Clinical Toxicology
Rouhullah Dehghani; Shahrad Tajaddini; masoomeh varzandeh
Volume 9, Issue 2 , July 2023, , Pages 81-86
Abstract
Objective: Arthropod bites and stings have always been of interest to humans; therefore, researchers have always been interested in their prevention and timely treatment. Considering the brilliance of ancient Iranian physicians, especially Avicenna, this study was conducted based on their views on diagnosing ...
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Objective: Arthropod bites and stings have always been of interest to humans; therefore, researchers have always been interested in their prevention and timely treatment. Considering the brilliance of ancient Iranian physicians, especially Avicenna, this study was conducted based on their views on diagnosing and treating venomous arthropod bites and stings.Methods: This study is a narrative review conducted by surveying sources, especially The Canon of Medicine, and searching for the keywords “bites,” “stings,” “poisonous,” “venomous arachnids,” and“insects” as well as the diagnosis and treatment of bites and stings .The study was conducted in 2022 and in Kashan and Kerman universities of medical sciences. Sampling method was based onthe study objective.The collected data was then summarized.Results: To diagnose the bite or sting, the clinical manifestations of the patient, local symptoms in the bite or sting site, and the classification of the venomous arthropods, such as spiders, wasps, scorpions, etc., are used. Venom suction and using medicinal plants and ointments of mineral compounds were proposed as treatment methods.Conclusion: Therapeutic methods and the use of herbal and mineral compounds are widely mentioned in The Canon. There are a lot of connections and harmony between modern and conventional medicine, in the clinical description of bites and stings as well as their diagnosis, but more research is suggested on treatment methods
Clinical Toxicology
Nastaran Eizadi-mood; laaya mokhtar; shiva samsamshariat; Gholamali dorooshi; arman otroshi; mohammad naghizadeh; Ali Mohammad Sabzghabaee
Volume 9, Issue 2 , July 2023, , Pages 92-96
Abstract
Objective: Poisoning is one of the most common methods of suicide in developing countries. We assessed the frequency of impaired hematological indices in patients with acute poisoning.Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional retrospective. Using the census sampling method, all patients who had ...
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Objective: Poisoning is one of the most common methods of suicide in developing countries. We assessed the frequency of impaired hematological indices in patients with acute poisoning.Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional retrospective. Using the census sampling method, all patients who had attempted suicide by poisoning and were admitted from 2013 to 2023 were included in this study. Different variables, including age, gender, hematological index on admission, hospital stay, and outcome (mortality), were recorded in a data-gathering form. ANOVA and chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used for analysis.Results: This study was conducted on 48186 patients, 53.4% of whom were male. The average age of the patients was 34.92 (±13.23). Of all patients, 6% had anemia, 15.1% leukocytosis, 15% higher than average hemoglobin, and 9.1% lower than average platelet count. White blood cell (WBC) count was higher (mean difference=3741.85, SD=151.35, 95% CI=3445.21–4038.5) in deceased patients, while platelet count was significantly lower in deceased patients (mean difference=17.19, SD=2.57, 95% CI=12.14–22.24) (P<0.001). Anemia correlated with more extended hospital stayby an average of 1.61 days (SD=0.27, 95% CI=0.98–2.24) compared to patients with normal hemoglobin. Thrombocytopenia also correlated with more extended hospital stays by an average of 1.38 days (SD=0.21, 95% CI=0.88–1.89).Conclusion: The frequency of abnormal hematological indices was not high in patients with acute poisoning. Deceased patients had higher WBC and lower platelet counts compared to surviving patients. Patients with anemia and thrombocytopenia had more extended hospital stays
Clinical Toxicology
Morteza Talebi Doluee; Bita Dadpoor; Behrang Rezvani Kakhki; Veda Vakili; Elahe Barati; Elnaz Vafadar Moradi
Volume 8, Issue 2 , July 2022, , Pages 122-127
Abstract
Objective: Intoxication is among the most common causes of emergency department (ED) visits. Activated charcoal is one of the useful treatments preventing poison absorption. However, nausea caused by using charcoal has made this substance less acceptable among patients. This study aims at investigating ...
