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- Epidemiology of patients with snake bite or envenomation in emergency department: NEDIS (National Emergency Department Information System)
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Lee Serok, Jeon Woochan
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2022;20(2):45-50. Published online December 31, 2022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2022.20.2.45
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- Purpose: This study utilizes the NEDIS (National Emergency Department Information System) database to suggest a predictive model for snakebite and envenomation in Korea by analyzing the geographical distribution and seasonal variation of snakebite patients visiting the ER. Methods: This was a retrospective study on snakebite patients visiting the ER using the NEDIS database from January 2014 to December 2019. The subjects include patients with the KCD (Korea Standard Classification of Disease) disease code T63.0 (Toxic effect of contact with snake venom). Geographical location, patient gender, patient age, date of ER visit, treatment during the ER stay, and disposition were recorded to analyze the geographical distribution and seasonal variation of snakebite patients in Korea. Results: A total of 12,521 patients were evaluated in this study (7,170 males, 54.9%; 5,351 females, 40.9%). The average age was 58.5±17.5 years. In all, 7,644 patients were admitted with an average admission time of 5.04±4.7 days, and 2 patients expired while admitted. The geographical distribution was Gyeongsang 3,370 (26.9%), Cheonra 2,692 (21.5%), Chungcheong 2,667 (21.3%), Seoul Capital area 1,999 (16.0%), Kangwon 1,457 (11.6%), and Jeju 336 (2.7%). The seasonal variation showed insignificant incidences in winter and higher severity in spring and summer than in fall: winter 27 (0.2%), spring 2,268 (18.1%), summer 6,847 (54.7%), and fall 3,380 (27.0%). Conclusion: Patients presenting with snakebites and envenomation in the emergency room were most common in the Gyeongsang area and during summer. The simple seasonal model predicted that 436 snakebites and 438 envenomation cases occurred in July and August. The results of this study can be applied to suitably distribute and stock antivenom. Appropriate policies can be formed to care for snakebite patients in Korea.
- A Case Report of Envenomation and Injury by a Poisonous Spine of A Marble Motoro (Potamotrygon Motoro)
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Min Hong Choa, Seung Ho Jun, Duk Hwan Kim, Jong Su Park, Su Jin Kim, Yun Sik Hong, Sung Woo Lee
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2013;11(1):46-48. Published online June 30, 2013
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- Potamotrygon motoro, also known as the Marble motoro, is a potamodromous freshwater ray native to the basins of the Amazon River. Marble motoros were introduced to South Korea in the 2000s, and, because they are easy to raise, were sold as aquarium fish. The aim of this report is to illustrate a new case involving envenomation by a Marble motoro. A 35-year-old commercial aquarium assistant came to the hospital after being pricked by a Marble motoro. The clinical picture in this case showed acute local pain with minimal systemic manifestations. This patient recovered after receiving symptomatic treatment and wound care. This case of envenomation accentuates the potential for injury among people coming in contact with a venomous Marble motoro.
- A Case of Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning
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Hyun-Min Jung, Ji-Hye Kim, Jin-Hui Paik, Jun-Sig Kim, Jung-Hun Kim, Seung-Baik Han
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2011;9(2):109-112. Published online December 31, 2011
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- Aluminum phosphide is commonly used as a rodenticidal agent in agricultural workplaces. However, reported cases of aluminum phosphide poisoning in Korea are rare. Upon contact with moisture in the air, aluminum phosphide releases highly toxic phosphine gas ($PH_3$). $PH_3$ is readily absorbed through lung epithelium and into the bloodstream. Phosphine may cause denaturing of oxyhemoglobin and enzymes important to respiration and metabolism, and also may effect cellular membranes. There are numerous complications associated with acute aluminum phosphide poisoning including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiac toxicities. We report the case of a 46-year-old man who suffered from respiratory and cardiac toxicities after unintentional aluminum phosphide exposure. More intensive education for prevention is recommended.
- A Case of Chemical Burn Caused by Trifluoroacetic Anhydride that Mimicked a Hydrofluoric Acid Burn
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Jung-Soo Park, Hoon Kim, Suk-Woo Lee
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2010;8(1):43-45. Published online June 30, 2010
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- A 22-year-old woman was referred to our emergency department for the treatment of a chemical injury on her arm. She had accidentally spilled 99% trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) over her left forearm during an organic chemistry experiment. She visited a primary care unit, and then she was referred to our hospital for inactivation of the released fluoride ions. Her skin lesions were different from those caused by hydrofluoric acid (HF) injury. The injured area showed painful whitish maculae and patchy areas with accentuated rim. No vesiculation and bulla formation was detected. We intradermally injected a 5% solution of calcium through a 24-gauge needle into the burned skin. After the injection, she complained of more severe pain. Although TFAA contains fluorine, it does not release free fluoride ions on contact with the skin, unlike HF. In fact, application of calcium gluconate for TFAA burns is not recommended. Rather, it should be avoided since it increases pain and local abscess formation.
