Fatal aluminum phosphide poisonings in Tirana (Albania), 2009 - 2013

Prognostic value of PGI score compared to poison severity score (PSS) and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II as predictors of mortality and other adverse outcomes in acute poisoning with aluminum phosphide

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning is a life-threatening emergency prevalent in the Middle East region including Egypt. Early prediction of prognosis is critical for initiating the utmost intensive interventions. Though many scoring systems were studied for predicting the prognosis of AlP poisoning, these scores received wide criticism. Complexity and reliability were the main concerns. Therefore, this retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the performance of the recently introduced PGI score as a predictor of case fatality, the need for mechanical ventilation and vasopressor therapy in acute AlP poisoning. Moreover, it compares the performance of PGI with the known poison severity score (PSS), and the simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II. Among 144 exposed patients, we reported a mortality rate of 61.1%. Non-survivors exhibited significantly higher PGI, PSS, and SAPS II than survivors. Though the PGI, PSS, and SAPS II proved their significance as predictors of mortality and, the need for MV and vasopressors, the PGI score showed a significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) as a predictor of MV (AUC = 0.848) compared to PSS (AUC = 0.731) and SAPS II (AUC = 0.749). Additively, PGI of 2 or more was a significant predictor of mortality (AUC = 0.831, sensitivity = 65.9%, and specificity = 89.3 %) and MV (p < 0.001), while PGI of 1 or more was another predictor of vasopressor need (AUC = 0.881, sensitivity = 89.0% and specificity = 79.4%). Given the PGI score's high AUCs across all outcomes, coupled with its balanced sensitivity and specificity, the PGI score could be a simple, and robust tool replacing the PSS and SAPS II for predicting mortality, clinical decision-making including the need for MV and vasopressor therapy in acute AlP exposure. Adopting the PGI score seems substantially useful in managing acute AlP poisoning, notably in resource-restricted countries.

The adjuvant effect of oil-based gastric lavage on the outcome of acute Aluminum phosphide poisoning: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Aluminum Phosphide (AlP) poisoning constituted the most common cause of poisoning death in some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oil-based gastric lavage (GL) compared with standard therapy for the treatment of AlP poisoning. Materials and methods. This systematic review complied with "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) Protocols. A comprehensive search was carried out, identifying randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including anyone presenting within 6 h of exposure to AlP, and the administration of GL with oils, including liquid paraffin or coconut oil.

Results

We identified 7 RCTs. The evidence from 4 RCTs indicates that GL with paraffin oil is an effective treatment for acute AlP poisoning, decreasing the mortality rate (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.81; participants = 226; I 2 = 10%; low-quality evidence). We estimate the Number Needed to Treat of 4. Likewise, this intervention reduces the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.79; I2 = 0%; low-quality evidence). Regarding GL with coconut oil, the evidence from 4 RCTs, indicates a slight reduction in mortality (RR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.98; participants = 112; I2 = 0%; very low-quality evidence).

Conclusions

Limited evidence suggests that GL with paraffin oil is effective in reducing the mortality rate. Likewise, limited evidence showed in favor of paraffin oil concerning the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. Very limited evidence suggests that GL with coconut oil could reduce mortality. Both interventions would have a benign safety profile.

Comparing the effectiveness of L-carnitine and paraffin oil in acute aluminum phosphide poisoning using predictive biomarkers and scores: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning is a serious medical emergency with a high mortality rate. The absence of an exact antidote for AlP poisoning necessitates the quest for alternative treatment options. The study sought to assess the efficacy of adding L-carnitine or medicated paraffin oil to the conventional approach of treatment employed in cases of acute AlP poisoning. We conducted a 1 year, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, single-blind clinical study. 96 individuals with acute AlP poisoning were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The standard AlP therapy was administered to all groups according to the Poison Control Center guidelines at the Ain-Shams University hospitals. All patients underwent a medical history review, clinical examination, and laboratory tests. The outcomes were assessed. The participants in the study groups had mean ages ranging from 25.6 to 26.3 years. The cases analyzed were evenly distributed between genders, with the majority originating from rural areas. The average delay time varied from 2.9 to 4.2 h. All patients in the study reported ingesting AlP during suicide attempts. 12 hours after admission, many clinical and biochemical data improved in both intervention groups including cytochrome c oxidase, caspase-3, caspase-9, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. The intervention groups required significantly less mechanical ventilation and had a lower mortality rate than the control group. Decontamination with paraffin oil could be advantageous for reducing the severity of AlP poisoning, improving prognosis, and lowering the mortality rate.