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Objective: Intoxication is among the most common causes of emergency department (ED) visits. Activated charcoal is one of the useful treatments preventing poison absorption. However, nausea caused by using charcoal has made this substance less acceptable among patients. This study aims at investigating the influence of using cold charcoal on reducing the nausea among poisoned patients.Methods: This clinical experimental trial study approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Regional School of Medicine of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences with the code 930106. Randomization was provided by Sealed Envelope. Accordingly, the experimental group received cold charcoal (4ᵒC), while the control group received room temperature charcoal (23ᵒC).We used the coding method in order to double blind the study. After half and one hour, nausea was checked in patients by visual numeric scale (VNS). Data were described by using descriptive and analytic test indices including frequency, mean ± standard deviation and suitable charts and tables.Results: The average age of participants was 25.83±7.05. The severity of nausea half an hour after consuming charcoal in cold charcoal group and experimental group was 1.3 and 2.73, respectively (P < 0.001). One hour after consuming charcoal, the severity of nausea in cold charcoal group and experimental group was 0.39 and 1.38 (P < 0.001). As indicated by the results of the study and after investigating the changing trend of nausea severity, nausea severity decreased in both groups by passing time from half to one hour (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Cold charcoal can reduce the rate of nausea and make it more acceptable among patients.
Clinical Toxicology
Khadijeh Saravani; Pantea Ramezannezhad; Mohammad Hossien Kamaloddini; Mohammadmahdi Akbari; Tayebeh Shahraki
Volume 8, Issue 2 , July 2022, , Pages 156-158
Abstract
Objective: N-acetylcysteine is frequently used as an efficacious antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. It prevents liver injury induced by paracetamol and in most cases the overdose of acetylcysteine produces mild clinical effects.Case Presentation: Here we describe a patient who self-treated himself ...
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Objective: N-acetylcysteine is frequently used as an efficacious antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. It prevents liver injury induced by paracetamol and in most cases the overdose of acetylcysteine produces mild clinical effects.Case Presentation: Here we describe a patient who self-treated himself by acetylcysteine after acetaminophen toxicity. Approximately 5 hours after receiving 140 g of acetaminophen, the patient developed confusion, hypotension as well as seizures and also had coagulopathy and acute kidney injury. Other causes of these symptoms were overdose of acetaminophen and amoxicillin. Finally, the patient was treated by extensive supportive therapy and got healed.Conclusion: This case suggests that massive IV acetylcysteine overdose can cause serious life-threatening conditions. The purpose of reporting this case is to increase the awareness among medical staff concerning adverse reactions revealed after a massive overdose of N-acetylcysteine and their arrangement as well as describing the way of management of such problems. The seizure was one of the manifestations in our case and it is so rare. This indicates that massive dosing of acetylcysteine could form irreversible damages in the brain, so it is very important to start the management as soon as possible and monitor patients precisely.
Clinical Toxicology
Rouhullah Dehghani; Nasrullah Rastegar Pouyani; Shahrad Tajaddini; Masoomeh Varzandeh
Volume 8, Issue 2 , July 2022, , Pages 162-165
Abstract
Objective: Snakes are among the predators of any ecosystem and have been seen in different parts of Iran. The report on their distribution in Isfahan province was taken into consideration because of the importance of regional knowledge of these animals.Case report: During this survey, a sample of snakes ...
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Objective: Snakes are among the predators of any ecosystem and have been seen in different parts of Iran. The report on their distribution in Isfahan province was taken into consideration because of the importance of regional knowledge of these animals.Case report: During this survey, a sample of snakes was collected from north of Isfahan province, Kashan city, the University site of Medical Sciences and the sample was studied. The snake was identified by morphological and habitat characteristics and compared to other photos and data. The specimen belonged to the Colubridae family and non-venomous snakes. This species is distributed in the tropical climatic zone of the province. The species of the tropical region of Kashan city was identified as Platyceps karelini. or spotted snakeConclusion: We identified the habitat of this animal in Kashan city in Isfahan province. By identifying the species of Spotted Desert Racer from the Colubridae family, the number of non-venomous snakes in Kashan reached eight species.
Clinical Toxicology
Mojtaba Miladinia; Elham Mousavi Nouri
Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 1-2
Abstract
Medication errors (MEs) are considered the most common medical errors and as one of the major challenges threatening the health system, which can be also reduced. MEs threaten patients' safety and may increase the length of hospital stay, lead to unexpected complications, mortality and side costs. In ...
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Medication errors (MEs) are considered the most common medical errors and as one of the major challenges threatening the health system, which can be also reduced. MEs threaten patients' safety and may increase the length of hospital stay, lead to unexpected complications, mortality and side costs. In 2017, the World Health Organization launched Medication without Harm to reduce severe avoidable medication-related damage by 50%, globally in the next 5 years. Emergency Departments (EDs) are stressful care environments which making EDs more prone to MEs. Therefore, EDs need to be seriously considered to reduce MEs and increase patients' safety. In this regard, it is of great significance to know about the most common stage of error in pharmacotherapy, the most common type of medication error and the most common causes of MEs in the emergency department practice setting. in conclusion, the most common types of MEs in EDs include drug omission error, wrong dose and strong infusion rate. In addition, the administration and prescribing are the most common stages of MEs in EDs. Also, the most common causes of MEs in EDs in Iran include nursing shortage (fatigue) and poor medication knowledge .
Clinical Toxicology
Malek Moradi; Amir Motamedi; Adele Pouyafard; Mostafa Gavahi; Mohsen Barzegar
Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 26-31
Abstract
Objective: Narcotic and alcohol use are recognized as the two important underlying factors in all types of trauma. In this study, the prevalence of opium consumption was investigated in traumatic patients who referred to Shahid Rahnemoon hospital in Yazd in 2018.Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional ...
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Objective: Narcotic and alcohol use are recognized as the two important underlying factors in all types of trauma. In this study, the prevalence of opium consumption was investigated in traumatic patients who referred to Shahid Rahnemoon hospital in Yazd in 2018.Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 252 patients with trauma admitted to Shahid Rahnemoon Hospital from October to December 2018 were studied. In order to collect the data, a checklist was administered including the patients’ demographic information (age and gender), opium consumption, location of trauma, day of occurrence of trauma and cause of trauma.Results: The mean of patients’ age was 31.33 ± 19.46 years ranging from 2 to 90 years and 71.4% of them were males. The most common causes of trauma included accidents with motor vehicles (56%), falls from height (19.8%), and intimate partner violence (6%), respectively. Regarding opium consumption, 87.3% of patients did not use it, while 10.3% consumed opium. Narcotic abuse was significantly different with regard to the patients’ gender (P = 0.000) and age (P = 0.000).Conclusion: Opium consumption increases the risk of error and accident while driving. People on methadone treatment also show high-risk behaviors and are at greater risk of accidents.
Clinical Toxicology
Elham Pishbin; Hamidreza Reihani; Bahram Zarmehri; Mahdi Foroughian
Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 64-65
Abstract
Objective: Methanol poisoning is a dangerous life-threatening event, manifested withvarious symptoms, sometimes very rare ones, that all should be addressed to preventmisdiagnosis of the methanol-poisoned patients.Case Presentation: A 21-year-old young man was brought to the emergency department(ED) ...
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Objective: Methanol poisoning is a dangerous life-threatening event, manifested withvarious symptoms, sometimes very rare ones, that all should be addressed to preventmisdiagnosis of the methanol-poisoned patients.Case Presentation: A 21-year-old young man was brought to the emergency department(ED) with a generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizure and he was diagnosed with methanolintoxication. A non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) of the brain demonstratedfindings similar to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). After the brain CT, he had a GlasgowComa Score (GCS) of 3 and all brainstem reflexes were absent. Neurology consultantagreed with the diagnosis of pseudo-SAH. Brain death was confirmed by a positive apneatest within 24 hours of presentation.Conclusion: It is suggested that compression of dural sinuses due to severe brain edema,reduces the venous drainage and leads to venous engorgement, which appears highattenuated in the background of low-density edematous brain matter.
Clinical Toxicology
Jyoti Aggarwal; Zainab Mehdi; Baldeep Kaur; Yuvraj Singh Cheema; Monica Gupta
Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 69-73
Abstract
Objective: Lithium is a principal drug used in the treatment of bipolar disorder (BPD). Due to its narrow therapeutic index, serum levels need to be monitored regularly. In elderly patients with renal dysfunction lithium toxicity can develop paradoxically within the therapeutic range. This can lead to ...
