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Tricyclic antidepressant overdose.

Overdose of a tricyclic antidepressant is a serious and all-too-frequent occurrence. The diagnosis must be considered in known or suspected overdoses, and signs such as a dry axilla, tachycardia, and wide QRS must be specifically sought. Management depends upon support of vital functions and a thorough understanding of the pharmacology of the drug. Emptying the gastrointestinal tract with ipecac or lavage and hastening elimination with activated charcoal and a cathartic are extremely important measures. Cardiac arrhythmias generally respond to sodium bicarbonate, and seizures respond to intravenous diazepam. Neither physostigmine nor dialysis are considered to be treatments of choice. As in other overdoses, counseling to prevent ingestions is more than worth "a pound of the cure."

Absorption↗

Bulimia nervosa. Four uncommon subtypes.

The histories and psychological profiles of more than 500 patients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for bulimia nervosa were reviewed. A total of 310 patients demonstrated the most characteristic pattern of bulimia, with finger-induced purging and occasional diet pill, diuretic, or laxative abuse. Seventeen patients reported binge eating with no self-induced vomiting but with severe laxative abuse (i.e., greater than or equal to 50 laxatives daily). A total of 126 patients reported bulimia with finger-induced purging and regular mild (i.e., 2-3 daily) laxative abuse. Eight patients reported bulimia without finger-induced purging, diuretic, or laxative abuse but with the regular abuse of ipecac as a means of inducing vomiting. Four clinical subtypes of bulimia were seen. These were overt bulimia, which occurred in 8.9% of the sample; obsessive-ritualistic bulimia, which occurred in 2% of the sample; sexually evocative bulimia (Fatal Attraction Syndrome), which occurred in 2.9% of the sample; and masochistic bulimia, which occurred in 4.9% of the sample. Each of these subtypes of bulimia are described and defined. The characteristic psychologic profile, clinical features, and implications for treatment and research are discussed.

Acting Out↗

Does gastric lavage really push poisons beyond the pylorus? A systematic review of the evidence.

Classically, treatment of acute self-poisoning involves resuscitation and supportive care, followed by gastric emptying, administration of activated charcoal, and use of specific antidotes. Recently, however, the practice of gastric emptying has fallen out of favor in the West because physicians have recognized its complications and the lack of evidence for clinical benefit from its practice. Authoritative position statements have stated that forced emesis should not be used and that gastric lavage should be used in restricted settings. One commonly cited complication of gastric lavage is propulsion of poison beyond the pyloric sphincter into the small bowel. We have carried out a systematic search for studies addressing this issue and found only 2. The first, a randomized controlled trial of patients presenting to an emergency department, reported propulsion of poison into the small bowel and has been widely cited as showing evidence for such a complication. However, analysis of the data presented in this article shows no significant difference in the number of radio-opaque marker pellets present in the small bowel after gastric lavage, ipecac-induced forced emesis, or no intervention. The second, an observational study using human volunteers, showed significantly less poison in the small bowel after gastric lavage than after no intervention. In conclusion, it seems that no published data support the statement that gastric lavage forces poison into the small bowel.

Gastric Lavage↗

Prediction of acetaminophen level from clinical history of overdose using a pharmacokinetic model.

A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the accuracy of predicting acetaminophen levels using the pharmacokinetic equation for first-order absorption and elimination of a single oral ingestion, (Formula: see text) Forty-four acute adult acetaminophen overdoses were studied during a 22-month period. Eighty levels drawn from 0 to 16 hours after ingestion were evaluated. To standardize the data, only first levels drawn in patients without prior spontaneous or ipecac-induced vomiting were analyzed (n = 26). Of these 26 levels, eight (31%) were drawn from 0 to two hours after ingestion, eight (31%) from two to four hours, and ten (38%) from four to 16 hours, with correlations of 0.59, 0.85, and 0.98, respectively. To determine the accuracy of predicting four-hour levels, five patients with first levels drawn at four hours, prior to vomiting, were evaluated. Substituting appropriate constants, the condensed equation, Cp4h = (0.59) (mg/kg dose), was used to predict the four-hour level (r = 0.99). Preliminary data suggest the ability to accurately predict four-hour acetaminophen levels from ingestion history alone using pharmacokinetic equations.

