Toxiciology Flashcards
How do you calculate anion gap?
Na+ - (Cl- + HCO3-)
What is a normal anion gap?
4-12
What are the causes of normal anion gap acidosis?
A - ddisons
B -icarbonate loss (GI/renal)
C -hloride excess
D - iuretics (acetezolamide)
When should activate charcoal be given within?
1 hour
What does not bind to activated charcoal? (10)
- Iron
- Lithium
- Borid acid
- Cyanide
- Ethanol
- Ethylene glycol
- Methanol
- Organophosphates
- Petroleum distillates
- Strong acids and alkalis
What is the adult dose of activate charcoal?
50g
What are the features of salicylate poisoning? (6)
- Increased RR
- Tinnitus
- Deafness
- Sweating
- Vasodilation
- Acid base disturbance
What metabolic disturbance do adults presenting with salicylate poisoning predominates?
Reps alkalosis > metabolic acidoses
What metabolic disturbance do children presenting with salicylate poisoning predominates?
Metabolic acidosis > resp alkalosis
When should salicylate levels be taken? (2)
- At least 2 hours if symptomatic
- At least 4 hours if asymptomatic
What is mild salicylate poisoning and how should it be managed?
- < 300mg/L
- Asymp and normal VBG then home at 6 hours
What is moderate salicylate poisoning and how should it be managed?
- 300-700mg/L
- Urinary alkalization - PH 7.5-8.5 using sodium bicarbonate
What is severe salicylate poisoning?
1, CNS features, acidosis or > 700mg/L
2. Consider HD and I+V
What is the pathophysiology of paracetamol poisoning?
Metabolite of paracetamol (NAPQI) binds glutathione in the liver and causes hepatic necrosis when glutathione stores are depleted.
What are the features of TCA OD in conscious patients? (7)
Anti-cholinergic toxidrome
- Tachycardia
- Dry skin
- Dry mouth
- Dilated pupils
- Urinary retention
- Ataxia
- Jerky limb movements
What signs to unconscious patients developed following TCA OD? (7)
- Divergent squint
- Hypertonia
- Hyper-reflexia
- Myoclonus
- Upgoing plantars
If comatose - areflexia and muscle facciditiy
What ECG changes will be seen in TCA OD and which is the most sensitive?
- Increased QRS (most sensitive)
- Increased PR
- Tachy
- P waves can be lost in T - looks like VT
What is the tx for TCA overdose?
- If under 1 hour activated charcoal
- 50-100ml 8.4% bicarbonate
- Aim PH 7.5-7.55 (excessive is fatal) and normal QRS
- Avoid routine use anti-arrhythmics
- Severe consider glucagon or intralipid
What is the antidote to benzo OD?
Flumazenil
How long does flumezanil last?
1 hour
What are the risks of using flumazenil and when is it particularly high risk?
Can lead to convulsions and arrhythmias
With concurrent TCA OD - can lead to arrest
What signs/symptoms feature in haloperidol + chlorpromazine (and related drugs)?
Oculogyric crisis
Muscle spasms - torticollis/opisthonus
What ECG changes will you see in haloeridol/chlorpromazine/similar drugs in OD? (2)
- Increased QRS
- Arrhythmias
What is the treatment for haloperiol/chlorpromazine OD? (3)
- Proycylidine
- Diazepam
- Bicarbonate if QRS >120ms
What are the features of lithium toxicity? (6)
- n/v
- diarrhoea
- ataxia
- confusion
- increased tone
- clonus
What is the treatment for lithium toxicity?
Supportive
Dialysis
What are the effects of sulfanylurea overdose?
- Low glucose
- Low potassium
What is the treatment for sulfanylurea overdose?
Octreotide
What are the features of unique to propanolol OD? (2)
- Bronchospasm in asthmatics
- Hypoglycaemia in children
What does sotalol OD cause in particular?
Torsades des pointes
What are the treatments of beta blocker OD?
- Consider activated charcoal
- Atropine may work (pacing probably not)
- Glucagon 5-10mg IV (anticipate vomiting)
In severe beta-blocker OD with low BP what are 3 treatment options?
- High dose Insulin Euglycaemic Therapy (HIET)
- Intralipid
- Ionotropes/vasopressors
What are the features of CCB OD? (6)
- Bradycardia
- AV block
- Profound vasolidation
- Metabolic acidosis
- Hyperkalaemia
- Hyperglycaemia
What is the treatment for CCB OD? (3)
- Consider activated charcoal
- Atropine +/- pacing
- Calcium chloride 10% over 10 mins and consider repeating up to x 4
What are the treatment options for severe CCB OD? (3)
- Glucagon
- Intralipid
- HIET
- Vasopressors/ionotropes