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Objective: Lithium is a principal drug used in the treatment of bipolar disorder (BPD). Due to its narrow therapeutic index, serum levels need to be monitored regularly. In elderly patients with renal dysfunction lithium toxicity can develop paradoxically within the therapeutic range. This can lead to erroneous diagnosis and delayed treatment resulting in irreversible neurological sequelae as is described in our case.Case Presentation: A 65-year-old hypertensive female, with a 7-year history of BPD presented with decreased oral intake since 5-7 days, followed by altered sensorium. Neurological examination revealed coarse tremors in bilateral upper and lower limbs with spasticity, hyperreflexia, bilateral knee clonus. Twenty-five days earlier, she was prescribed Lithium carbonate. On evaluation she was found to have chronic kidney disease. Serum lithium levels came out to be 1.18 mg/dL (borderline high). After ruling out other differentials, a diagnosis of lithium toxicity was considered and she underwent two sessions of hemodialysis (HD) leading to significant improvement in sensorium; however, the patient had persistent dysarthria, difficulty in walking and proximal myopathy predominantly in the lower limbs. Nerve conduction studies confirmed the presence of axonal neuropathy. These findings of peripheral neuropathy (both sensory and motor) were suggestive of SILENT (syndrome of irreversible lithium-effectuated neurotoxicity).Conclusion: Unintended lithium toxicity can occur even at therapeutic levels especially in the elderlies owing to its narrow therapeutic window, complex pharmacokinetics and numerous drug interactions. Lithium can result in irreversible neurotoxicity including SILENT; therefore, a high level of suspicion is required to prevent such permanent disability.
Clinical Toxicology
Rouhullah Dehghani; Kobra Taji; Amrollah Mahmoudi; Masoomeh Varzandeh
Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 83-85
Abstract
Objective: A Scorpion sting is one of the most important health and medical problems in most parts of Iran.Case Presentation: This case report occurred in Chaharmahal Bakhtiari province of Bazoft city. The injured person was a 48-year-old woman, weighing about 69 kg. Two documentary filmmakers were on ...
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Objective: A Scorpion sting is one of the most important health and medical problems in most parts of Iran.Case Presentation: This case report occurred in Chaharmahal Bakhtiari province of Bazoft city. The injured person was a 48-year-old woman, weighing about 69 kg. Two documentary filmmakers were on their way to work and suddenly one of them felt pain caused by a sting in the thigh area of her lower limb. The patient was referred to the medical center with the ‘scorpion’ sample, where she was examined by a doctor. The doctor prescribed some medicine for the patient. The pain from the sting lasted for about three hours. The patient recovered after taking the medication and received counseling three days after the sting. A photo of the dorsal and ventral surface of the scorpion specimen was sent to the animal identification specialist along with the size and color record. Scorpion specimen with a size of 4 cm was identified as Compsobuthus matthiesseni.Conclusion: According to the findings of this report, the clinical signs of C. matthiesseni sting are mild in the injured person and comparable to the stings of yellow bees Vespa germania. There is local pain two to three hours after the sting. Other systemic clinical manifestations can improve after a maximum of 2 to 3 days.
Clinical Toxicology
Saeedeh Derhami; Ehsan Bolvardi; Reza Akhavan; Mahdi Foroughian; Behzad Shahi; Arman Hakemi; Zhila Rahmanian; Samaneh Abiri
Volume 7, Issue 2 , July 2021, , Pages 82-87
Abstract
Objective: Acute poisoning is a major health problem and one of the most common causes of emergency visits worldwide. Since most poisoning subjects present with a decreased level of consciousness and due to unreliable disease history, recognizing the etiological cause of the poisoning represents a critical ...
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Objective: Acute poisoning is a major health problem and one of the most common causes of emergency visits worldwide. Since most poisoning subjects present with a decreased level of consciousness and due to unreliable disease history, recognizing the etiological cause of the poisoning represents a critical part in arranging the treatment strategy. This study aimed at examining the prevalence of etiological causes of poisoning in Iran in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Method: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the cross-sectional studies published from 1990 to 2020, reporting specific poisoning agents among acute poisoning cases in Iran. Persian and English articles on this subject were collected by searching the Scientific Information Database (SID), ScienceDirect, PubMed, Medlib, IranMedex, Scopus, Magiran, and Google Scholar databases. The heterogeneity of the studies was investigated using the I2 index and the probability of bias in the publication was assessed by the Begg and Mazumdar test with a significance level of 0.1. Data analysis was performed by Comprehensive Meta-analysis software version 3 (Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA). Results: In our review, 19 studies appraising 143,251 cases of poisoning were included. The ranking of the OR of each agent was done; Opium poisoning was the most prevalent poisoning case followed by benzodiazepine, acetaminophen, antipsychotic medications, organophosphates, aluminum phosphide, amphetamine, pesticide, tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), alcohol, chemicals, carbon monoxide (CO), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Conclusion: While proper judgment on the cause of poisoning and selection of suitable treatment manners could be followed by a very good prognosis in patients with acute poisoning; this demands an epidemiological perception of the prevalence of the etiological poisoning agents. Our study ranked the most likely agents leading to the poisoning, to be at the top of the list of differential diagnoses of physicians.
