Outpatient treatment of acute poisoning by substances of abuse: a prospective observational cohort study

The INTOXICATE study: methodology and preliminary results of a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

There is currently no practice-based, multicenter database of poisoned patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). The INTOXICATE study, endorsed by the ESICM and EAPCCT, aimed to determine the rate of eventful admissions among acutely intoxicated adult ICU patients.

METHODS

Ethical approval was obtained for this multicenter, prospective observational study, and data-sharing agreements were signed with each participating center. An electronic case report form was used to collect data on patient demographics, exposure, clinical characteristics, investigations, treatment, and in-hospital mortality data. The primary outcome, 'eventful admission', was a composite outcome defined as the rate of patients who received any of the following treatments in the first 24 h after the ICU admission: oxygen supplementation with a FiO2 > 40%, mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, renal replacement therapy (RRT), cardiopulmonary resuscitation, antidotes, active cooling, fluid resuscitation (> 1.5 L of intravenous fluid of any kind), sedation, or who died in the hospital.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight ICUs, mainly from Europe, but also from Australia and the Eastern Mediterranean, participated. A total of 2,273 patients were enrolled between November 2020 and June 2023. The median age of the patients was 41 years, 72% were exposed to intoxicating drugs. The observed rate of patients with an eventful ICU admission was 68% (n = 1546/2273 patients). The hospital mortality was 4.5% (n = 103/2273).

CONCLUSIONS

The vast majority of patients survive, and approximately one third of patients do not receive any ICU-specific interventions after admission in an intensive care unit for acute intoxication. High-quality detailed clinical data have been collected from a large cohort of acutely intoxicated ICU patients, providing information on the pattern of severe acute poisoning requiring intensive care admission and the outcomes of these patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

OSF registration ID: osf.io/7e5uy.

Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine Position Statement: Approach to a Patient with Poisoning in the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit

Poisoning and its aftermath are globally observed and acknowledged concerns. India has a large burden of "self-harm/suicides" with 12.4/per 100,000 population committing suicide. Consumption of poisonous substances is the second most common mode of self-harm in India. Patients present to both public and private institutions in a critically ill state. The Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) and Indian College of Critical Care Medicine (ICCCM) decided to address common and contentious issues related to poisoning by developing a position statement that is expected to be appropriate in the Indian scenario by the constitution of an "expert group" to provide a "set of statements" aimed at addressing the common issues faced by intensivists in their practice in managing such patients. The structured approach, framework, and process adopted in developing the position statement on the approach to poisoning have been detailed in this statement. The formation of an expert advisory panel was followed by a literature search, and multiple sessions of consensus-building exercises to reach the current statement presented below. The statement consists of relevant questions with possible answers thereof. Each answer was further weighed against the data and evidence available in the literature. Recommendations were made using a simplified score to make the statement qualitatively meaningful.

How to cite this article

Rungta N, Ray B, Bhalla A, DP Samaddar, Paul G, Prasad S, et al. Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine Position Statement: Approach to a Patient with Poisoning in the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(S2):S217-S232.

Drugs in blood and urine samples from victims of suspected exposure to drink spiking: A prospective observational study from Oslo, Norway

OBJECTIVE

People regularly contact emergency medicine services concerned that they have been exposed to drink spiking, i.e., exposure to drugs without their knowledge or permission. We identified drugs in blood and urine samples from patients suspecting exposure to drink spiking, with special consideration for drugs not reported taken by the patient (unreported drugs).

METHODS

From September 2018 to May 2019, we collected blood and urine samples from patients 16 years or older presenting at an emergency clinic in Oslo, Norway, within 48 hours of suspected exposure to drink spiking. We also collected information on ethanol ingestion and drugs taken. Blood samples were analyzed for 20 classical recreational drugs using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and an automated enzymatic method for ethanol. Urine samples were analyzed using immunoassay methods and a specific gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) method for gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB).

RESULTS

From 100 included patients (median age 24 years, 62 females), we collected 100 blood samples and 72 urine samples. Median time since exposure was 5 hours. Unreported drugs were found in 15 patients. Unreported drugs in the blood samples were clonazepam in 3, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in 3, amphetamine in 2, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in 2, tramadol in 1, cocaine in 1, and methamphetamine in 1. Unreported drugs in the urine samples were cocaine in 5, amphetamine in 4, ecstasy in 3, and cannabis in 2. Ethanol was found in 69 patients, all reporting ethanol ingestion. Median blood ethanol concentration was higher in patients with no unreported drugs detected, 1.00‰ (interquartile range (IQR) 0-1.52) vs. 0‰ (IQR 0-0.46) (p<0.001). GHB was not detected.

