Poisoning Diagnosis and TreatmentJ.A. Vale, T.J. Meredith In the last decade, the incidence of acute poisoning in the developed world has risen considerably, so that hospital admissions from this cause now repre~ sent a significant part of the work load of most medical units. The purpose of this book is to provide an up-to-date account of the diag nosis and treatment of all the clinically important poisons. Throughout the text the aim has been to emphasize the mechanisms of toxicity - wherever they are known - so that a rational approach to therapy may be devised. In addition, substantial chapters have been devoted to the psychiatric assess ment of self-poisoned patients and to the role of the laboratory. Two styles of presentation have been adopted. Certain topics are discussed in depth either because of their clinical importance or because recent data have become available concerning pathophysiology or treatment. In contrast, when subjects have been well described previously in general medical texts, for example, carbon monoxide poisoning, the discussion is far more brief and to the point. A similar style has been adopted with recently introduced drugs, where little is known about the effects in overdose. The value of cer tain chapters, especially those on poisonous plants and snake bites, has been enhanced by the inclusion of a large number of colour photographs. |
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absorption acid activity acute poisoning adults agents alcohol alkaline diuresis antidotes antivenom aspiration and lavage aspirin associated atropine barbiturate berries bite carbon monoxide cardiac arrhythmias cause cent Chapter charcoal chelating chemical Clin Toxicol Clinical Features coma compounds concentration convulsions cyanide death dextropropoxyphene diagnosis dialysis diarrhoea digoxin Dimercaprol dose drugs effects elapid emesis enzyme ethanol ethylene glycol excretion exposure fatal Fenfluramine Figure fluid forced diuresis Further Reading gastric aspiration gastric lavage haemodialysis haemoperfusion hepatic hospital hypotension hypovolaemia increased ingestion inhalation intoxication intravenous J. A. Vale Lancet lead poisoning liver metabolic acidosis metabolite mg/kg mg/l naloxone nausea necrosis occur opiate oral overdosage overdose oxygen paracetamol paraquat plasma Plate Poisoning due psychiatric pulmonary oedema renal failure respiratory depression self-poisoned patients severely poisoned patients sodium stomach suicidal symptoms Table tachycardia therapy tion tissue toxic toxicological treatment tricyclic antidepressant urine usually venom venous ventilation viper vomiting µg/dl