Hospital, Usküdar-Istanbul, Cocuk Yogun Bakim, Altunizade-Uskudar, Turkey.
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Heard K, Dart RC, Bogdan G, O'Malley GF, Burkhart KK, Donovan JW, Ward SB. A Preliminary Study of Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) Ovine FAB for TCA Toxicity. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008; 44:275-81. [PMID: 16749545 DOI: 10.1080/15563650600584428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal studies suggest that tricyclic antidepressant antibody fragments (TCA Fab) may be a useful therapy for tricyclic antidepressant poisoning. The objective of this study is to determine if TCA Fab increases total serum TCA levels without raising free serum TCA levels in human overdose patients, indicating that TCA Fab effectively binds TCA. METHODS This was a prospective, dose escalation study of patients with mild to moderate TCA poisoning. Patients were treated with an escalating intravenous infusion totaling 7 or 14 gm of TCA Fab. The outcomes of interest were serum TCA levels (total and free), worsening of TCA toxicity, and adverse effects. RESULTS Seven patients were treated with Fab. Infusion of TCA Fab was associated with a dramatic increase in total serum TCA levels, while free TCA levels fell in both dosing groups. There were no significant changes in QRS duration, heart rate or mean arterial pressure associated with the Fab Infusion. Worsening of TCA toxicity did not occur despite marked elevation of total serum TCA concentrations. The two patients with the greatest prolongation of QRS showed a prompt shortening in their QRS duration temporally associated with the Fab infusion. Mild wheezing was observed in one asthmatic patient. CONCLUSIONS 1) TCA Fab raises total serum TCA levels while lowering free levels in TCA poisoned patients; 2) no toxic effects were associated with the increase in TCA levels and no severe adverse effects were observed during the hospital course following Fab infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennon Heard
- University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Section of Medical Toxicology, Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Denver 80231, USA.
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Cohen H, Hoffman RS, Howland MA. Antidepressant Poisoning and Treatment: A Review and Case Illustration. J Pharm Pract 1997. [DOI: 10.1177/089719009701000405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Although newer antidepressants have been introduced over the past several years, the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) continue to be a leading cause of morbidity from drug overdose in the United States. Overdose features depend on the particular cyclic antidepressant ingested and its pharmacological properties, and can include CNS depression, cardiac dysrhythmias, hypotension, seizures, and anticholinergic symptoms. Life-threatening events almost always begin within two hours, and certainly within six hours, after arrival to the emergency department. Plasma TCA levels are unreliable predictors of TCA toxicity and are therefore not recommended. An ECG with a prolonged QRS complex more than 100 msec seems to be the best indicator of serious sequelae with TCA overdose. Management consists of stabilization of vital signs, gastrointestinal decontamination, intravenous sodium bicarbonate, and supportive care. Agents once thought to be useful for the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias and seizures such as phenytoin and physostigmine should be avoided. The future of TCA antibody fragments in the treatment of TCA overdose seems promising. Amoxapine, bupropion, and maprotiline seems to be as toxic as the TCAs. Overdose data is limited for venlafaxine, and mirtazapine, and preclude firm conclusions. A significant interaction between cyclic antidepressants and monoamine-oxidase inhibitors exists. Management includes supportive care and basic poison management. Prevention of poisoning seems to be the most logical and effective method of maintaining patient safety. TCAs should be avoided in children younger than 6 years old. All adults with suicidal ideations should receive no more than a one-week supply (less than 1 g) of drug. Newer and, to some degree, safer antidepressants in overdose have recently been introduced, and they include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, trazodone, and nefazodone. Finally, consideration should be given to using one of these newer, safer antidepressants in all patients with suicidal ideations.
