Management of the critically poisoned patient.
BACKGROUND
Clinicians are often challenged to manage critically ill poison patients. The clinical effects encountered in poisoned patients are dependent on numerous variables, such as the dose, the length of exposure time, and the pre-existing health of the patient. The goal of this article is to introduce the basic concepts for evaluation of poisoned patients and review the appropriate management of such patients based on the currently available literature.


METHODS
An unsystematic review of the medical literature was performed and articles pertaining to human poisoning were obtained. The literature selected was based on the preference and clinical expertise of authors.


CONCLUSIONS
If a poisoning is recognized early and appropriate testing and supportive care is initiated rapidly, the majority of patient outcomes will be good. Judicious use of antidotes should be practiced and clinicians should clearly understand the indications and contraindications of antidotes prior to administration.
Boyle
Jennifer S
JS
Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. jsb4cn@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
Bechtel
Laura K
LK
Holstege
Christopher P
CP
D000931:Antidotes; D016638:Critical Illness; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012196:Review Literature as Topic
D000931:Antidotes