OUP accepted manuscript

Introduction

We recently derived a simplified 3-point PGI score (representing blood pH < 7.25, Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score < 13, and impaired systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 90 mm Hg), which accurately predicted in-hospital case fatality ratio (CFR) in acute aluminum phosphide poisoning. The present study aimed to validate the PGI score and compare it with Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA), and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II scores.

Patients and Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study in adult patients with aluminum phosphide ingestion admitted in PGIMER, Chandigarh (India), from April 2013 to August 2014. A univariant analysis detected the association of various baseline variables with CFR. Correlation of the PGI score with SOFA, SAPS-II, and APACHE-II scores was performed using Spearman's correlation (r_s , range -1 to +1) and scatter plots.

Results

Seventy-six patients were enrolled (mean age, 28.3 years; 41 males). CFR was 60.5%. PGI score variables-pH, GCS, and impaired SBP predicted CFR (P-value <0.001). Among patients with a total PGI score of 3 or 2, 100% died, compared with 50% in score 1 and 10.7% in score 0. Baseline PGI, SOFA, SAPS-II, and APACHE-II scores predicted CFR (P-value <0.001). There was a positive correlation between the PGI score and SOFA score (r_s , 0.855), SAPS-II score (r_s , 0.861), and APACHE-II score (r_s , 0.883). The P-value for all r_s values was <0.001.

Conclusion

The PGI score is a validated toxidrome-specific and simplified risk-stratification tool. Validation in other populations is warranted to confirm its routine use.

Successfully managed aluminum phosphide poisoning: A case report

INTRODUCTION

and Importance: Aluminum phosphide (ALP) is a commonly available pesticide in agricultural countries like Nepal. Upon ingestion, this releases highly toxic phosphine gas in the gastrointestinal tract when it comes in contact with humidity. This leads to refractory shock, metabolic acidosis, cardiac arrhythmia, renal failure, and hepato-biliary impairment.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a successfully managed case of a 17-year-old girl who ingested 6 g (2 tablets) of ALP tablets with suicidal intent. Although the mortality has been reported as 70-100% with mere ingestion of 150-500 mg of ALP, this case survived even after developing severe metabolic acidosis, acute renal failure, refractory shock, and ventricular tachycardia.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

ALP poisoning is most often lethal. However, there is an emerging evidence of successful use of various drugs such as magnesium sulfate, trimetazidine, and other interventions such as intra-aortic balloon pump and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation in case of ALP poisoning.

CONCLUSION

Owing to the unavailability of an effective antidote of ALP to date, we emphasize early initiation of supportive management, intensive monitoring, and potential role of membrane stabilizers like magnesium sulfate, and cardio-protective agents like trimetazidine, N-Acetyl cysteine, thiamine, vitamin C, and hydrocortisone in decreasing the likelihood of fatal outcome.

Development of a risk prediction nomogram for disposition of acute toxic exposure patients to intensive care unit

Early risk stratification of acutely poisoned patients is essential to identify patients at high risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. We aimed to develop a prognostic model and risk-stratification nomogram based on the readily accessible clinical and laboratory predictors on admission for the probability of ICU admission in acutely poisoned patients. This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with acute toxic exposure to a drug or a chemical substance. Patients' demographic, toxicologic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Among the 1260 eligible patients, 180 (14.3%) were admitted to the ICU. We developed a generalized prognostic model for predicting ICU admission in patients with acute poisoning. The predictors included the Glasgow coma scale, oxygen saturation, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate and blood bicarbonate concentration. The model displayed excellent discrimination and calibration (optimistic-adjusted area under the curve = 0.924 and optimistic-adjusted Hosmer and Lemeshow test = 0.922, respectively) when internally validated. Additionally, we developed prognostic models that determine ICU admission in patients with specific poisonings. Furthermore, we constructed risk-stratification nomograms that rank the probability of ICU admission in these patients. The developed risk-stratification nomograms help decision-making regarding ICU admission in acute poisonings. Future external validation in independent cohorts is necessary before clinical application.

An epidemiological study of poisoning cases in Babol (northern Iran) from 2015 to 2018

BACKGROUND

Poisoning is a major public health problem that constitutes a significant share of the global burden of disease. Previous studies conducted in this area indicated the importance of such epidemiological studies. The most critical impact of these studies is their effect on changing current regulations and, therefore, decreasing poisoning cases. We aimed to evaluate all poisoning cases with regard to the patients' demographics and the involved intoxicants.

METHODS

The present study was conducted to investigate all poisoning cases who were admitted during a three-year period. Causes of poisoning, hospitalization, management procedures and outcome of the cases were surveyed. A total of 1448 patients referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital (Babol, Iran) from 2015 to 2018.

