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Cajanus K, Kytö V, Ruuskanen JO, Luoto TM, Rautava P, Tornio A, Posti JP. Association of Central Nervous System-Affecting Medications With Occurrence and Short-Term Mortality of Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurosurgery 2024; 94:721-728. [PMID: 37850916 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The use of medications commonly prescribed after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been little studied before TBI. This study examined the association between the use of medications that affect the central nervous system (CNS) and the occurrence and short-term mortality of TBI. METHODS Mandatory Finnish registries were used to identify TBI admissions, fatal TBIs, and drug purchases during 2005-2018. Patients with TBI were 1:1 matched to nontrauma control patients to investigate the association between medications and the occurrence of TBI and 30-day mortality after TBI. Number needed to harm (NNH) was calculated for all medications. RESULTS The cohort included 59 606 patients with TBI and a similar number of control patients. CNS-affecting drugs were more common in patients with TBI than in controls [odds ratio = 2.07 (2.02-2.13), P < .001)]. Benzodiazepines were the most common type of medications in patients with TBI (17%) and in controls (11%). The lowest NNH for the occurrence of TBI was associated with benzodiazepines (15.4), selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (18.5), and second-generation antipsychotics (25.8). Eight percent of the patients with TBI died within 30 days. The highest hazard ratios (HR) and lowest NNHs associated with short-term mortality were observed with strong opioids [HR = 1.41 (1.26-1.59), NNH = 33.1], second-generation antipsychotics [HR = 1.36 (1.23-1.50), NNH = 37.1], and atypical antidepressants [HR = 1.17 (1.04-1.31), NNH = 77.7]. CONCLUSION Thirty-seven percent of patients with TBI used at least 1 CNS-affecting drug. This proportion was significantly higher than in the control population (24%). The highest risk and lowest NNH for short-term mortality were observed with strong opioids, second-generation antipsychotics, and atypical antidepressants. The current risks underscore the importance of weighing the benefits and risks before prescribing CNS-affecting drugs in patients at risk of head injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Cajanus
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
| | - Ville Kytö
- Heart Centre and Center for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
- Research Services, Turku University Hospital, Turku , Finland
| | - Jori O Ruuskanen
- Neurocenter, Department of Neurology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
| | - Teemu M Luoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tampere University Hospital and Tampere University, Tampere , Finland
| | - Päivi Rautava
- Clinical Research Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
| | - Aleksi Tornio
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
| | - Jussi P Posti
- Neurocenter, Department of Neurosurgery and Turku Brain Injury Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku , Finland
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Prescribing patterns of tramadol in adults in IMS® primary care databases in France and Germany between 1 January 2006 and 30 June 2016. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 75:707-716. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-018-02622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Fatal poisonings in Northern Finland: causes, incidence, and rural-urban differences. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2017; 25:90. [PMID: 28886743 PMCID: PMC5591551 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-017-0431-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In this study we evaluate differences between rural and urban areas in the causes and incidence of fatal poisonings. Methods Data from all fatal poisonings that occurred in Northern Finland from 2007 to 2011 were retrieved from Cause of Death Registry death certificates provided by Statistics Finland. The demographics and causes of fatalities were compared between rural and urban areas. Incidences were calculated based on the population data. Results There were a total of 684 fatal poisonings during the study period and 57.9% (n = 396) occurred in the urban population. Ethanol was the most common primary poisoning agent in cases of fatal poisoning, accounting for 47.5% of cases in urban areas and 68.1% in rural areas (P < 0.001). Fatal poisonings caused by psychoactive pharmaceutical products and opioids were more common in urban areas (28.3% compared to 18.0%, P < 0.001). The crude incidence of fatal poisonings in the study area was 18.8 (17.4–20.2) per 100,000 inhabitants per year and there was no difference in incidence between urban and rural areas. In the youngest age group (15 to 24 years), the incidence of fatal poisonings observed in urban areas was two times higher than that in rural areas. Discussion Higher rate of fatal ethanol poisonings in rural areas could be linked to higher alcohol consumption in rural areas and also differences in drinking behaviour. Higher incidence of poisoning suicides in urban areas could be due to availability of different toxic agents as a suicidal method. Preventive measures could be key in reducing the number of fatal poisonings in both areas, as most of the fatal poisonings still occur outside hospital. Conclusion There was a higher rate of fatal ethanol poisoning in rural areas and higher rate of fatal poisoning related to psychoactive pharmaceutical products and opioids in urban areas. There were twice as many fatal poisonings in the youngest age group (15–24 years) in urban areas compared to rural areas, and suicide was more common in urban areas.