Acetaminophen↗

High-performance liquid chromatographic assay with fluorescence detection for the determination of cephaeline and emetine in human plasma and urine.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic assay method for the quantitation of ipecac alkaloids (cephaeline and emetine) in human plasma and urine is described. Human plasma or urine was extracted with diethylether under alkaline conditions following the addition of an internal standard. Concentrations of alkaloids and internal standard were determined by octadecylsilica chromatographic separation (Symmetry C18 columns, plasma analysis; 15 cmx4.6 mm I.D., 5 microm particle size, urine analysis; 7.5 cmx4.6 mm I.D., 5 microm particle size). The mobile phase consisted of buffer (20 mmol/l 1-heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt, adjusted to pH 4.0 with acetic acid)-methanol (51:49, v/v). Eluate fluorescence was monitored at 285/316 nm. The lowest quantitation limits of cephaeline and emetine were 1 and 2.5 ng/ml, respectively, in plasma, and 5 ng/ml in urine. Intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations were below 15%. The assay is sensitive, specific and applicable to pharmacokinetic studies in humans.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Differences between adolescents and young adults at presentation to an eating disorders program.

OBJECTIVE: To describe differences between adolescents and adults in clinical presentation of eating disorders. METHODS: Data from the charts of 622 female patients treated for an eating disorder in a division of adolescent medicine between 1980 and 1994 were coded and computerized. General categories included demographic and family factors, weight loss and weight changes, eating-related behaviors, diagnosis and severity, and treatment issues. Differences between the 438 patients who were aged 9-19 years (adolescents) and 184 patients who were aged 20-46 years (adults) were analyzed. RESULTS: Adolescents were more likely than adults (p <.05) to have a diagnosis of "eating disorder not otherwise specified," lower global severity score, greater denial and less desire for help, weight loss > or = 3 lb/month, lower original and maximum weights, and history of fasting and elimination of junk food from their diets. Adults were more likely than adolescents (p <.05) to have >1 year of weight loss, greater total weight loss, history of binge eating and laxative use, history of diuretic and ipecac use, diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, and prior use of psychiatric medications. Adolescents and adults did not differ (p >.05) in parents' occupational level; height, weight, and percent ideal body weight at presentation; original percent ideal body weight; use of diet pills, elimination of meat and use of a low-fat diet; daily calorie intake; prior eating disorder hospitalizations; and hospitalization during the course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this study document and confirm that there are important differences between adolescents and adults that must be taken into account in the evaluation and treatment of patients with eating disorders.

Adolescent↗

Synthesis of Six-Membered Compounds by Environmentally Friendly Cyclization Using Indirect Electrolysis.

[Ni(cyclam)](ClO(4))(2)-catalyzed indirect electroreduction of olefinic bromides produced six-membered compounds in low to high yields. The synthetic intermediate 49 of Ipecac and Corynanthe alkaloids was obtained in 88% yield in a highly stereoselective manner. Lactam 66, the synthetic precursor of tacamonine, was prepared in 49% yield as a mixture of two diastereoisomers. The electrolysis of the bromoacetates gave the debrominated compounds in good yields.

Journal Article↗

Ethylene glycol exposure: an evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management.

In 2002, poison centers in the US reported 5816 human exposures to ethylene glycol. A guideline that effectively determines the threshold dose for emergency department referral and need for pre-hospital decontamination could potentially avoid unnecessary emergency department visits, reduce health care costs, optimize patient outcome, and reduce life disruption for patients and caregivers. An evidence-based expert consensus process was used to create this guideline. Relevant articles were abstracted by a trained physician researcher. The first draft of the guideline was created by the primary author. The entire panel discussed and refined the guideline before distribution to secondary reviewers for comment. The panel then made changes based on the secondary review comments. The objective of this guideline is to assist poison center personnel in the out-of-hospital triage and initial management of patients with a suspected exposure to ethylene glycol by (1) describing the process by which the exposure might be evaluated, (2) identifying the key decision elements in managing the case, (3) providing clear and practical recommendations that reflect the current state of knowledge, and (4) identifying needs for research. This guideline is based on an assessment of current scientific and clinical information. The panel recognizes that specific patient care decisions may be at variance with this guideline and are the prerogative of the patient and health professionals providing care, considering all of the circumstances involved. Recommendations are in chronological order of likely clinical use. The grade of recommendation is in parentheses. (1) A patient with exposure due to suspected self-harm, misuse, or potentially malicious administration should be referred to an emergency department immediately regardless of the dose reported (Grade D). (2) Patients with inhalation exposures will not develop systemic toxicity and can be managed out-of-hospital if asymptomatic (Grade B). Patients with clinically significant mucous membrane irritation should be referred for evaluation (Grade D). (3) Decontamination of dermal exposures should include routine cleansing with mild soap and water. Removal of contact lenses and immediate irrigation with room temperature tap water is recommended for ocular exposures. All patients with symptoms of eye injury should be referred for an ophthalmologic exam (Grade D). (4) Patients with symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning should be referred immediately for evaluation regardless of the reported dose (Grade C). (5) The absence of symptoms shortly after ingestion does not exclude a potentially toxic dose and should not be used as a triage criterion (Grade C). (6) Adults who ingest a "swallow" (10-30 mL), children who ingest more than a witnessed taste or lick, or if the amount is unknown of most ethylene glycol products should be referred immediately for evaluation. The potential toxic volume of dilute solutions (e.g., concentration <20%) is larger and can be estimated by a formula in the text (Grade C). (7) A witnessed taste or lick only by a child, or an adult who unintentionally drinks and then expectorates the product without swallowing, does not need referral (Grade C). (8) Referral is not needed if it has been >24 hours since a potentially toxic unintentional exposure, the patient has been asymptomatic, and no alcohol was co-ingested (Grade D). (9) Gastrointestinal decontamination with ipecac syrup, gastric lavage or activated charcoal is not recommended. Transportation to an emergency department should not be delayed for any decontamination procedures (Grade D). (10) Patients meeting referral criteria should be evaluated at a hospital emergency department rather than a clinic. A facility that can quickly obtain an ethylene glycol serum concentration and has alcohol or fomepizole therapy available is preferred. This referral should be guided by local poison center procedures and community resources (Grade D). (11) The administration of alcohol, fomepizole, thiamine, or pyridoxine is not recommended in the out-of-hospital setting (Grade D).

Adult↗

Camphor Poisoning: an evidence-based practice guideline for out-of-hospital management.

A review of national poison center data from 1990 through 2003 showed approximately 10,000 annual ingestion exposures to camphor-containing products. A guideline that determines the threshold dose for emergency department referral and need for pre-hospital decontamination could potentially avoid unnecessary emergency department visits, reduce health care costs, optimize patient outcome, and reduce life disruption for patients and caregivers. An evidence-based expert consensus process was used to create the guideline. Relevant articles were abstracted by a trained physician researcher. The first draft of the guideline was created by the primary author. The entire panel discussed and refined the guideline before distribution to secondary reviewers for comment. The panel then made changes based on the secondary review comments. The objective of this guideline is to assist poison center personnel in the appropriate out-of-hospital triage and initial management of patients with suspected exposures to camphor-containing products by 1) describing the manner in which an exposure to camphor might be managed, 2) identifying the key decision elements in managing cases of camphor exposure, 3) providing clear and practical recommendations that reflect the current state of knowledge, and 4) identifying needs for research. This guideline applies to camphor exposure alone. Co-ingestion of additional substances, such as in commercial products of camphor combined with other ingredients, could require different referral and management recommendations depending on the combined toxicities of the substances. This guideline is based on an assessment of current scientific and clinical information. The expert consensus panel recognizes that specific patient care decisions may be at variance with this guideline, and are the prerogative of the patient and the health professionals providing care, considering all of the circumstances involved. This guideline does not substitute for clinical judgment. Recommendations are in chronological order of likely clinical use. The grade of recommendation is in parentheses. 1) Patients with stated or suspected self-harm or who are the recipients of malicious administration of a camphor-containing product should be referred to an emergency department immediately, regardless of the amount ingested (Grade D). 2) Patients who have ingested more than 30 mg/kg of a camphor-containing product or who are exhibiting symptoms of moderate to severe toxicity (e.g., convulsions, lethargy, ataxia, severe nausea and vomiting) by any route of exposure should be referred to an emergency department for observation and treatment (Grade D). 3) Patients exhibiting convulsions following a camphor exposure should be transported to an emergency department by pre-hospital emergency medical care providers (Grade D). A benzodiazepine should be used to control convulsions (Grade C). 4) Patients who have been exposed to a camphor product and who remain asymptomatic after 4 hours can be safely observed at home (Grade C). 5) Induction of emesis with ipecac syrup should not be performed in patients who have ingested camphor products (Grade C). 6) Activated charcoal administration should not be used for the ingestion of camphor products. However, it could be considered if there are other ingredients in the product that are effectively adsorbed by activated charcoal or if other substances have been co-ingested. (Grade C). 7) For asymptomatic patients with topical exposures to camphor products, the skin should be thoroughly washed with soap and water and the patient can be observed at home for development of symptoms (Grade C). 8) For patients with topical splash exposures of camphor to the eye(s), the eye(s) should be irrigated in accordance with usual poison center procedures and that referral take place based on the presence and severity of symptoms (Grade D). 9) Patients with camphor inhalation exposures should be moved to a fresh air environment and referred for medical care based on the presence and severity of symptoms. It is unlikely that symptoms will progress once the patient is removed from the exposure environment (Grade D).

