[Acute self-induced poisoning with carbamazepine].
OBJECTIVE
We report the epidemiological, clinical, toxicological and therapeutic aspects of acute voluntary intoxication with carbamazepine.


METHODS
The study included 17 cases of acute carbamazepine intoxication in patients hospitalized in our toxicology unit.


RESULTS
Neurological signs predominated at admission, mainly agitation or coma associated with seizures. Mydriasis and cardiovascular signs were frequent. Blood chemistry most frequently showed hyponatremia. Mean serum carbamazepine level admission was 24 mg/l (range 4 ñ 12 mg/l). Ten patient required respiratory assistance for 28 +/- 17 hours. Symptomatic treatment and gastric lavage (+activated carbon) provided favorable outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute carbamazepine intoxication is seen with increasing frequency. Severity is related to the degree and duration of the coma, respiratory depression, seizures, cardiovascular disorders, and metabolic abnormalities. Symptomatic and specific treatment with activated carbon are required.
Thabet
H
H
Centre d'assistance médicale urgente, Montfleury Tunis, Tunisie. nadhaf@gnet.tn
Brahmi
N
N
Zagdoudi
I
I
Amamou
M
M
Hédhili
A
A
Ben Salah
N
N
Yacoub
M
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000506:poisoning*; D002244:Carbon / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005751:Gastric Lavage; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D015878:Mydriasis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D012646:Self Administration
D002220:Carbamazepine; D002244:Carbon
Intoxication aiguë volontaire par la carbamazépine.