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Inoue F, Okazaki Y, Huh K, Ichiba T, Chiba T, Namera A. Pharmacobezoar Associated Prolonged Clinical Course in a Patient with Immediate Release Quetiapine Overdose. J Med Toxicol 2024:10.1007/s13181-024-01029-6. [PMID: 39093496 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-024-01029-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Quetiapine is available in both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) formulations. Quetiapine XR overdose is known to cause delayed increase in serum quetiapine concentrations. However, it is not certain whether quetiapine IR overdose would similarly cause a delayed increase in serum quetiapine concentrations. CASE REPORT A 57-year-old woman with depression who was taking half a tablet of 25 mg quetiapine IR daily was transported to our emergency department with a complaint of disturbance of consciousness 12 h after a quetiapine IR overdose. On arrival, her initial vital signs were heart rate of 116 beats per minute, blood pressure of 77/43 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation of 91% under 10 L oxygen administration. Whole body plain computed tomography showed a large amount of gastric hyperdense content suggesting pharmacobezoar with a volume of 71.2 ml. After treatment with respiratory and circulatory support, gastric lavage was performed. Her disturbance of consciousness persisted until day 5, and she was extubated on day 7. The serum concentrations of quetiapine were 2690 ng/mL at 12 h after overdose, 5940 ng/mL at 40 h, and 350 ng/mL at 124 h after overdose. Serum concentrations of other co-ingestions were all below lethal levels. CONCLUSION A massive quetiapine IR overdose with pharmacobezoars can cause a delayed increase in serum quetiapine concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiya Inoue
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, 7-33 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, 730-8518, Japan
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, 3-6-2 Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yuji Okazaki
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, 7-33 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, 730-8518, Japan.
| | - Kyungko Huh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, 7-33 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, 730-8518, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Ichiba
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, 7-33 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, 730-8518, Japan
| | - Takuyo Chiba
- Department of Emergency Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 852 Hatakeda, Narita City, Chiba, 286-8520, Japan
| | - Akira Namera
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
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Reisinger AC, Schneider N, Schreiber N, Janisch M, Rauch I, Kaufmann P, Wünsch G, Eller P, Hackl G. Critical care management of acute intoxications, dynamics and changes over time: a cohort study. Intern Emerg Med 2024:10.1007/s11739-024-03570-2. [PMID: 38502464 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03570-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Acute intoxications and poisonings are a relevant cause for ICU admission of critically ill patients. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of intoxicated patients in a tertiary center medical ICU in Austria over time and to investigate parameters associated with ICU mortality. This study was a retrospective data analysis including adult ICU patients from the years 2007 to 2021. In addition to ICU documentation, pre-hospital, and emergency department documents as well as autopsy reports were utilized. In an exploratory subanalysis, we compared these findings to a historical dataset from our facility from 1992 to 1996. We identified 581 cases admitted to the medical ICU because of acute poisoning (2007-2021), of which 45% were female and 46.6% were mixed intoxications. Suicidal intent was the primary cause of intoxication (48.2%) and ICU length of stay was median 1.2 days. The majority of deceased patients received pre-hospital mechanical CPR. Primary and secondary poison/toxin removal modalities were used in 29.9% and 11.7% of cases, whereas antidotes were administered in 54.4%. Comparing the data with a historical cohort (n = 168), we found a shift in primary detoxification away from gastric lavage and an increase in alternative secondary poison/toxin removal techniques. The ICU mortality was 4.1% and 4.2% in the present and historic cohort, respectively. Pre-existing psychiatric illnesses increased from 49% in the historic to 69% in the present cohort. Psychiatric illness predisposes patients to severe intoxications necessitating ICU care, thus increasing prevention measures seems warranted. Females did present with a different spectrum of intoxications compared to males. ICU mortality remained low over time and most deceased patients had a grim prognosis already on ICU arrival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Christian Reisinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Schneider
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Schreiber
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Martina Janisch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Ines Rauch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Department of Anesthesiology, LKH Hochsteiermark, Bruck an der Mur, Austria
| | - Peter Kaufmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerrit Wünsch
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Philipp Eller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - Gerald Hackl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