CONCLUSION

Unreported drugs, possibly used for drink spiking, were found in 15% of patients. Blood ethanol concentration was higher when no unreported drugs were found. GHB was not detected in any patient.

Self-discharge during treatment for acute recreational drug toxicity: an observational study from emergency departments in seven European countries

BACKGROUND

Self-discharge is a risk factor for readmission and excess mortality. We assess the rate of self-discharge from the emergency department (ED) among presentations for acute recreational drug toxicity and identify factors associated with self-discharge.

METHODS

From the Euro-DEN Plus database of presentations to the ED with acute recreational drug toxicity, we extracted data from 11 centres in seven European countries from 2014 to 2017. Self-discharge was defined as taking one's own discharge or escaping from the ED before being medically cleared. We used multiple logistic regression analyses to look for factors associated with self-discharge.

RESULTS

Among 15,135 included presentations, 1807 (11.9%) self-discharged. Self-discharge rates varied from 1.7 to 17.1% between centres. Synthetic cannabinoids were associated with self-discharge, adjusted odds ratio 1.44 (95% confidence interval 1.10-1.89), as were heroin, 1.44 (1.26-1.64), agitation, 1.27 (1.10-1.46), and naloxone treatment, 1.27 (1.07-1.51), while sedation protected from self-discharge, 0.38 (0.30-0.48).

CONCLUSION

One in eight presentations self-discharged. There was a large variation in self-discharge rates across the participating centres, possibly partly reflecting different discharge procedures and practices. Measures to improve the management of agitation and cautious administration of naloxone to avoid opioid withdrawal symptoms may be approaches worth exploring to reduce self-discharge.

Poisoning with central stimulant drugs: an observational study from Oslo, Norway

BACKGROUND

The use of central stimulant drugs causes significant morbidity. We describe poisonings with central stimulant drugs and compare the different central stimulants concerning combinations with other drugs, treatment, and clinical course.  METHODS: Patients presenting from 1 October 2013 to 31 March 2016 with poisoning related to the recreational use of central stimulant drugs were retrospectively included at a primary care emergency outpatient clinic and at a hospital emergency department in Oslo, Norway. Diagnosis of toxic agents was mainly based on the clinical assessment of the doctor treating the patient. Amphetamine and methamphetamine were co-categorized as amphetamine.

RESULTS

Among the 1131 cases of acute poisoning with central stimulant drugs at the outpatient clinic, amphetamine was involved in 808 (71.4%), cocaine in 252 (22.3%) methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in 104 (9.2%), and methylphenidate in 13 (1.1%). Among the 211 cases at the hospital, amphetamine was involved in 167 (79.1%), cocaine in 60 (28.4%), and MDMA in 38 (18.0%). Amphetamine was frequently combined with opioids (40.1% at the outpatient clinic and 41.9% at the hospital) and benzodiazepines (28.3% and 45.5%), while MDMA often was combined with ethanol (64.4% and 71.1%), as was cocaine (62.7% and 61.7%). Sedation was given in 5.2% and 38.4% of cases, naloxone in 9.4% and 37.0%, and flumazenil in 0.1% and 28.0%. In total, 16.5% of the cases at the outpatient clinic were transferred to a hospital for medical review and 8.5% to a psychiatric hospital. Among the hospital patients, 92.9% were admitted to intensive care.

CONCLUSION

Amphetamine was the most common central stimulant drug involved in acute poisoning in Oslo, often combined with opioids and benzodiazepines.

Unspecified opioids among opioid overdoses in Oslo, Norway

OBJECTIVE

Since 2017, an increasing number of opioid overdoses in Oslo, Norway, has been categorized as involving unspecified opioids, as noted in the patient records by the doctor treating the patient. In this study we compare the characteristics of overdoses involving unspecified opioids, long-acting opioids, and heroin. Data on patients presenting with opioid overdose was retrospectively collected from 1 October 2013 to 31 December 2019 at the Oslo Accident and Emergency Outpatient Clinic.

RESULTS

Among 2381 included cases, 459 (19.3%) involved unspecified opioids, 134 (5.6%) long-acting opioids, and 1788 (75.1%) heroin. Overdoses involving unspecified opioids needed longer observation, median 5 h 29 min vs. 4 h 54 min (long-acting opioids) and 4 h 49 min (heroin) (p < 0.001), and had a lower Glasgow coma scale score, median 10 vs. 13 in both the other groups (p < 0.001). Naloxone was given in 23.3% of cases involving unspecified opioids, vs. 12.7% involving long-acting opioids and 30.2% involving heroin (p < 0.001). A larger proportion of patients were transferred to hospital care when unspecified or long-acting opioids were involved compared to heroin, 16.3% and 18.7% respectively vs. 10.1% (p < 0.001). Our results indicate that the category "unspecified opioids" encompasses a substantial proportion of opioids acting longer than heroin.