Camphor↗

Acupressure for prevention of emesis in patients receiving activated charcoal.

OBJECTIVE: Vomiting after activated charcoal decontamination is problematic. Acupressure (traditional Chinese medicine) is an effective treatment for emesis, but has not been tested in overdose patients. We sought to determine (1) the incidence of emesis after activated charcoal and (2) the ability of acupressure to prevent emesis due to activated charcoal. METHODS: Consecutive overdose patients were enrolled in a preliminary, prospective study to determine the incidence of emesis after activated charcoal. Awake patients, > 18 years, received 1 g/kg activated charcoal orally or via nasogastric tube, and then observedfor 1 hour. These patients served as controls forpart 2 of the study, where acupressure bands were placed on overdose patients at the Nei-Guan P-6 point of both wrists prior to activated charcoal, followed by 1 hour observation. Exclusion criteria included: ipecac decontamination, antiemetic drug ingestion, antiemetic drug therapy within 1 hour of activated charcoal, or intubation. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were included in the control group and 106 patients in the acupressure treatment group. Demographics and ingested substances were similar in both groups. 21/81 (25.9%) in the control group vomited and 15/106 (14.2%) in the acupressure group vomited. Acupressure reduced emesis by 46% (p = 0.043; chi2). Within the acupressure group, the median duration of prophylactic acupressure was 5 minutes in those patients without vomiting compared to 4 minutes in those patients with vomiting (NS; Wilcoxon rank sum test). CONCLUSION: The incidence of emesis after activated charcoal at our institution was 26%. Prophylactic acupressure reduced activated charcoal-induced vomiting by 46%. Investigators suggest 5 minutes of acupressure prior to activated charcoal.

Acupressure↗

Plasma salicylate from methyl salicylate cream compared to oil of wintergreen.

BACKGROUND: Poison Control Centers follow the acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) treatment guideline to manage unintentional ingestions of topical methyl salicylate liniments. For example, one teaspoon of 30% methyl salicylate cream such as Ben Gay provides an "ASA equivalent dose" of 180 mg/kg for a 10 kg child. The ASA treatment guideline advises emesis with syrup of Ipecac and 24 h home followup for this dose. Both the ASA conversion factor to yield the ASA equivalent dose and the treatment guideline assume 100% bioavailability of the salicylate. The nature of this topical dosage product led the investigators to expect less than complete absorption of methyl salicylate. OBJECTIVE: To compare plasma concentrations of salicylate from ingested methyl salicylate cream with plasma concentrations of salicylate from ingested oil of wintergreen. METHODS: Four adult volunteers consented to an open label, four-way crossover design, with randomization to the following treatments: 1 mL Oil of Wintergreen, U.S.P., 6.7 g of Ben Gay 15% and 20 g of Ben Gay 15% and also to hold 5 g of Ben Gay 15% cream in the buccal cavity for 1 minute and then expectorate. Plasma was collected for salicylate determination, and the results analyzed with a noncompartmental pharmacokinetic model. RESULTS: No plasma salicylate was detected after buccal treatment phase. Relative bioavailability for the low-dose treatment was 0.5 compared to oil of wintergreen. CONCLUSION: Plasma salicylate concentrations from methyl salicylate cream are not equal to those achieved after ingestion of oil of wintergreen. Dosage formulation must be considered when predicting toxicity.

Absorption↗

Iron ingestion: an evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management.

