[Time limits for gastrointestinal decontamination in poisoning].
A 70-year-old man was admitted to hospital within 5 hours after an intended overdose of benzodiazepines and morphine. He was treated with flumazenil and naloxone but GID was considered unsafe. 24 hours after admission the patient had a GCS at 5 and significant respiratory insufficiency. After intubation, large amounts of tablets were aspirated and activated charcoal instilled. Respirator treatment was required for 24 hours and the course was complicated by aspiration pneumonia. The case challenges strict time limits and a restricted attitude towards gastric emptying in massive overdose.
von Westphal
Vibeke
V
Rue 31, DK-5900 Rudkøbing. vvw@dadlnet.dk
Jacobsen
Peter
P
D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000506:poisoning; D000931:Antidotes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002606:Charcoal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005746:Gastric Emptying; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000506:poisoning; D009567:Nitrazepam / Q000506:poisoning; D010076:Oxazepam / Q000506:poisoning; D011041:Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D013997:Time Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000931:Antidotes; D002606:Charcoal; D010076:Oxazepam; D009020:Morphine; D009567:Nitrazepam