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Hoegberg LCG, Shepherd G, Wood DM, Johnson J, Hoffman RS, Caravati EM, Chan WL, Smith SW, Olson KR, Gosselin S. Systematic review on the use of activated charcoal for gastrointestinal decontamination following acute oral overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2021; 59:1196-1227. [PMID: 34424785 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2021.1961144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of activated charcoal in poisoning remains both a pillar of modern toxicology and a source of debate. Following the publication of the joint position statements on the use of single-dose and multiple-dose activated charcoal by the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and the European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists, the routine use of activated charcoal declined. Over subsequent years, many new pharmaceuticals became available in modified or alternative-release formulations and additional data on gastric emptying time in poisoning was published, challenging previous assumptions about absorption kinetics. The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, the European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists and the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology founded the Clinical Toxicology Recommendations Collaborative to create a framework for evidence-based recommendations for the management of poisoned patients. The activated charcoal workgroup of the Clinical Toxicology Recommendations Collaborative was tasked with reviewing systematically the evidence pertaining to the use of activated charcoal in poisoning in order to update the previous recommendations. OBJECTIVES The main objective was: Does oral activated charcoal given to adults or children prevent toxicity or improve clinical outcome and survival of poisoned patients compared to those who do not receive charcoal? Secondary objectives were to evaluate pharmacokinetic outcomes, the role of cathartics, and adverse events to charcoal administration. This systematic review summarizes the available evidence on the efficacy of activated charcoal. METHODS A medical librarian created a systematic search strategy for Medline (Ovid), subsequently translated for Embase (via Ovid), CINAHL (via EBSCO), BIOSIS Previews (via Ovid), Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library/DARE. All databases were searched from inception to December 31, 2019. There were no language limitations. One author screened all citations identified in the search based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Excluded citations were confirmed by an additional author and remaining articles were obtained in full text and evaluated by at least two authors for inclusion. All authors cross-referenced full-text articles to identify articles missed in the searches. Data from included articles were extracted by the authors on a standardized spreadsheet and two authors used the GRADE methodology to independently assess the quality and risk of bias of each included study. RESULTS From 22,950 titles originally identified, the final data set consisted of 296 human studies, 118 animal studies, and 145 in vitro studies. Also included were 71 human and two animal studies that reported adverse events. The quality was judged to have a Low or Very Low GRADE in 469 (83%) of the studies. Ninety studies were judged to be of Moderate or High GRADE. The higher GRADE studies reported on the following drugs: paracetamol (acetaminophen), phenobarbital, carbamazepine, cardiac glycosides (digoxin and oleander), ethanol, iron, salicylates, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants, and valproate. Data on newer pharmaceuticals not reviewed in the previous American Academy of Clinical Toxicology/European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists statements such as quetiapine, olanzapine, citalopram, and Factor Xa inhibitors were included. No studies on the optimal dosing for either single-dose or multiple-dose activated charcoal were found. In the reviewed clinical data, the time of administration of the first dose of charcoal was beyond one hour in 97% (n = 1006 individuals), beyond two hours in 36% (n = 491 individuals), and beyond 12 h in 4% (n = 43 individuals) whereas the timing of the first dose in controlled studies was within one hour of ingestion in 48% (n = 2359 individuals) and beyond two hours in 36% (n = 484) of individuals. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review found heterogenous data. The higher GRADE data was focused on a few select poisonings, while studies that addressed patients with unknown and or mixed ingestions were hampered by low rates of clinically meaningful toxicity or death. Despite these limitations, they reported a benefit of activated charcoal beyond one hour in many clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte C G Hoegberg
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Danish Poisons Information Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Greene Shepherd
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David M Wood
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, London, UK.,Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jami Johnson
- Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Robert S Hoffman
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Martin Caravati
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Wui Ling Chan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Silas W Smith
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kent R Olson
- California Poison Control System, San Francisco Division, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Sophie Gosselin
- Emergency Department CISSS Montérégie Centre, Greenfield Park, Canada.,Centre antipoison du Québec, Québec, Canada.,Department of Emergency Medicine, McGill Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Canada