Clinical Toxicology
Javad Mesbahi; Shahin Shadnia; Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam; Nasim Zamani; Peyman Erfan Talab Evini; Delara Hazegh Fetratjoo; Alireza Kargar; Mitra Rahimi
Volume 7, Issue 2 , July 2021, , Pages 93-96
Abstract
Objective: Delirium is one of the most common complications in patients admittedto intensive care units (ICUs). Delirium is a definite cause for more extended hospitalstays, higher mortality rates, and possibly persistent cognitive decline in the future.Antipsychotics have been frequently evaluated as ...
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Objective: Delirium is one of the most common complications in patients admittedto intensive care units (ICUs). Delirium is a definite cause for more extended hospitalstays, higher mortality rates, and possibly persistent cognitive decline in the future.Antipsychotics have been frequently evaluated as first drugs of choice, but the mostappropriate, evidence-based treatment is yet to be discovered. This study aims to comparethe efficacy of haloperidol and olanzapine in patients admitted to our toxicology ICU.Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was undertaken on 35 ICUadmitted patients with delirium in Loghman Hakim hospital in Tehran, Iran. The diagnosiswas based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition(DSM-V) criteria for delirium, and clinical toxicologists included the patients accordingto the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients received either haloperidol orolanzapine based on computerized randomization. The severity of delirium was measuredwith the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) scoring on days 0 and 3 of ICUadmission.Results: The total sample size was 35 in which 16 patients received haloperidol, and 19patients received olanzapine. The doses of haloperidol and olanzapine were 3 mg threetimes a day and 5 mg three times a day, respectively. There was no significant difference inbaseline characteristics and the scores of MDAS between groups.Conclusion: Olanzapine and haloperidol have the same efficacy in the managementof delirium in toxicology ICU-admitted patients. They can be interchangeably used fordelirium treatment in these patients
Clinical Toxicology
Sasan Zaeri; Zohre Aghaei; Navid Reza Mashayekhi; Ali Salemi; Ramin Seyedian
Volume 7, Issue 2 , July 2021, , Pages 123-126
Abstract
Objective: Snake envenomation is common in tropical and subtropical countries of the Middle East areas including Iran. Cerastes cerastes gasperettii is a dangerous snake living in southwestern provinces of Iran. It causes massive edema at the bite site and coagulopathy leading to death if untreated. ...
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Objective: Snake envenomation is common in tropical and subtropical countries of the Middle East areas including Iran. Cerastes cerastes gasperettii is a dangerous snake living in southwestern provinces of Iran. It causes massive edema at the bite site and coagulopathy leading to death if untreated. Methods: The purpose of this preliminary animal study was to evaluate the toxicity and proteomic of this venom for the first time in Iran. Moreover, the hemodynamic changes with intravenous injection of the venom were assessed and inotropic in addition to arrhythmogenic properties of this venom were investigated. Results: The estimated amount of the LD50 with intraperitoneal injection was slightly less than the similar experiment in Saudi Arabia (1.32 mg/kg versus 978 µg/kg body weight). There were 8 distinct protein bands between 12 and 66 kDa in SDS-PAGE analysis that were different with Moroccan experiment due to inter and intra species variation. Inotropic potencies were not significant since the lethal dose with intravenous injection was much lower than the Arabian experiment in guinea pigs (2.4 mg/kg versus 0.8 mg/kg). Conclusion: According to the low hemodynamic changes induced with the venom, it seems that coagulopathy and edema are the most dangerous effects of this rare snake in Iran.
Clinical Toxicology
Mohammad Hossein Kamaloddini; Anahita Alizadeh Ghamsari; Bita Dadpour
Volume 7, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 1-3
Abstract
The Clinical Toxicology Center in Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad is the referral center of poisonings in the East of Iran and many cases of poisoned children are referred to this center and some cases are admitted.In this letter we report some specific, strange and unusual poisonings in children admitted ...
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The Clinical Toxicology Center in Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad is the referral center of poisonings in the East of Iran and many cases of poisoned children are referred to this center and some cases are admitted.In this letter we report some specific, strange and unusual poisonings in children admitted in our center.
Clinical Toxicology
Fares Najari; Seyed Mojtaba Abolbagaei; Babak Mostafazadeh; Dorsa Najari
Volume 7, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 32-35
Abstract
Objective: Due to the rapid pace of industrialization and the high prevalence of addiction, toxicity caused by heavy metals, especially lead, has become one of the major health problems associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, reliable information is critical to manage this condition. ...