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Baud FJ, Borron SW, Scherrmann JM, Bismuth C. A critical review of antidotal immunotherapy for low molecular weight toxins. Current antidotes and perspectives. ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY. SUPPLEMENT. = ARCHIV FUR TOXIKOLOGIE. SUPPLEMENT 1997; 19:271-87. [PMID: 9079214 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-60682-3_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F J Baud
- Réanimation Toxicologique, Hôpital Fernand Widal - Université Paris, France
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Wananukul W, Keyler DE, Pentel PR. Effect of calcium chloride and 4-aminopyridine therapy on desipramine toxicity in rats. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 1996; 34:499-506. [PMID: 8800187 DOI: 10.3109/15563659609028007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypotension is a major contributor to mortality in tricyclic antidepressant overdose. Recent data suggest that tricyclic antidepressants inhibit calcium influx in some tissues. This study addressed the potential role of calcium channel blockade in tricyclic antidepressant-induced hypotension. METHODS Two interventions were studied that have been shown previously to improve blood pressure with calcium channel blocker overdose. CaCl2 and 4-aminopyridine. Anesthetized rats received the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine IP to produce hypotension, QRS prolongation, and bradycardia. Fifteen min later, animals received CaCl2, NaHCO3, or saline. In a second experiment, rats received tricyclic antidepressant desipramine IP followed in 15 min by 4-aminopyridine or saline. RESULTS NaHCO3 briefly (5 min) reversed hypotension and QRS prolongation. CaCl2 and 4-aminopyridine failed to improve blood pressure. The incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (p = 0.004) and seizures (p = 0.03) in the CaCl2 group was higher than the other groups. CONCLUSION The administration of CaCl2 or 4-aminopyridine did not reverse tricyclic antidepressant-induced hypotension in rats. CaCl2 therapy may possibly worsen both cardiovascular and central nervous system toxicity. These findings do not support a role for calcium channel inhibition in the pathogenesis of tricyclic antidepressant-induced hypotension.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Wananukul
- Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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13
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Abstract
Drug-specific antibodies have been used clinically to treat digoxin or colchicine overdose. The lethal dose of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is 100 times higher, and will require higher doses of antibodies (up to several g/kg) to reverse toxicity. Preliminary studies suggest that this is feasible. High affinity TCA-specific monoclonal Fab' or polyclonal Fab fragments rapidly reverse the cardiovascular toxicity of the TCA desipramine (DMI) in rats, and prolong survival. TCA-specific Fab' or Fab is generally well tolerated in rats, but doses several times higher than anticipated for human use may have adverse effects. Combining Fab with standard therapies for TCA overdose, such as NaHCO3, can reduce the required Fab dose. As an alternative, a recombinant single chain Fv fragment (sFv), one half the size of Fab, has been cloned which retains a high affinity for DMI and is able to alter DMI distribution in vivo. Because sFv has a shorter elimination half-life and more extensive renal excretion than Fab, it may have therapeutic advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Pentel
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis 55415, USA
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Kitchin K, Lin G, Shelver WL, Murtaugh MP, Pentel PR, Pond SM, Oberst JC, Humphrey JE, Smith JM, Flickinger MC. Cloning, expression, and purification of an anti-desipramine single chain antibody in NS/O myeloma cells. J Pharm Sci 1995; 84:1184-9. [PMID: 8801332 DOI: 10.1002/jps.2600841009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Drug-specific monoclonal antibodies and their antigen-binding Fab fragments reverse acute desipramine toxicity in a rat experimental model by inducing a redistribution of drug from cardiac tissue into serum and extracellular fluid. In order to investigate the use of smaller recombinant antibody fragments such as single chain Fv (sFv) as an antidote, an efficient murine NS/O myeloma expression system was developed. The variable light (VL) and variable heavy (VH) domains of a murine anti-desipramine monoclonal antibody were cloned and sequenced. A 270 amino acid VH-(Gly4Ser)3-VL sFv was prepared by overlapping polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of VH with heavy chain leader peptide, VL, and the linker. This construct was subcloned into a mammalian expression vector which utilizes the SR alpha promoter, a hybrid promoter consisting of the SV40 early promoter with portions of the human T-cell leukemia virus type I long terminal repeat and also containing the Escherichia cloi xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene for selection. NS/O myeloma cells were transfected by electroporation. Stable recombinant NS/O clones were screened for expression of sFv using reverse transcriptase-PCR to detect mRNA and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect sFv. Secreted sFv from clones capable of growth to a cell density of 2-4 x 10(6) viable cells/mL was purified in a single step using a desipramine affinity column resulting in 12-39 mg/L of purified sFv. Affinity-purified sFv had comparable desipramine binding activity to Fab when evaluated by competitive ELISA.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kitchin
- Institute for Advanced Studies in Biological Process Technology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108, USA
