Review

Management of the critically poisoned patient

Jennifer S Boyle¹ , Laura K Bechtel¹ and Christopher P Holstege^1,2

¹  Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

²  Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

author email corresponding author email

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 2009, 17:29doi:10.1186/1757-7241-17-29

Published:	29 June 2009

Abstract

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.

Discussion

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.