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Objective: Due to the rapid pace of industrialization and the high prevalence of addiction, toxicity caused by heavy metals, especially lead, has become one of the major health problems associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, reliable information is critical to manage this condition. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 30 cadavers, suspected of lead poisoning. The hospital records and the results of anatomical investigations were studied. Data were collected in a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS Version 22. Results: The results showed a significant correlation between the pathological results of pulmonary autopsy and the duration of drug use (P= 0.01). Also, the pathological results of cardiac autopsy had significant correlations with age (P= 0.006) and blood lead level (P= 0.03). Moreover, significant correlations were found between the pathological results of liver autopsy and age (P=0.00), between the pathological results of brain autopsy and the route of drug administration (P=0.01), and between the pathological results of kidney autopsy and age (P=0.00). Most pathological changes were observed in the brain and kidney tissues. Conclusion: Lead poisoning does not cause any specific pathological changes in the liver, heart, brain, lung, or kidney tissues; however, these non-specific changes, alone or together, can lead to death
Clinical Toxicology
Mohammad Hossein Kamaloddini; Hamid Reza Kheradmand
Volume 7, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 66-68
Abstract
Objective: Clostridium botulinum is one of the most common life-threatening agents all around the world which produces botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). It may lead to morbidities such as paralysis and mortality after consuming canned tuna fish, local dairy products and home-preserved or commercial food. ...
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Objective: Clostridium botulinum is one of the most common life-threatening agents all around the world which produces botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). It may lead to morbidities such as paralysis and mortality after consuming canned tuna fish, local dairy products and home-preserved or commercial food. People use a good deal of local dairy products such as cheese and it exposes a variety of population to botulinum intoxication.Case Presentation: A 48-year-old woman referred to the ED complaining about acute dysphonia accompanied with symmetric hypotonia and bilateral ptosis. She had a history of consuming local dairy cheese.Conclusion: It is indispensable for the physician to identify major features of foodborne botulism in order to differentiate it from other illnesses and early initiation of intensive care for intoxicated patients. To prevent the incidence of dairy product derived botulinum, it is firmly suggested to have quality control on local dairy products
Clinical Toxicology
Hamidreza Reihani; Maryam Ziadi Lotfabadi
Volume 7, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 74-76
Abstract
Objective: We are going to alert the emergency physicians to be aware of drugs side effects. Some drugs like methotrexate are not routine drugs, and the symptoms may be miss diagnosed if not completely notified.Case Presentation: We present two patients under treatment with methotrexate. Both of them ...
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Objective: We are going to alert the emergency physicians to be aware of drugs side effects. Some drugs like methotrexate are not routine drugs, and the symptoms may be miss diagnosed if not completely notified.Case Presentation: We present two patients under treatment with methotrexate. Both of them suffered from methotrexate poisoning due to improper use. We discuss the causes of methotrexate poisoning and its prevention.Conclusion: A significant proportion of methotrexate users may not be completely aware of its proper use and the side effects. One of the important ways to prevent the toxicity of methotrexate is educating patients and their companions in order to use it correctly.
Clinical Toxicology
Zahra Ataee; Bita Dadpour
Volume 6, Issue 2 , July 2020, , Pages 112-114
Abstract
Objective: Tramadol is a synthetic analgesic with two mechanisms. The opioid and non-opioid mechanisms are responsible for tramadol side effects. Non-opioid side effects of tramadol are due to the reuptake inhibitions of serotonin and norepinephrine. Some of the side effects include anaphylactoid reactions, ...
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Objective: Tramadol is a synthetic analgesic with two mechanisms. The opioid and non-opioid mechanisms are responsible for tramadol side effects. Non-opioid side effects of tramadol are due to the reuptake inhibitions of serotonin and norepinephrine. Some of the side effects include anaphylactoid reactions, CNS depression, hypoglycemia, hypotension, respiratory depression, seizures, and serotonin syndrome. Seizure may happen in therapeutic doses. If the frequency of tramadol seizures increases, ischemic brain injury and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy can be induced.Case Report: We report a young man with a history of tramadol abuse that was admitted with status epilepticus in Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Due to his altered mental status, he was intubated and antiepileptic agents were prescribed. He was transferred to ICU. After regaining consciousness, he was extubated and with the prescription of rehabilitation support he was discharged.Conclusion: Tramadol is a synthetic analgesic agent with less potential for dependence. It is important to mention that the overdose of this drug is common. This drug has two mechanisms. This paper reports a case that developed generalized tonic clonic seizures due to tramadol and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. With adequate treatment and supportive care, patient’s mental status improves and he/she can be discharged.