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Basílio F, Dinis-Oliveira RJ. Clinical and Forensic Aspects of Pharmacobezoars. Curr Drug Res Rev 2020; 12:118-130. [PMID: 32065097 DOI: 10.2174/2589977512666200217094018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacobezoars are specific types of bezoars formed when medicines, such as tablets, suspensions, and/or drug delivery systems, aggregate and may cause death by occluding airways with tenacious material or by eluting drugs resulting in toxic or lethal blood concentrations. OBJECTIVE This work aims to fully review the state-of-the-art regarding pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and other relevant clinical and forensic features of pharmacobezoars. RESULTS Patients of a wide range of ages and of both sexes present with signs and symptoms of intoxications or more commonly gastrointestinal obstructions. The exact mechanisms of pharmacobezoar formation are unknown but are likely multifactorial. The diagnosis and treatment depend on the gastrointestinal segment affected and should be personalized to the medication and the underlying factor. A good and complete history, physical examination, image tests, upper endoscopy, and surgery through laparotomy of the lower tract are useful for diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION Pharmacobezoars are rarely seen in clinical and forensic practice. They are related to controlled or immediate-release formulations, liquid, or non-digestible substances, in normal or altered digestive motility/anatomy tract, and in overdoses or therapeutic doses, and should be suspected in the presence of risk factors or patients taking drugs which may form pharmacobezoars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Basílio
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Abstract
Radiopaque densities can be observed on imaging after the ingestion of either foreign bodies or some medications. Our case report discusses an 11-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficient disorder who presented to the emergency department because of concerns for constipation and dehydration. Incidentally, an abdominal x-ray showed numerous radiopaque densities throughout his intestines in addition to his constipation. He was admitted, and his home regimen was reviewed to attempt to identify a potential source for these radiopaque densities. This case presented an interesting teaching opportunity in the identification of the radiopaque densities and review of pharmacokinetics.
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Tay E, Sotiriou A, Graham GG, Wilhelm K, Snowden L, Day RO. Restarting antidepressant and antipsychotic medication after intentional overdoses: need for evidence-based guidance. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2019; 9:2045125319836889. [PMID: 30956788 PMCID: PMC6444415 DOI: 10.1177/2045125319836889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intentional drug overdoses with antidepressant and antipsychotic medications are an increasingly common problem. Currently, there is little guidance with regard to reintroduction of these medications after intentional overdoses. We have used published toxicological and pharmacokinetic data to obtain factors which control the recovery from overdoses. From such data, we have proposed guidance regarding their reintroduction, provided there are no adverse effects or contraindications. Tentatively, we suggest that when adverse effects from the overdose are lost, treatment could recommence after a further mean half-life of elimination. Most antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and, where cytochrome P450 inhibitors are co-ingested, serial plasma concentrations should optimally be obtained in order to assess a suitable time for reintroduction of the psychoactive drugs. We hope the proposals presented will stimulate research and discussion that lead to better guidance for clinicians concerning reintroduction of psychoactive medication after intentional overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Tay
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andreas Sotiriou
- University College London Medical School, University College London, London, UK
| | - Garry G Graham
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia Department of Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kay Wilhelm
- Department of Liaison Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia Department of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Leone Snowden
- NSW Medicines Information Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard O Day
- Department of Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Chiew AL, Wright DFB, Roberts MS, Isbister GK. Response to 'Comment on ''Massive' metformin overdose' by Chiew et al.'. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 84:2940-2941. [PMID: 30280392 PMCID: PMC6256012 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Angela L. Chiew
- New South Wales Poisons Information CentreChildren's Hospital at WestmeadWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Michael S. Roberts
- School of Pharmacy and Medical SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Translational Research Institute, Diamantina InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Geoffrey K. Isbister
- New South Wales Poisons Information CentreChildren's Hospital at WestmeadWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
- Clinical Toxicology Research GroupUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
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Hoegberg LCG, Refsgaard F, Pedersen SH, Personne M, Ullah S, Panagiotidis G, Petersen TS, Annas A. Potential pharmacobezoar formation of large size extended-release tablets and their dissolution – an in vitro study. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2018; 57:271-281. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2018.1513138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Christine Groth Hoegberg
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Danish Poisons Information Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frank Refsgaard
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen Hauge Pedersen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mark Personne
- The Swedish Poisons Information Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shahid Ullah