RESULTS

More than half of the patients were females (51.7%), and the majority of poisoning cases were seen in patients aged between 15 to 25 years (34.2%). It was found that suicide made a large part of poisoning cases (65.6%), and females tend to attempt suicide more than males (64.3% vs. 35.7%, respectively). Also, regular drugs followed by club drugs were the most abundant toxic agents (52.1% and 23.3%, respectively). Aluminum phosphide (AlP) was the most lethal intoxicant in our study, accounting for 68.2% of all deaths.

CONCLUSION

According to the results, it is concluded that the existing regulations for drug control and suicide prevention have not been efficient enough and further actions yet to be made to reduce the consequences of drug- and non-drug-related toxicities.

The global distribution of acute unintentional pesticide poisoning: estimations based on a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Human poisoning by pesticides has long been seen as a severe public health problem. As early as 1990, a task force of the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about one million unintentional pesticide poisonings occur annually, leading to approximately 20,000 deaths. Thirty years on there is no up-to-date picture of global pesticide poisoning despite an increase in global pesticide use. Our aim was to systematically review the prevalence of unintentional, acute pesticide poisoning (UAPP), and to estimate the annual global number of UAPP.

METHODS

We carried out a systematic review of the scientific literature published between 2006 and 2018, supplemented by mortality data from WHO. We extracted data from 157 publications and the WHO cause-of-death database, then performed country-wise synopses, and arrived at annual numbers of national UAPP. World-wide UAPP was estimated based on national figures and population data for regions defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

RESULTS

In total 141 countries were covered, including 58 by the 157 articles and an additional 83 by data from the WHO Mortality Database. Approximately 740,000 annual cases of UAPP were reported by the extracted publications resulting from 7446 fatalities and 733,921 non-fatal cases. On this basis, we estimate that about 385 million cases of UAPP occur annually world-wide including around 11,000 fatalities. Based on a worldwide farming population of approximately 860 million this means that about 44% of farmers are poisoned by pesticides every year. The greatest estimated number of UAPP cases is in southern Asia, followed by south-eastern Asia and east Africa with regards to non-fatal UAPP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study updates outdated figures on world-wide UAPP. Along with other estimates, robust evidence is presented that acute pesticide poisoning is an ongoing major global public health challenge. There is a need to recognize the high burden of non-fatal UAPP, particularly on farmers and farmworkers, and that the current focus solely on fatalities hampers international efforts in risk assessment and prevention of poisoning. Implementation of the international recommendations to phase out highly hazardous pesticides by the FAO Council could significantly reduce the burden of UAPP.

A study of the predictive factors of mortality in acute poisoning with aluminum phosphide with special reference to echocardiography and SOFA score

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is considered now one of the most common causes of poisoning among agricultural pesticides. Poisoning with AlP is extremely toxic to humans with high mortality rate. The aim of this work was to evaluate the prognostic factors and outcome of acute aluminum phosphide poisoning in Alexandria Main University Hospital during a period of 6 months from 1 November 2017 until the end of April 2018, highlighting the role of SOFA score and echocardiography in predicting the mortality. The prospective study was conducted on all patients admitted with acute AlP poisoning to Alexandria Main University Hospital for those 6 months. Patients' data were collected in a special sheet and included biosocial data, medical history, poisoning history, complete medical examination, investigations, duration of hospital stay, and the outcome. All patients were assessed according to SOFA score on admission. Thirty patients were admitted during the period of the current study. Females outnumbered males in all age groups with a sex ratio of 2.75:1. The mean age of patients was 22.77 ± 12.79 years. 96.6% of patients came from rural areas. 93.3% of the cases were exposed to poisoning at home, where suicidal poisoning accounted for (86.7%) of cases. 43.3% of patients died (n = 13), and the median value of SOFA score among non-survivors was 10, versus 1 among survivors. The median value of ejection fraction among non-survivors (25%) was half its value in survivors (50%). Although there were many predictors of severity of AlP poisoning, SOFA score was the most predictive factor of mortality detected by multivariate analysis.

Early Clinical Outcome of Acute Poisoning Cases Treated in Intensive Care Unit

INTRODUCTION

A variety of factors have influenced the significant incidence of morbidity and mortality of acute poisoning and the timely recognition and properly management of critically ill poisoned patients is a key component. The aim of this study is to reveal the reasons for ICU admission of acutely poisoned patients, the main factors influencing the course and outcome of patients in relation with clinical approaches applied, available resources and infrastructure of treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study based on most reachable variables extracted from patients' medical records and ED registers of patients admitted at the medical ICU of "Mother Teresa" University Hospital in Tirana over two (2012-2013) years. Demography, time of exposure, etiology and circumstances of poisonings, assessment and treatment, reasons for ICU admission, course and outcome were duly obtained.