Clinical Toxicology
Mehran Shahi; Seyed Hamid Moosavy; Hossein Sanaei-Zadeh
Volume 6, Issue 2 , July 2020, , Pages 121-125
Abstract
Objective: Scorpion stings are common in tropical regions of Iran. Hemiscorpius enischnochela are distributed in southern part of Iran. The venom of this scorpion causes severe hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, and occasionally death.Case Presentation: This report describes the clinical manifestations of envenomation ...
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Objective: Scorpion stings are common in tropical regions of Iran. Hemiscorpius enischnochela are distributed in southern part of Iran. The venom of this scorpion causes severe hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, and occasionally death.Case Presentation: This report describes the clinical manifestations of envenomation by H. enischnochela in a 3-year-old boy from Ruydar city in south of Iran.Conclusion: Special attention should be paid to the painless stings of yellow scorpions and more studies are needed to set out a protocol for the management of these cases in areas with this envenomation to be a common one.
Clinical Toxicology
Mohammad Rafiqul Islam; Sarmistha Biswas; Syed Zakir Hossain; Nafizul Islam; Gourab Dewan; Mohammad Robed Amin
Volume 5, Issue 1 , January 2019, , Pages 23-28
Abstract
Objective: Acute poisoning is a common cause of hospital admission in Bangladesh. But, risk factors and characteristics of victims of different modes of poisoning have not been evaluated for possible intervention strategies. So, in this study we aimed to describe the pattern of acute poisoning in central ...
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Objective: Acute poisoning is a common cause of hospital admission in Bangladesh. But, risk factors and characteristics of victims of different modes of poisoning have not been evaluated for possible intervention strategies. So, in this study we aimed to describe the pattern of acute poisoning in central Bangladesh as well as identifying risk factors for various mode of poisoning.Methods: A prospective observational study was undertaken in Dhaka Medical College Hospital in 2015. Consenting adult acute poisoning victims were included as study subjects. A pretested structured case record form was used to systematically record the cases. The poisoning cases were defined by clinical toxidrome (sympathomimetic, antimuscarinic, opioids, cholinergic, sedative, etc) during acute presentation with suspected poisoning and groups accordingly. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis and statistical tests including mean ± standard division (SD), percentage, t test and chi-square were used accordingly.Results: Total poisoning cases were 1155. Suicidal (62.25%, n = 719), commuter poisoning (24.16%, n = 279) and accidental poisoning (12.38%, n = 143) were main types of poisoning. Risk factors of suicidal poisoning were young females of 11 to 30 years, married, housewives and students (P < 0.0001). Stressful relationship was the commonest reason of suicidal poisoning. Pesticides and sedatives were frequently chosen for easy availability. Commuter poisoning was common in males and urban areas (P < 0.0001). Accidental poisoning was more in males and rural areas (P < 0.0001) and snake envenomation was the main cause.Conclusion: Poisoning burden is high in central Bangladesh. Identified risk factors will help develop poisoning prevention strategies.
Clinical Toxicology
Seyed Hesam Rahmani; Gholamreza Faridaalaee
Volume 5, Issue 1 , January 2019, , Pages 29-31
Abstract
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is anautosomal dominantdisease characterized by muscle weakness or paralysis with a matching fall in blood potassium levels. Paralysis attacks often occur in adolescence and are induced by strenuous exercise followed by rest, high carbohydrateor high sodiummeal content, ...
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Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is anautosomal dominantdisease characterized by muscle weakness or paralysis with a matching fall in blood potassium levels. Paralysis attacks often occur in adolescence and are induced by strenuous exercise followed by rest, high carbohydrateor high sodiummeal content, sudden changes in temperature, and even excitement, noise, flashing lights and cold temperatures. Despite global daily use of intravenous and oral potassium in the treatment of patients, data about intravenous bolus potassium is rare. Here we report a 29-year-old man complaining of weakness in the upper and lower limbs. By initial diagnosis of periodic hypokalemic paralysis, potassium chloride was ordered by oral route. After a few minutes, we heard patient screaming in pain. He complained of severe acute pain in peripheral intravenous line, palpitation and dyspnea. We noticed that potassium chloride vial was infused directly via cubital vein in few minutes erroneously. Physical exam revealed sinus tachycardia and hypertension. We began hyperkalemia treatment immediately. With appropriate treatment,the patient was discharged with good condition after 12 hours of admission.
