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Semi-quantitative Assessment Using [18F]FDG Tracer in Patients with Severe Brain Injury
Published on: November 9, 2018
Coma After Quetiapine Fumarate Intentional Overdose in a 71-year-old Man: A Case Report
S Gibiino1, A Trappoli2, B Balzarro2
1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale C. Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy. sara.gibiino@studio.unibo.it.
This case report details a severe quetiapine fumarate extended-release overdose in a bipolar depression patient, resulting in coma and respiratory failure. The patient recovered fully, highlighting the critical management of overdose symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Quetiapine fumarate extended-release (XR) is prescribed for bipolar depression.
- Managing overdose of psychotropic medications requires prompt and intensive medical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of intentional quetiapine XR overdose.
- To describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of a severe quetiapine XR overdose.
Main Methods:
- A 71-year-old male with bipolar depression intentionally ingested 20g of quetiapine XR.
- Clinical presentation, vital signs, laboratory results, and interventions were recorded.
- Management included gastric lavage, activated charcoal, fluid resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and antibiotic therapy.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with coma, severe hypotension, and tachycardia.
- Complications included respiratory failure, a hypotensive episode, agitation, septicemia, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).
- The patient recovered completely without residual symptoms after intensive medical care.
Conclusions:
- Quetiapine XR overdose can lead to severe toxicity, including coma and cardiovascular compromise.
- Prompt supportive care is crucial for managing quetiapine XR overdose.
- PSVT occurrence in this case was deemed unlikely related to quetiapine levels.
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