title: Tricyclic antidepressant overdose necessitating ICU admission.
abstract: Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose necessitating intensive care unit (ICU) admission remains a significant problem in the Western Cape. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the course of life-threatening TCA overdose in our centre to identify potential prognostic indicators. TCA levels >1000 ng/ml were associated with QT and QRS prolongation and convulsions. However, no single parameter predicted non-survival. The overall mortality of TCA overdose was very low. Our findings should encourage clinicians to offer medical care including ICU admission, if necessary, to patients with TCA overdose.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch. coeniefn@sun.ac.za
authors.forename: Coenraad F N
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Koegelenberg
authors.forename: Zirkia J
authors.initials: ZJ
authors.lastname: Joubert
authors.forename: Elvis M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Irusen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D063487:Prescription Drug Misuse / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic