Poisoning cardiac symptoms

A breakdown of actual cardiac symptoms for OP poisoning in hospital admissions is given by Karki et al. (2004) and also by Saadeh et al. (1997). Sixty-seven percent of the acute OP cases had QT prolongation, 24% experienced ST-segment elevation, and 17% had inverted T-waves. Nine percent had atrial tachycardia, 9% ventricular tachycardia, and 4% had ventricular fibrillation. Sinus tachycardia was observed in 35% of admissions while sinus bradycardia was noted in 28%. Noting that acidosis and electrolyte derangement play a major role in the development of cardiac events, they recommend atropine in adequate doses very early in the course of the illness as the strategy to be implemented. 

Hypertension and tachycardia are the primary toxic manifestations of pseudoephedrine overdose. An amount of more than three or four times the maximum daily dosage for adults or children may produce symptoms of jS-adrenergic stimulation. In severe poisonings, cardiac dysrhythmias and cerebral hemorrhage due to hypertensive crisis may occur. Anxiety, muscle tremor, and seizures may result from CNS stimulation. Hallucinations, drowsiness, and/or irritability are more common symptoms exhibited by children. Hypokalemia and hyperglycemia may be noted. Acute renal failure and rhabdomyolysis have occurred in rare instances with large overdoses. 

Death from overdose of barbiturates may occur and is more likely when more than 10 times the hypnotic dose is ingested. The barbiturates with high lipid solubility and short half-lives are the most toxic. Thus the lethal dose of phenobarbital is 6—10 g, whereas that of secobarbital, pentobarbital, or amo-barbital is 2-3 g. Symptoms of barbiturate poisoning include CNS depression, coma, depressed reflex activity, a positive Babinski reflex, contracted pupils (with hypoxia there may be paralytic dilation), altered respiration, hypothermia, depressed cardiac function, hypotension, shock, pulmonary complications, and renal failure. 

The phenomena of systemic cocaine poisoning are largely those of sympathetic stimulation but not as consistently as with epinephrine. The sympathetic stimulation is mainly central (midbrain) but partly peripheral. The chief manifestations of sympathetic stimulation are (1) sensitization to epinephrine (but antagonization to ephedrine) by peripheral action, (2) mydriasis and slight exophthalmos by central and peripheral action, and (3) cardiac acceleration (chiefly central). Other sympathetic symptoms are constriction of the blood vessels, erection of hair, and relaxation of the intestines. High concentrations of cocaine paralyze all smooth muscles. Procaine also produces... 

Many workers have been exposed to vinyl chloride because of its use in polyvinyl chloride plastic manufacture. The central nervous system, respiratory system, liver, and blood and lymph systems are all affected by exposure to vinyl chloride. Among the symptoms of poisoning are fatigue, weakness, and abdominal pain. Cyanosis may also occur. Vinyl chloride was abandoned as an anesthetic when it was found to induce cardiac arrhythmias. 

Symptoms of poisoning Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, blurred vision, involuntary muscle contractions, and eventually paralysis of the body extremities and the respiratory muscles. In severe cases there may also be involuntary defecation or urination, psychosis, irregular heart beats, unconsciousness, convulsions and coma. Death may be caused by respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. 

Serious overdose with this xanthine bronchodilator can provoke serious hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, and convulsions. These symptoms indicate a poor prognosis, particularly in elderly patients. Symptoms of poisoning after a high dose of a slow-release preparation can be delayed for several hours as the drug gradually accumulates to toxic concentrations. Patients with plasma concentrations greater than 60 Lig/ml may require charcoal haemo-perfusion. 

Respiratory symptoms Administer supplemental oxygen by mask. Bronchospasms Treat with aerosolized bronchodilators or cardiac sensitizing agents. (Arsine poisoning is not known to pose additional risk during the use of bronchial or cardiac sensitizing agents). 

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