Treating patients with opioid overdose at a primary care emergency outpatient clinic: a cost-minimization analysis

BACKGROUND

Treating patients with acute poisoning by substances of abuse in a primary care emergency clinic has previously been shown to be a safe strategy. We conducted an economic evaluation of this strategy compared to hospital treatment, which is the usual strategy.

METHODS

Assuming equal health outcomes, we conducted a cost-minimization analysis. We constructed a representative opioid overdose patient based on a cohort of 359 patients treated for opioid overdose at the Oslo Accident and Emergency Outpatient Clinic (OAEOC) from 1.10.2011 to 30.9.2012. Using a health care system perspective, we estimated the expected resources used on the representative patient in primary care based on data from the observed OAEOC cohort and on information from key informants at the OAEOC. A likely course of treatment of the same patient in a hospital setting was established from information from key informants on provider procedures at Drammen Hospital, as were estimates of hospital use of resources. We calculated expected costs for both settings. Given that the treatments usually last for less than one day, we used undiscounted cost values.

RESULTS

The estimated per patient cost in primary care was 121 EUR (2018 EUR 1.00 = NOK 9.5962), comprising 97 EUR on personnel costs and 24 EUR on treatment costs. In the hospital setting, the corresponding cost was 612 EUR, comprising 186 EUR on personnel costs, 183 EUR on treatment costs, and 243 EUR associated with intensive care unit admission. The point estimate of the cost difference per patient was 491 EUR, with a low-difference scenario estimated at 264 EUR and a high-difference scenario at 771 EUR.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to hospital treatment, treating patients with opioid overdose in a primary care setting costs substantially less. Our findings are probably generalizable to poisoning with other substances of abuse. Implementing elements of the OAEOC procedure in primary care emergency clinics and in hospital emergency departments could improve the use of health care resources.

Acute poisoning related to the recreational use of prescription drugs: an observational study from Oslo, Norway

Background

Recreational use of prescription drugs is widespread. We describe acute poisonings related to the recreational use of prescription drugs.

Methods

Retrospective observational study. We retrospectively registered all patients presenting from October 2013 through March 2015 at a primary care emergency outpatient clinic in Oslo, Norway, with an acute poisoning related to recreational drug use. We registered demographic data, toxic agents taken, clinical course and treatment. From this data set we extracted the 819/2218 (36.9%) cases involving one or more prescription drugs.

Results

Among the 819 included cases, 190 (23.2%) were female. Median age was 37 years. The drugs most commonly involved were benzodiazepines in 696 (85.0%) cases, methadone in 60 (7.3%), buprenorphine in 53 (6.5%), other opioids in 56 (6.8%), zopiclone/zolpidem in 26 (3.2%), and methylphenidate in 11 (1.3%). Prescription drugs were combined with other toxic agents in 659 (80.5%) cases; heroin in 351 (42.9%), ethanol in 232 (28.3%), amphetamine in 141 (17.2%), cannabis in 70 (8.5%), gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in 34 (4.2%), cocaine in 29 (3.5%), and other illegal drugs in 46 (5.6%). The patient was given naloxone in 133 (16.2%) cases, sedation in 15 (1.8%), and flumazenil in 3 (0.4%). In 157 (19.2%) cases, the patient was sent on to hospital.

Conclusions

One in three acute poisonings related to recreational drug use involved prescription drugs. Benzodiazepines were by far the most common class of drugs. Prescription drugs had mostly been taken in combination with illegal drugs or ethanol.

Mortality and repeated poisoning after self-discharge during treatment for acute poisoning by substances of abuse: a prospective observational cohort study

Background

Though substance use is a known risk factor for self-discharge, patients self-discharging during treatment for acute poisoning have not previously been described. We charted characteristics of patients self-discharging during treatment for acute poisoning by substances of abuse looking for associations between self-discharge, repeated poisoning, and death.

Methods

All patients 12 years and older treated for acute poisoning by substances of abuse at an emergency outpatient clinic in Oslo, Norway, were included consecutively from October 2011 through September 2012. We collected data on gender, age, main toxic agent, suicidal intention, homelessness, history of severe mental illness, and self-discharge. Information on deaths was retrieved from the National Cause of Death Register. We did a multiple logistic regression analysis to look for associations between self-discharge and repeated poisoning and a Cox regression analysis for associations between self-discharge and death.

