Cyanide overdose: survival with fatal blood concentration without antidotal therapy.
Cyanide poisoning is an uncommon emergency department problem. It has a high mortality, and specific antidotal therapy can be lifesaving. We describe a 23-year-old man who ingested potassium cyanide and survived without antidotal therapy. His blood cyanide concentration was 4.65 mg/L, which is within the lethal range. The arterial venous oxygen saturation gradient was considered in the decision regarding antidote administration. Our experience underscores the importance of supportive care.
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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A
Saincher
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N
Swirsky
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M
Tenenbein
D000328:Adult; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011190:Potassium Cyanide / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*
D011190:Potassium Cyanide