Clinical Toxicology
Luis Rafael Moscote-Salazar; Guru Dutta Satyarthee; Nidia Escobar Hernandez; Jorge Aquino Matus; Willem Guillermo Calderon-Miranda; Marco Antonio Blancas-Varas; Johana Maraby; Joulen Mo-Carrascal
Volume 4, Issue 2 , July 2018, , Pages 53-54
Abstract
Scuba diving is associated with an important risk of developing decompression sickness secondary to formation of gas bubbles inside the body. The latter is formed mainly by nitrogen in the body on the diver’s way to the surface (1,2). In some cases, it might injure the central nervous system. ...
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Scuba diving is associated with an important risk of developing decompression sickness secondary to formation of gas bubbles inside the body. The latter is formed mainly by nitrogen in the body on the diver’s way to the surface (1,2). In some cases, it might injure the central nervous system. Several decompression cases that have been associated with neurologic symptoms are described in the literature; however, brain multi-infarct with lethal outcome has never been described.
Clinical Toxicology
Behnam Behnush; Roya Kordrostami; Nahid Dadashzadeh; Maryam Ameri
Volume 4, Issue 2 , July 2018, , Pages 82-85
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the shoulder dislocation following tramadol-induced seizure and its potential difference with other shoulder dislocations. We evaluated six cases that used tramadol tablets and some of them had a history of seizure. All of the cases had shoulder dislocation. According to ...
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This study aimed to evaluate the shoulder dislocation following tramadol-induced seizure and its potential difference with other shoulder dislocations. We evaluated six cases that used tramadol tablets and some of them had a history of seizure. All of the cases had shoulder dislocation. According to the findings, tramadol use and tramadol-induced seizure may increase the risk of shoulder dislocation.
Clinical Toxicology
Mustafa Bolatkale; Muhittin İşsever; Ulaş Karaoğlu; Ahmet Cagdas Acara; Mehtap Bulut
Volume 4, Issue 1 , January 2018, , Pages 51-52
Abstract
Statins are commonly used drugs in the treatment of hyperlipidemia (HL), despite some undesirable side effects. These range from mild symptoms such as myopathy, muscle weakness and myalgia to severe muscle weakness associated with chronic myopathy and acute renal failure (ARF) as a result of rhabdomyolysis. ...
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Statins are commonly used drugs in the treatment of hyperlipidemia (HL), despite some undesirable side effects. These range from mild symptoms such as myopathy, muscle weakness and myalgia to severe muscle weakness associated with chronic myopathy and acute renal failure (ARF) as a result of rhabdomyolysis. The most serious and deadly side effect of statins is rhabdomyolysis. The case presented here is of a patient with rhabdomyolysis due to treatment with the antihyperlipidemic drug, atorvastatin.
Clinical Toxicology
Rabiul Hossain; Robed Amin; Ahmed Riyadh Hossain; Azizul Kahhar; Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury
Volume 3, Issue 1 , January 2017, , Pages 4-10
Abstract
Objective: The scale of the problem of poisoning is enormous hence clinico epidemiological spectrum of all poisoning cases need to explore to generate the management tool.
Methods: This prospective study was done at two medicine units (Unit 5 and 10) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July ...
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Objective: The scale of the problem of poisoning is enormous hence clinico epidemiological spectrum of all poisoning cases need to explore to generate the management tool.
Methods: This prospective study was done at two medicine units (Unit 5 and 10) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July to December 2010 where all poisoning cases were seen. A total of 2890 patients were admitted out of which 600 were taken into the study.
Results: Among the poisoning cases 29% were pesticide, 27% travel related poisoning, and 20% benzodiazepine. 70% of poisoning occurred below 30 years of age and male: female ratio was 3:2. Incidence of poisoning was highest among students (31%) and housewives (25%). Majority of the patients were from urban area (76%) and most common intention was suicidal (66%). Familial disharmony was the prime cause (63%) behind poisoning. 42% cases got admitted between 5-8 hours of poisoning and more than 80% patients were admitted in the hospital directly without getting any first aid anywhere. Sixty-eight percent had Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score above 10 during admission. Cardinal clinical features of poisoning were nausea/vomiting (63%), drowsiness (56%), miosis (31%). Seventy percent patients were treated with only general and supportive treatment and specific antidotes were used in 30% cases. Case fatality for pesticide, benzodiazepine/anti-psychotic, rodenticide and snake bite was 6.9%, 2.2%, 8.3% and 3.3% respectively.
Conclusion: To assess the magnitude of problem, awareness of the public for prevention, immediate first aid measures and quick hospital admission is crucial component of poisoning.