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Parry MJ, Isoniemi H, Koivusalo AM, Hoppu K. Increased acetaminophen related calls to Finnish PIC better reflect acetaminophen sales than serious poisonings. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2017; 56:209-215. [PMID: 28812385 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1359619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acetaminophen (APAP) or paracetamol is a commonly encountered medicine in poisonings. We studied the changes in APAP related calls to the Finnish poison information centre (FPIC), and serious intoxications, involving hepatotoxicity or death in 2001-2014. These data were compared with paracetamol sales in Finland. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of the FPIC database calls, national cause of death registry, registries of liver transplantations and molecular adsorbent recycling system (MARS)-treated patients from Helsinki University Hospital together with the National Institute of Health and Welfare registry of patients hospitalized. Data on APAP sales were obtained from the Finnish Medicines Agency. RESULTS Between 2001 and 2014, the number of calls/year related to human APAP exposures to the FPIC increased from 227 to 1058. No change in the age distribution of enquiries was seen. Most calls involved minors: 58% (range 52-64%) for children under 6 years old, and 9% (range 6-14%) for children of 6-15 years. In Finland, APAP related fatalities have gradually increased from an average of 7/year (range 4-10) in 2000-2005 to an average of 11/year (range 6-17) in 2010-2013, whereas the number of liver transplantations remained low, average 0.6/year (range 0-2). For patients in need of MARS-treatment, a slight decrease was seen. Total APAP sales increased from 5.6 (47% prescription, 53% OTC) to 29.7 (81% prescription, 19% OTC). DDD/1000 inhabitants/day from 2001 to 2014 is recorded. Best linear relationship (R2 = 0.97; p < .001) was observed between total FPIC calls and total sales of APAP in 2001-2014. Fatalities show a weaker relationship with sales (R2 = 0.317; p = .045). CONCLUSIONS During the study period, we see an increase in FPIC exposure calls accompanied by an increase in APAP sales. Changes in the chosen indicators for serious poisonings show only a weak association. Despite an evident trend between sales and fatalities, the correlation with fatality remains weak due to the small number of fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko J Parry
- a Poison Information Centre, Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Helena Isoniemi
- b Department of Transplantation and Liver Surgery , Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Anna-Maria Koivusalo
- c Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care , Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Kalle Hoppu
- a Poison Information Centre, Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland
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Koskela L, Raatiniemi L, Bakke HK, Ala-Kokko T, Liisanantti J. Do pre-hospital poisoning deaths differ from in-hospital deaths? A retrospective analysis. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2017; 25:48. [PMID: 28482932 PMCID: PMC5422974 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-017-0391-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most fatal poisonings occur outside the hospital and the victims found dead. The purpose of this study was to determine the general pattern and patient demographics of fatal poisonings in Northern Finland. In particular, we wanted to analyze differences between pre-hospital and in-hospital deaths. Methods All fatal poisonings that occurred in Northern Finland in 2007–2011 were retrieved from the Cause of Death Registry provided by Statistics Finland. We noted the patient demographics, causal agents, and other characteristics of the poisoning events. Results A total of 689 fatal poisonings occurred during the study period, of which only 42 (6.1%) reached the hospital alive. Those who died pre-hospital were significantly younger (50 vs. 56 years, p = 0.04) and more likely to be male (77% vs. 57%, p = 0.003). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted less often in pre-hospital cases (9.9% vs. 47.6%, p < 0.001). Ethanol was more frequently the main toxic agent in pre-hospital deaths (58.4% vs. 26.2%, p < 0.001), and multiple ingestions were more common (52.2% vs. 35.7%, p < 0.001) in pre-hospital deaths. Discussion Most of the pre-hospital fatal poisoning victims are found dead and the majority of in-hospital victims are admitted to hospital in an already serious condition. According to results of this and former studies, prevention seems to be the most important factor in reducing deaths due to poisoning. Conclusions The majority of poisoning-related deaths occur pre-hospital and are related to alcohol intoxication and multiple ingestions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Koskela
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Intensive Care Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. BOX 21, 90029 OYS, Oulu, Finland. .,Medical Research Center, Study Group of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Oulu University, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Lasse Raatiniemi
- Medical Research Center, Study Group of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Oulu University, Oulu, Finland.,Centre for Pre-Hospital Emergency Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Håkon Kvåle Bakke
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Research Group, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway.,Mo i Rana Hospital, Helgeland Hospital Trust, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Tero Ala-Kokko
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Intensive Care Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. BOX 21, 90029 OYS, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center, Study Group of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Oulu University, Oulu, Finland
| | - Janne Liisanantti