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Pentel PR, Scarlett W, Ross CA, Landon J, Sidki A, Keyler DE. Reduction of desipramine cardiotoxicity and prolongation of survival in rats with the use of polyclonal drug-specific antibody Fab fragments. Ann Emerg Med 1995; 26:334-41. [PMID: 7661425 DOI: 10.1016/s0196-0644(95)70083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a leading cause of death from intentional drug overdose. Available therapies are often unsatisfactory. In this study we evaluated the use of a high-affinity drug-specific polyclonal Fab fragment (TFab) as an antidote to desipramine toxicity. DESIGN We gave anaesthetized rats under mechanical ventilation IV desipramine so that we might study the effect of TFab on survival or IP desipramine to facilitate study of the interaction of TFab and hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), the standard clinical treatment for TCA overdose. INTERVENTIONS For the study of the effects of TFab and NaHCO3 on survival, each rat was given a constant IV infusion of desipramine until it died, together with TFab 2 g/kg, bovine serum albumin, or .9% NaCl starting 5 minutes after the desipramine infusion. In the study of the interaction of TFab and NaHCO3, each rat received 30 mg/kg IP desipramine followed by TFab (molar TFab:desipramine ratio, .11), NaHCO3, TFab+NaHCO3, or NaCl at the time of maximal toxicity (15 minutes). RESULTS In the survival protocol, QRS-interval duration, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate were significantly improved by TFab, and survival was prolonged by 58% compared with that in the albumin and NaCl groups (P < .001). The molar ratio of TFab to administered desipramine was .21. The unbound fraction of desipramine in serum at the time of death was reduced by TFab, but the unbound desipramine concentration was not, suggesting that TFab prolonged survival by delaying the increase in the unbound serum desipramine concentration. In the interaction protocol, neither TFab nor NaHCO3 was effective alone, but the combination significantly reduced QRS-interval prolongation (P = .001). CONCLUSION These data demonstrate the efficacy of TFab in reducing desipramine-induced cardiovascular toxicity and prolonging survival. The pharmacokinetic effects of TFab in rats with severe desipramine toxicity were similar to those observed in sublethal desipramine toxicity. Therapeutic benefit is enhanced by the concurrent use of NaHCO3 and may be achieved despite binding only a fraction of the desipramine dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Pentel
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Keyler DE, Shelver WL, Landon J, Sidki A, Pentel PR. Toxicity of high doses of polyclonal drug-specific antibody Fab fragments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY 1994; 16:1027-34. [PMID: 7705964 DOI: 10.1016/0192-0561(94)90082-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Drug-specific antibody Fab fragments have been used as a treatment for acute drug overdose. For some drugs, the required Fab dose may be very high (up to several g/kg) and may have adverse effects of its own. The current study evaluated the potential toxicity of an affinity purified sheep polyclonal Fab (TFab) directed at the two antidepressants desipramine (DMI) and nortriptyline. TFab 4 g/kg was administered to anesthetized rats i.v. over 10, 25 or 60 min, with or without a toxic dose of DMI. This high dose of TFab, which is in excess of that needed to reduce DMI toxicity, was used in order to exaggerate any adverse effects. In the absence of DMI, TFab produced minimal changes in the electrocardiographic QRS duration, systolic blood pressure and heart rate compared with control animals and was well tolerated. In the presence of DMI, groups receiving TFab as a 10 or 25 min infusion showed a therapeutic effect (lessening of DMI toxicity) over the first 60 min compared with the control group, but one of six animals in each of the TFab groups died prior to the end of the 180 min experiment. No control animals died, but progressive QRS prolongation and decreasing blood pressure toward the end of the experiment suggested that DMI toxicity was increasing over time. These data suggest that, when administered alone, very high doses of rapidly infused TFab are well tolerated. When administered with DMI, TFab is effective in initially reducing DMI toxicity. However, this dose of TFab may later aggravate DMI toxicity and/or the effects of prolonged anesthesia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Keyler
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55415
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Zuckerman GB, Conway EE. Pulmonary complications following tricyclic antidepressant overdose in an adolescent. Ann Pharmacother 1993; 27:572-4. [PMID: 8347905 DOI: 10.1177/106002809302700507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report a case of pulmonary edema following a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose in an adolescent. CASE SUMMARY A 14-year-old girl with a history of prior suicide attempts ingested 54 50-mg desipramine hydrochloride tablets (45 mg/kg ingestion). The patient developed a cardiac dysrhythmia and hypotension, which were successfully treated. She subsequently developed pulmonary edema and a clinical picture suggestive of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). She was successfully managed with fluid restriction, tracheal intubation, application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and vasopressors. The patient was discharged without any clinical sequelae. DISCUSSION Pulmonary complications secondary to TCA overdose have rarely been reported in children. We reviewed literature pertaining to the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of TCA-induced lung injury, as well as other case reports. We discuss the potential relationship between sequelae resulting from TCA ingestion (e.g., cardiac disturbances, hypotension, acidosis, gastric aspiration, pneumonia) and the development of ARDS and pulmonary edema, and relate this association to our patient. CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary edema and a clinical picture suggestive of ARDS was noted in an adolescent girl who ingested a large quantity of desipramine. Her lung injury may have been the result of a variety of factors including hypotension, metabolic acidosis, possible aspiration, or a direct action on the lung parenchyma by desipramine. We attribute her favorable clinical outcome to early intervention consisting of tracheal intubation, PEEP, fluid restriction, and vasopressor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G B Zuckerman
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467
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