From 1983 to 1991, iron caused over 30% of the deaths from accidental ingestion of drug products by children. An evidence-based expert consensus process was used to create this guideline. Relevant articles were abstracted by a trained physician researcher. The first draft of the guideline was created by the primary author. The entire panel discussed and refined the guideline before its distribution to secondary reviewers for comment. The panel then made changes in response to comments received. The objective of this guideline is to assist poison center personnel in the appropriate out-of-hospital triage and initial management of patients with suspected ingestions of iron by 1) describing the manner in which an ingestion of iron might be managed, 2) identifying the key decision elements in managing cases of iron ingestion, 3) providing clear and practical recommendations that reflect the current state of knowledge, and 4) identifying needs for research. This guideline applies to ingestion of iron alone and is based on an assessment of current scientific and clinical information. The expert consensus panel recognizes that specific patient care decisions may be at variance with this guideline and are the prerogative of the patient and the health professionals providing care, considering all of the circumstances involved. The panel's recommendations follow; the grade of recommendation is in parentheses. 1) Patients with stated or suspected self-harm or who are victims of malicious administration of an iron product should be referred to an acute care medical facility immediately. This activity should be guided by local poison center procedures. In general, this should occur regardless of the amount ingested (Grade D). 2) Pediatric or adult patients with a known ingestion of 40 mg/kg or greater of elemental iron in the form of adult ferrous salt formulations or who have severe or persistent symptoms related to iron ingestion should be referred to a healthcare facility for medical evaluation. Patients who have ingested less than 40 mg/kg of elemental iron and who are having mild symptoms can be observed at home. Mild symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea occur frequently. These mild symptoms should not necessarily prompt referral to a healthcare facility. Patients with more serious symptoms, such as persistent vomiting and diarrhea, alterations in level of consciousness, hematemesis, and bloody diarrhea require referral. The same dose threshold should be used for pregnant women, however, when calculating the mg/kg dose ingested, the pre-pregnancy weight of the woman should be used (Grade C). 3) Patients with ingestions of children's chewable vitamins plus iron should be observed at home with appropriate follow-up. The presence of diarrhea should not be the sole indicator for referral as these products are often sweetened with sorbitol. Children may need referral for the management of dehydration if vomiting or diarrhea is severe or prolonged (Grade C). 4) Patients with unintentional ingestions of carbonyl iron or polysaccharide-iron complex formulations should be observed at home with appropriate follow-up (Grade C). 5) Ipecac syrup, activated charcoal, cathartics, or oral complexing agents, such as bicarbonate or phosphate solutions, should not be used in the out-of-hospital management of iron ingestions (Grade C). 6) Asymptomatic patients are unlikely to develop symptoms if the interval between ingestion and the call to the poison center is greater than 6 hours. These patients should not need referral or prolonged observation. Depending on the specific circumstances, follow-up calls might be indicated (Grade C).

Evidence-Based Medicine↗

Mechanism of sodium channel blockade in the cardiotoxic action of emetine dihydrochloride in isolated cardiac preparations and ventricular myocytes of guinea pigs.

Emetine is used in the therapy of special forms of amebiasis and is abused as syrup of ipecac by persons with bulimia. Severe cardiac side effects were reported. Thus the intracellular microelectrode technique and the patch-clamp technique in the cell-attached mode were used to study the effects of emetine on the action potential and upstroke velocity (Vmax) in papillary muscles and Purkinje fibers of guinea pigs as well as on macroscopic and (S)-DPI 201-106-modified and unmodified single-sodium-channel current (I(Na)) of guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. Emetine caused a tonic block of Vmax and reduced I(Na) independent of frequency. Hill plots were linear, with slopes ranging from 0.96 to 1.06, suggestive of a first-order reaction. The current-voltage relation was not influenced, indicating a voltage-independent blockade of the sodium channels. The most prominent effects were an increase of sweeps without activity, a decrease of the fast component of the open-time distribution, an increase of the slow component of the closed-time distribution, and a reduction in the number of bursts per record. The amplitude of the unitary current was not changed. From the results, we conclude that I(Na) blockade contributes to the cardiotoxicity of emetine.

Action Potentials↗

Emergency department management of children with acute isoniazid poisoning.

We suggest that the following therapeutic regimen be followed in cases of isoniazid poisoning in children. In cases of intractable seizure activity in a child which remains unexplained, consider isoniazid poisoning. Give pyridoxine as an intravenous bolus to all children in whom isoniazid toxicity is suspected, who exhibit seizure activity and are known to have been exposed to isoniazid, or who have a history of ingesting one gram or more of isoniazid. It should be given on a gram-for-gram basis, and the clinician need not await serum isoniazid levels before administering pyridoxine. It can be safely given at a rate of five grams per three minutes in a 50 ml volume. In fact, serum isoniazid determinations are not available in many emergency departments and have not been shown to correlate closely with symptomatology. When available, serum isoniazid levels at best are subject to variability owing to sampling procedures (serum protein must be removed within two hours of sampling). The result is that serum isoniazid levels play only a minor role in the emergency department management of isoniazid poisoning. To potentiate the antidotal effects of pyridoxine, diazepam (0.1 mg/kg) may be given intravenously, preferably at a second intravenous site. Because the lactic acidosis seen after seizures resolves spontaneously, and because metabolic alkalosis may result following excess lactate loading, administration of bicarbonate is usually not necessary, and may be harmful in some cases. After pyridoxine treatment, syrup of ipecac may be given to empty the stomach.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Gastrotomy and whole bowel irrigation in iron poisoning.