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Intensive Care Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. BOX 21, 90029 OYS, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center, Study Group of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Oulu University, Oulu, Finland
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Rostrup M, Edwards JK, Abukalish M, Ezzabi M, Some D, Ritter H, Menge T, Abdelrahman A, Rootwelt R, Janssens B, Lind K, Paasma R, Hovda KE. The Methanol Poisoning Outbreaks in Libya 2013 and Kenya 2014. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152676. [PMID: 27030969 PMCID: PMC4816302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outbreaks of methanol poisoning occur frequently on a global basis, affecting poor and vulnerable populations. Knowledge regarding methanol is limited, likely many cases and even outbreaks go unnoticed, with patients dying unnecessarily. We describe findings from the first three large outbreaks of methanol poisoning where Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) responded, and evaluate the benefits of a possible future collaboration between local health authorities, a Non-Governmental Organisation and international expertise. METHODS Retrospective study of three major methanol outbreaks in Libya (2013) and Kenya (May and July 2014). Data were collected from MSF field personnel, local health personnel, hospital files, and media reports. FINDINGS In Tripoli, Libya, over 1,000 patients were poisoned with a reported case fatality rate of 10% (101/1,066). In Kenya, two outbreaks resulted in approximately 341 and 126 patients, with case fatality rates of 29% (100/341) and 21% (26/126), respectively. MSF launched an emergency team with international experts, medications and equipment, however, the outbreaks were resolving by the time of arrival. INTERPRETATION Recognition of an outbreak of methanol poisoning and diagnosis seem to be the most challenging tasks, with significant delay from time of first presentations to public health warnings being issued. In spite of the rapid response from an emergency team, the outbreaks were nearly concluded by the time of arrival. A major impact on the outcome was not seen, but large educational trainings were conducted to increase awareness and knowledge about methanol poisoning. Based on this training, MSF was able to send a local emergency team during the second outbreak, supporting that such an approach could improve outcomes. Basic training, simplified treatment protocols, point-of-care diagnostic tools, and early support when needed, are likely the most important components to impact the consequences of methanol poisoning outbreaks in these challenging contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Rostrup
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Médecins Sans Frontières International, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeffrey K. Edwards
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of International Health, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mohamed Abukalish
- Libyan Emergency Medicine Association, Tripoli Medical Center, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Masoud Ezzabi
- Medical Department, Tripoli Central Hospital, Tripoli, Libya
| | - David Some
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Tom Menge
- Department of Pharmacy, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Rebecca Rootwelt
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bart Janssens
- Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Raido Paasma
- Department of Anesthesiology and ICU, Pärnu County Hospital, Pärnu, Estonia
| | - Knut Erik Hovda
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Oslo, Norway
- The Norwegian CBRNe Centre of Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
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Hovda KE, Gadeholt G, Evtodienko V, Jacobsen D. A novel bedside diagnostic test for methanol poisoning using dry chemistry for formate. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2015. [PMID: 26203958 DOI: 10.3109/00365513.2015.1066847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The standard diagnostic approach to methanol poisoning is chromatographic measurement of methanol on centrally placed stationary equipment. Methanol poisoning in places where such equipment is unavailable is thus often not diagnosed. Methanol is metabolized to a toxic metabolite, formate; the presence of this compound indicates methanol poisoning. We have developed an enzymatic test for formate and modified it into a portable dry chemistry system that could be used anywhere. METHODS The method consists of two enzymatic steps: Formation of NADH from NAD by formate dehydrogenase, and subsequent use of NADH as a reductant of a tetrazolium into a formazan dye that can be quantified photometrically or visually. RESULTS The photometer gave a good correlation of R(2) = 0.9893 in serum and R(2) = 0.9949 in whole blood, showing an instrumental detection limit of less than 1 mM (4.5 mg/dL). The visual readings showed a correlation of R(2) = 0.8966. Users experienced some difficulty in separating the negative control from the low positives. CONCLUSIONS We have documented the feasibility of an affordable formate strip test for bedside diagnosis of methanol poisoning and for screening of metabolic acidosis of unknown origin. Visual reading is possible, but a reader will improve reliability at lower levels of formate. Future studies are necessary to study the sensitivity and specificity towards other causes of metabolic acidosis and other acids present in human blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Erik Hovda
- a The Norwegian CBRNe Centre of Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine , Oslo University Hospital , Ullevaal , Norway
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Utility of urinary ethyl glucuronide analysis in post-mortem toxicology when investigating alcohol-related deaths. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 241:178-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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