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Biomedical subjects

S Wason

Publications and source records attributed to S Wason.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cocaine toxicity in an infant following intranasal instillation of a four percent cocaine solution.

An 11-week-old infant experienced toxicity following the intranasal instillation of a four percent cocaine solution in preparation for an examination to rule out choanal stenosis. The child recovered fully but required the use of anticonvulsants and admission to the hospital. To our knowledge, this is the first case report where cocaine toxicity was experienced following this routine practice. We present our case and a review of the literature involving other instances where there have been complications with the use of topical cocaine. This report should alert the medical community to the potential complications of using topical cocaine for its anesthetic properties.

Administration, Intranasal

Carbamazepine overdose--the effects of multiple dose activated charcoal.

We studied five children with carbamazepine overdose. Two patients had acute overdose without previous exposure to carbamazepine while three presented with acute-on-chronic overdose. Multiple doses of activated charcoal were administered to four patients. One acute-on-chronic patient did not receive any activated charcoal. The mean half-life of carbamazepine was as follows: a) Acute vs. Acute-On-Chronic overdose: 8.63 h vs. 12.01 h (p less than 0.05); b) No Activated Charcoal vs. 30-50 g Activated Charcoal vs. 60-90 g Activated Charcoal: 23.3 h vs. 10.17 h vs. 7.21 h (p less than 0.05); c) No Activated Charcoal vs. 2-3 doses vs. 7-12 doses: 23.3 h vs. 8.96 h vs 7.55 h (ns). Although the half-life of carbamazepine decreased in a linear relationship with the total amount of activated charcoal administered (r = -0.86), there was no relationship between the time to complete recovery and administration of multiple doses of activated charcoal. Although multiple doses of activated charcoal increased the clearance of carbamazepine in our patients with overdose, it was not associated with clinical benefits.

Acute Disease

Severe hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, acidosis, and shock in a 5-month-old child following the administration of an adult Fleet enema.

We report the case of a 5-month-old girl who was given an adult Fleet enema by her mother because of her concern that the baby was constipated. Within minutes the child became extremely ill. She developed shock, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and acidosis. This case is presented to demonstrate that life-threatening events may result after the injudicious use of enemas in children.

Acidosis

Delayed diagnosis of coin ingestion in children.

Diagnosis of coin ingestion with esophageal impaction may be delayed if appropriate history is lacking. This delay may lead to mistreatment and complicate management. A series of illustrative cases are reported and relevant literature is reviewed. Guidelines for radiographic evaluation of potential ingestions are provided.

Child, Preschool

Ventricular tachycardia associated with non-freon aerosol propellants.

A previously well 2-year-old child presented with seizures and ventricular tachycardia shortly after playing with an aerosol can of a well-known proprietary deodorant. She required intensive care and survived without sequelae. The propellants used in this product were isobutane, n-butane, and propane. The propellants have been thought to be safer than the previously used Freons, which were known to be cardiotoxic and neurotoxic. Significant exposure was confirmed by the detection of n-butane and isobutane in the patient's serum. We conclude that unintentional exposure to non-Freon aerosol propellants in a nonconfined space can be hazardous to children. Aerosol cans should be considered to represent toxic hazards and should be kept out of reach of children.

Acetone

Boric acid toxicity.

Although boric acid was widely used therapeutically in the past and resulted in significant toxicity, the past few years have seen a decline in its usage. Ninety-nine per cent boric acid powder is now being used as a household pesticide. Physicians therefore should be aware of the potential for boric acid toxicity.

Absorption

Mothball toxicity.

Accidental mothball ingestion is very common in children. Mothballs consist either of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, the toxicities of which are very different. This article focuses on the management of mothball ingestion with reference to these major ingredients.

Adult

Camphor toxicity.

Camphor is present in several over-the-counter compounds of questionable use and therefore may be ingested by small children. Because seizures may follow ingestion of certain amounts, appropriate treatment is needed, including the use of anticonvulsants.

Absorption

Intravenous hydrocarbon abuse.

The case of a man who injected turpentine intravenously in an attempt to kill himself is reported. The patient developed immediate pulmonary edema and hypoxia, followed later by cellulitis at the site of injection. Although only one death to date has been attributed to this form of chemical abuse, extensive local reactions, pulmonary involvement, central nervous system depression, and febrile reactions should be anticipated, and such patients should be admitted to the hospital. Patients should be observed for local reactions and myonecrosis around the site of injection, especially as these occur 12-24 hours later.

Adult

The emergency management of caustic ingestions.

Controversial therapeutic issues in patients with caustic ingestions concern the reliability of symptoms and signs in predicting esophageal injury, the appropriate use of endoscopy in evaluating esophageal damage, and the use of steroids in preventing late strictures. The conclusions of this review are: The majority of pediatric caustic ingestions involve a "lick and taste" whereas adolescents and adults often ingest substantial quantities. Oral burns and dysphagia are sensitive predictors of esophageal injury; however, esophageal injury may occur in the absence of the findings. Household bleach and nonphosphate detergents represent a low risk of injury whereas button batteries greater than 20 mm in diameter and Clinitest tablets represent high risk. Endoscopy should be an elective rather than emergency procedure and should be undertaken in all symptomatic patients, and in asymptomatic patients when history indicates substantial ingestion. Steroid therapy should be considered only for patients who have deep or circumferential esophageal burns.

Acids

LSD intoxication.

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Diagnosis, Differential