Results

During one year, 1731 patients were treated for 2343 episodes of acute poisoning by substances of abuse. Two-hundred-and-sixty-six (15%) patients self-discharged during at least one poisoning episode. Self-discharging patients were older, median age 39 years vs 32 years (p <  0.001), more frequently homeless, 20/266 (8%) vs 63/1465 (4%) (p = 0.035), and the main toxic agent more frequently was an opioid, 82/266 (31%) vs 282/1465 (19%) (p <  0.001). Self-discharge was an independent risk factor for repeated poisoning. The adjusted odds ratio for two or more poisoning episodes during one year among self-dischargers was 3.0 (95% CI 2.2–4.1). The association was even stronger for three or more poisoning episodes, adjusted odds ratio 5.0 (3.3–7.5). In total, there were 34 deaths, 9/266 (3.4%) among self-discharging patients and 25/1465 (1.7%) among patients not self-discharging (p = 0.12). The adjusted hazard ratio for death among self-discharging patients was 1.6 (0.75–3.6).

Conclusions

Self-discharge was associated with frequent poisonings by substances of abuse. Short-term mortality was doubled among self-discharging patients, though this increase was not statistically significant. Still, the increased risk of repeated poisoning marks self-discharging patients as a vulnerable group who might benefit from targeted post-discharge follow-up measures.

Factors associated with rapidly repeated acute poisoning by substances of abuse: a prospective observational cohort study

Objective

We have previously found that 9% of patients treated for acute poisoning by substances of abuse in a primary care emergency outpatient setting presented with a new poisoning within a week. We now identify factors associated with rapidly repeated acute poisoning by substances of abuse.

Results

In 169/1952 (9%) cases of acute poisoning by substances of abuse included consecutively from October 2011 through September 2012 at a primary care emergency outpatient clinic in Oslo, Norway, the patient re-presented within a week with a new poisoning. Homeless patients were more likely to re-present, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–3.2, p = 0.003), as were self-discharging patients, AOR 1.7 (95% CI 1.2–2.4, p = 0.007), and patients with an opioid as main toxic agent, AOR 1.5 (95% CI 1.0–2.3, p = 0.028). There was no statistically significant association between rapid re-presentation and severe mental illness or suicidal intention.

Mortality, morbidity and follow-up after acute poisoning by substances of abuse: A prospective observational cohort study

AIMS

Despite the excess mortality and morbidity associated with acute poisoning by substances of abuse, follow-up is frequently not organised. We assessed morbidity, including repeated poisoning, and follow-up after acute poisoning by substances of abuse through charting contacts with health services. We also charted short-term mortality.

METHODS

Patients 12 years and older treated for acute poisoning by substances of abuse at a primary care emergency outpatient clinic in Oslo, Norway, were included consecutively from October 2011 through September 2012. We retrieved information from national registers on fatalities, hospital admissions, and contacts at outpatient specialist health services and with general practitioners (GPs), during the 90 days following a poisoning episode.

RESULTS

We included 1731 patients treated for 2343 poisoning episodes. During the 90 days following the poisoning, 31% of the patients were treated at somatic hospitals, 9% admitted to psychiatric hospitals, 37% in treatment at outpatient psychiatric/addiction specialist health services, 55% saw their GP, while 34% had no follow-up. The short-term mortality rate was 2.0%, eight times higher than expected. Increasing age, suicidal intention, opioid poisoning, and severe mental illness were associated with increased risk of death. Increasing age, male gender, opioid poisoning, and severe mental illness were associated with repeated poisoning. Patients with increased risk of repeated poisoning were more likely to be in follow-up at outpatient specialist psychiatric/addiction services and in contact with their GP.

CONCLUSIONS

Follow-up measures seem targeted to those most in need, though one out of three had none. The mortality rate calls for concern.

Recognizing and Caring for the Intoxicated Patient in an Outpatient Clinic

Recognizing an intoxication syndrome in patients presenting to an outpatient clinical practice with behavior or mental status change requires initial consideration of a broad differential diagnosis. After a thorough evaluation, management may include treatment of the presenting concern, triage to a higher level of care, and management substance withdrawal. Providers should be aware of the medico-legal aspects of caring for intoxicated patients related to privacy, informed consent, and risk of harm to self and others upon leaving clinic. An essential aspect of care for patients presenting to clinic intoxicated is the follow up assessment and management of substance use disorders.