Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Identification and Quantification of Deranged Metabolites in Critically Ill Patients Using NMR-Based Metabolomics
Published on: November 29, 2024
Clinical parameters that predict the need for medium or intensive care admission in intentional drug overdose
Huub L A van den Oever1, Mirja van Dam1, Esther van 't Riet2
1Intensive Care Unit, Deventer Hospital, Nico Bolkesteinlaan 75, 7416 SE Deventer, The Netherlands.
Introduction:
Many patients with intentional drug overdose (IDO) are admitted to a medium (MC) or intensive care unit (IC) without ever requiring MC/IC related interventions. The objective of this study was to develop a decision tool, using parameters readily available in the emergency room (ER) for patients with an IDO, to identify patients requiring admission to a monitoring unit.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study among cases of IDO with drugs having potentially acute effects on neurological, circulatory or ventilatory function, admitted to the MC/IC unit between 2007 and 2013. A decision tool was developed, using 6 criteria, representing intubation, breathing, oxygenation, cardiac conduction, blood pressure, and consciousness. Cases were labeled as 'high acuity' if one or more criteria were present.
Results:
Among 255 cases of IDO that met the inclusion criteria, 197 were identified as "high acuity". Only 70 of 255 cases underwent one or more MC/IC related interventions, of which 67 were identified as 'high acuity by the decision tool (sensitivity 95.7%).
Conclusion:
In a population of patients with intentional drug overdose with agents having potentially acute effect on vital functions, 95.7% of MC/IC interventions could be predicted by clinical assessment, supplemented with electrocardiogram and blood gas analysis, in the ER.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Drug Toxicity: Overview
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