Ipecac and gastric lavage are questionable interventions for the overdose patient, and activated charcoal does not absorb iron. Gastrotomy and whole bowel irrigation have been described as unique interventions for this poisoning. We describe a patient who was treated with each of these. Because less than half of the iron was removed during surgery, and because the chelation requirement was modest, it is likely that whole bowel irrigation removed a significant amount of iron. We believe that this combined approach contributed to our patient's positive outcome.

Adolescent↗

A two-year retrospective study of accidental pediatric albuterol ingestions.

A two-year retrospective review of accidental albuterol ingestions in children less than 12 years old was performed to assess overdose toxicity and to investigate a dose-effect relationship. One hundred twelve exposures were located. Seventeen cases were excluded owing to coingestants, leaving 95 cases for evaluation. Twenty-nine children (30%) remained at home without intervention or telephone followup because of an ingestion of less than 0.6 mg/kg. Twenty-eight patients (30%) were followed at home by telephone (12 of whom received ipecac). Dosages ranged from 1 to 27 mg, with dose/weight ratios of 0.1 to 1.9 mg/kg. Two children experienced transient mild symptoms (irritability, brief nausea, and vomiting). The remaining 26 children were asymptomatic. Thirty eight cases (40%) were treated in an emergency department. Ingestions ranged from 2 to 96 mg, with dose/weight ratios of 0.3 to 6.3 mg/kg. Ages ranged from one to 11 years. Transient restlessness or irritability was observed in 16 patients, tachycardia in 15, tremors in six, and a widened pulse pressure in one. No serious events occurred in this series, and no patient required treatment beyond gastrointestinal decontamination. For ingestions of 0.6 mg/kg or less, treatment at home with observation may be sufficient. For larger ingestions, eg, greater than 0.6 mg/kg, consideration should be given to direct medical evaluation and gastrointestinal decontamination.

Accidents, Home↗

Case of the month. June 1996--anorexia nervosa.

A 32 year old woman with a history of anorexia nervosa began experiencing severe muscle weakness. Proximal weakness was worse than distal and she became unable to walk. Serum creatine kinase was elevated 15-fold and EMG was consistent with a myopathic process. Muscle biopsy showed focal areas of absent staining using NADH and ATPase enzyme histochemistry. Gomori trichrome revealed many positive inclusions which were positive using immunohistochemistry for actin. Electron microscopy revealed these areas to contain cytoid bodies with Z-band streaming and disorganization of the myofibrillar network. These findings are consistent with the myopathy associated with ipecac (emetine) toxicity. A urine toxicology screen demonstrated evidence of emetine abuse, which was later admitted by the patient. Following discontinuation of the drug, the patient recovered normal muscle strength.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Evaluation of a community based childhood injury prevention program.

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of a community based childhood injury prevention program on the reduction of home hazards. METHODS: High risk pregnant women, who were enrolled in a home visiting program that augments existing health and human services, received initial home safety assessments. Clients received education about injury prevention practices, in addition to receiving selected home safety supplies. Fourteen questions from the initial assessment tool were repeated upon discharge from the program. Matched analyses were conducted to evaluate differences from initial assessment to discharge. RESULTS: A significantly larger proportion of homes were assessed as safe at discharge, compared with the initial assessment, for the following hazards: children riding unbuckled in all auto travel, Massachusetts Poison Center sticker on the telephone, outlet plugs in all unused electrical outlets, safety latches on cabinets and drawers, and syrup of ipecac in the home. CONCLUSIONS: A community based childhood injury prevention program providing education and safety supplies to clients significantly reduced four home hazards for which safety supplies were provided. Education and promotion of the proper use of child restraint systems in automobiles significantly reduced a fifth hazard, children riding unbuckled in auto travel. This program appears to reduce the prevalence of home hazards and, therefore, to increase home safety.

Accidents, Home↗