RESULTS

The number of ICU treated patients was 118, consisting in 47.4% (56) males and 52.5% (62) females which represented 10.2% of poisoned patients admitted during this two-year-period in ED and 9.2% of other etiology ICU admitted patients. Mean was 42.6 years for males, and 38 years for females. About 55.9% were urban residents and 44% rural ones. The elapsed time from toxic exposure to treatment initiation had varied between 2-6 hours, 44% arrived in the hospital <4 hours. The toxic exposures were intentional in 87.2% of cases, with a male:female ratio was 0.8:1. Agrochemicals such as Aluminum phosphide and organophosphates were involved in 77.1% of cases. Cardiovascular collapse and respiratory failure were the main clinical syndromes encountered. Mechanical ventilation was required in 31.4% of patients. The length of ICU stay was 2.73 (0.96) days and the mortality was 54.2%.

CONCLUSION

This study evidenced that highly lethal toxicants used in poisoning acts such as agrochemicals, high rate of suicide, notwithstanding the infrastructure and resources available employed for ICU patients' treatment, all had played a role in the very high rate of mortality in this cluster of patients.

Prognostic Factors in Acute Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning: A Risk-Prediction Nomogram Approach

Aluminium phosphide (AlP) is a toxic agent associated with a high mortality rate following acute exposure from various routes. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and laboratory findings useful for predicting the medical outcome of AlP-poisoned patients using established scoring systems. This is a prospective study of AlP-poisoned patients from 2010 to 2015 in Ardabil, Iran. All patients that presented with a confirmed diagnosis of acute AlP poisoning in the study interval were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory data, using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) scoring systems, were compared for their predictive value in determining differences between survived and non-survived patients. Univariate analysis (Mann-Whitney or t-test), multiple logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Pearson correlation test were performed using STATA/SE 13.0 and the Nomolog Software. A total of 68 AlP-poisoned patients with confirmed acute AlP poisoning were included for evaluation. Of these, 36 were non-survived. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using parameters and values derived from patient clinical and laboratory data, and revealed that four factors were significant for predicting mortality: Glasgow coma score (GCS); systolic blood pressure (SBP); urinary output (UOP); and serum HCO₃ . A four-variable, risk-prediction nomogram was developed for identifying high-risk patients and predicting the risk of mortality. Study results showed that SBP of <92.5 mmHg (p = 0.006); HCO₃^- < 12.9 mEq/L (p = 0.01), UOP < 1725 mL/day (p = 0.04); and GCS < 14.5 (p = 0.003) were significant predictors of AlP mortality. Scoring systems analysis showed SAPS II score >24.5, APACHE II score >8.5 and SOFA score >7.5 were predictive of non-survival patients. The results of our study showed that SBP, GCS, UOP and serum HCO₃ levels are the best prognostic factors for predicting mortality in AlP-poisoned patients. According to the area under the ROC curve of the APACHE II score, when compared with SOFA and SAPS II scores, the APACHE II score can more effectively discriminate between non-survivors and survived patients.

Forensic toxicology analysis of self-poisoning suicidal deaths in Tehran, Iran; trends between 2011-2015

Background

Suicide ranks among the top ten causes of death in all age groups all over the world. There are many methods for committing suicide including self-poisoning, firearm and hanging. The aim of the present study was to provide an overview of self-poisoning related suicidal deaths with special focus on forensic toxicology analysis results in Tehran, Iran from 2011 to 2015.

Methods

All suspicious cases with the the history of self-poisoning were investigated to define the cause and manner of death under the supervision of forensic medicine practitioners. Postmortem samples were analysed in forensic toxicology laboratory to confirm the presence of drugs in cadaver of suicidal cases. Drugs and poisons were analysed using thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, headspace gas chromatography and gas chromatography equipped with nitrogen phosphorus detector. Demographic data were collected from autopsy reports of all cases with confirmed self-poisoning suicidal cause of death.

Results

Results showed that 674 cases of self-poisoning deaths were investigated during a five-year study period, of which 68.55% were male. The most often used suicide method was self-poisoning in young population. Phosphine gas liberated from aluminum phosphide tablets was the most toxic substance detected in postmortem samples (619 cases) followed by opioids, methamphetamine, organophosphates, cyanide and strychnine.

Conclusion

In conclusion self-poisoning suicidal death was predominant in young male population in Tehran, Iran. It seems that free access to suicide means such as drugs and poisons should be restricted by national and health authorities.

Trial registration

Not applicable.