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Toxicology in the critically ill patient
Babak Mokhlesi1, Thomas Corbridge
1Department of Medicine, Rush Medical College, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Laboratory, Cook County Hospital/Rush University Medical Center, 1900 West Polk Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. babak_mokhlesi@rush.edu
Clinics in Chest Medicine
|January 9, 2004
Summary
Recognizing various forms of intoxication and understanding toxidromes are crucial for diagnosing and treating critically ill patients. A systematic approach to managing poisoning is life-saving, even with limited evidence.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Intoxications manifest diversely, including drug overdose, toxic exposure, illicit drug use, and terrorism.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are vital for critically ill poisoned patients.
- Evidence-based guidelines for managing intoxication are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of recognizing diverse intoxication forms.
- To emphasize the role of toxidromes in diagnosis.
- To advocate for a systematic management approach in critical care.
Main Methods:
- Review of intoxication presentations.
- Discussion of toxidrome recognition.
- Outline of a systematic approach to patient management.
Main Results:
- High index of suspicion and toxidrome familiarity aid early diagnosis.
- Systematic management is effective despite evidence limitations.
- Diverse intoxications require tailored, rapid intervention.
Conclusions:
- Familiarity with toxidromes is key for managing poisoned patients.
- A rational, systematic approach is essential for life-saving interventions.
- Prompt diagnosis and management improve outcomes in critical intoxication cases.