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Georgios Panagiotidis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tonny Studsgaard Petersen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Danish Poisons Information Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anita Annas
- The Swedish Poisons Information Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
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Erfolgreiche „Lipidrescuetherapie“ bei Amitriptylin-Quetiapin-Mischintoxikation in mehrfach letaler Dosis. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed 2018; 113:305-308. [DOI: 10.1007/s00063-017-0330-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Vega-Mata N, Fernández-García L, Lara-Cardenas C, Raposo-Rodríguez L, Montes-Granda M. [Paediatric pharmacobezoar in vitamin overdose]. CIR CIR 2017; 85 Suppl 1:30-33. [PMID: 28041610 DOI: 10.1016/j.circir.2016.11.012] [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] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacobezoars are aggregates of undigested medications that accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and can cause obstructive or toxic complications. In this paper, the first case is reported of a paediatric pharmacobezoar formation after a vitamin overdose. The objective of this report is to prevent the occurrence of this complication and the action to be taken. CLINIC CASE A 6-year-old child, 6h after ingesting 40 chewable tablets of a hydrophobic vitamin E with high capacity to form a pharmacobezoar, underwent urgent oesophagogastroscopy. A viscoelastic mass of 10×4cm was observed stretching from the cardia to the greater curvature. Seventy-five percent of the mass was removed and the remainder was fragmented, hydrated and aspirated. The patient remains asymptomatic to date. CONCLUSIONS An overdose of hydrophobic drugs can produce a bezoar formation therefore prompt evacuation is recommended with an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which is a safe and effective technique in gastric bezoars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliz Vega-Mata
- Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, España.
| | - Laura Fernández-García
- Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, España
| | - Carolina Lara-Cardenas
- Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, España
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Mortensen KE, Munkholm J, Dalhoff KP, Hoegberg LCG. Oesophageal Obstruction from a Pharmacobezoar Resulting in Death. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 120:213-216. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Munkholm
- Section of Forensic Pathology; Department of Forensic Medicine; Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Kim Peder Dalhoff
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology; Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg; Copenhagen Denmark
- The Danish Poisons Information Centre; Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Lotte Christine Groth Hoegberg
- The Danish Poisons Information Centre; Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg; Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Anaesthesiology; Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg; Copenhagen Denmark
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XXXV International Congress of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT) 26–29 May 2015, St Julian's, Malta. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2015.1024953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Livshits Z, Sampson BA, Howland MA, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS. Retained drugs in the gastrointestinal tracts of deceased victims of oral drug overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014; 53:113-8. [PMID: 25547175 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.992528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The extent of non-absorbed drug burden in the GI tract following overdose is unknown. Patients who present with clinical signs of toxicity may not undergo decontamination due to assumption that the drug has already been completely absorbed and because of limited scientific evidence of benefit for routine GI decontamination in poisoned patients. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to assess whether people who die of an oral overdose have unabsorbed drug present in the GI tract. The secondary goal was to analyze pharmacologic characteristics of retained drugs when present. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective review of autopsy reports from 2008 to 2010, whose cause of death was determined as "intoxication" or "overdose, was performed at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York (OCME NYC)." Decedents of all ages were identified via electronic OCME database. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) cause of death "intoxication" or "overdose" noted by forensic autopsy, 2) ingestion of a solid drug formulation. RESULTS 92 out of 1038 autopsies (9%) that met inclusion criteria had documentation of retained pill fragments, granules, paste, sludge, slurry, or whole pills in the GI tract. The most common drugs found were opioids and anticholinergics. Ninety-eight percent (98%) of the retained drugs were either modified-release preparations or drugs known to slow GI transit. Most decedents were dead on arrival; there were twelve in-hospital deaths and eleven patients died in the Emergency Department. Bupropion and venlafaxine were responsible for four deaths in those who received medical care. One person died in the ICU following bupropion ingestion. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Overdose of an oral drug that either has modified-release properties or slows GI tract motility may result in substantial unabsorbed drug burden remaining in the GI tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Livshits
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center , New York, NY , USA
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