- Acute Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure: Our Clinical Experience at Emergency Centers in Two University Teaching Hospitals
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Kyu-Hong Han, Jung-Il Yang, Seung-Yook Jo, Yong-Chul Cho, Seung Ryu, Jin-Woong Lee, Seung-Whan Kim, In-Sool Yoo, Yeon-Ho You, Jung-Soo Park
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2009;7(2):121-126. Published online December 31, 2009
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- Purpose: We investigated the clinical characteristics and demographics of patients who suffered from hydrofluoric acid chemical injury and the mechanism of damage. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were exposed to hydrofluoric acid from March 2004 to March 2009 and who were seen at the emergency centers in two university teaching hospitals. Results: Forty four patients out of 47 patients suffered from chemical burn, while the injuries of the remaining 3 could not be identified by the medical records. A total of 17 hydrofluoric acid chemical injury patients were enrolled during the study period, and their mean age was $29.6{pm}7.0$. All the patients were accidentally injured by contact with the material and none of them inhaled or ingested the material. Only 6 patients wore appropriate protective equipments and 5 underwent the water irrigation for more than 10 minutes. The most common exposure area was the hand and forearm (70.5%). Less than 1% of all of the patients had their total body surface (TBS) exposed to hydrofluoric acid (mean=0.35%). The mean time interval from calcium gluconate administration to pain relief was $33.6{pm}8.8$ hours. Conclusion: When exposed to hydrofluoric acid, it is important to wear protective equipment and undergo water irrigation for more than 10 minutes. Pain and skin damage were observed in all the patients. After treatment, we concluded that administration of calcium gluconate and pain killers was successful in relieving pain, and the prognosis was also positive for the admitted and followed up patients when less than 1% of the TBS was exposed.
- Analysis of Patients with Acute Industrial Toxic Exposure at an Emergency Department in an Industrial Complex
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Jun-Hyun Shin, Sung-Woo Moon, Seung-Won Baek, Sung-Ik Lim, Young-Hun Yoon, Sung-Woo Lee, Yun-Sik Hong
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2008;6(2):117-122. Published online December 31, 2008
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- Purpose: Surveys on poisoning usually involves intoxication rather than inhalation, skin contact, etc. Therefore, we examined the characteristics of patients who visited the emergency department in an industrial complex after acute industrial exposure to toxic materials. Methods: Medical records of patients exposed to toxic materials in the work places from April, 2006, to March, 2008, were analyzed retrospectively. Inhalation patients due to fire were excluded. Results: Subjects included 66 patients, with a mean age of $35.4{pm}10.9$ years, mostly men (91%). Toxicity occurred in 51 patients (77%) by contact, 15 patients (23%) by inhalation, and none by oral ingestion. For toxic materials, 10 patients were exposed to hydrofluoric acid, 8 to hydrochloric acid, 7 to sodium hydroxide, 7 to metals, and others. The face and hands were the most frequent exposure site by contact. Most exposures were caused by accidents, with 29 cases (42%) exposed because of carelessness or not wearing protective equipment. Most complaints were pain on exposure site, but 7 of the inhalation patients complained of dyspnea. The majority of patients with contact exposure were discharged after wound care or observation. After inhalation exposure, 1 patient died and 5 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Major causes of workplace exposure were not wearing protective equipment or carelessness. Although contact exposures are usually benign, cautious observation and management are required in patients with inhalation exposure.
- A Case of Organophosphate Insecticide Intoxication by Repetitive Parenteral Exposure, Complicated with Intermediate Syndrome and Acute Pancreatitis
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Se-Hyun Oh, Hui-Dong Kang, Boo-Soo Lee
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2006;4(2):161-165. Published online December 31, 2006
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- Organophosphate insecticides, commonly used in agriculture, are a gradually increasing cause of accidental and suicidal poisoning. Intoxication can occur by ingestion, inhalation or dermal contact. Exposure to organophosphorus agents causes a sequentially triphasic illness consisting of the cholinergic phase, the intermediate syndrome, and organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy. Acute pancreatitis as a rare complication of organophosphate intoxication has also been infrequently observed. We report a case of intoxication with organophosphate (phos-phamidon) by parenteral exposure (inhalation and/or dermal contact). A 34-year-old male patient was transferred to our Emergency Medical Center and was intubated due to a progressive respiratory failure. He presented with meiotic pupils, cranial nerve palsies, weak respiration, and proximal limb motor weaknesses without sensory changes. He had been employed in filling syringes with phosphamidon during the previous month. Because the patient's history and symptoms suggested organophosphate intoxication with intermediate syndrome, he was mechanically ventilated for 18 days with continuous infusion of atropine and pralidoxime (total amounts of 159 mg and 216 g, respectively). During his admission, hyperamylasemia and hyperli-pasemia were detected, and his abdominal CT scan showed a finding compatible with acute pancreatitis. He was administered a conservative treatment with NPO and nasogastric drainage. The patient was discharged and showed neither gastrointestinal nor neurologic sequelae upon follow up at one week and three months.
- A Case of anterograde amnesia with hippocampal lesions following glufosinate intoxication
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Seung-Hwan Seol, Hyeon-Soo Park, Jung-Hwan Ahn, Hee-Young Park, Phil-Hyu Lee, Gi-Woon Kim
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2006;4(1):61-64. Published online June 30, 2006
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- Glufosinate ammonium (GLA), a phosphinic acid derivate of glutamate, is a broad-spectrum contact herbicide. It structurally resembles glutamate, a typical excitatory amino acid in the central nervous system. In korea, the ingestion of GLA for suicidal attempt or accidental event has increased. The neurological complication of GLA intoxication are characterized by loss of consciousness, convulsion, or memory impairment. But, the exact mechanism of GLA toxicity is yet unknown. This report is about a patient with GLA intoxication who showed anterograde amnesia with selective bilateral hip-pocampal lesions supported GLA intoxication with literature reviews supported.
- Two Cases of Contact Urticaria Syndrome from Cefotiam in Nurses
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Pyeong-Moon Jang, Jung-Won Lee, Yong-Seung Kim, Young-Shin Cho, Ki-Won Yu, Hoon Lim, Ho-Jung Kim
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2006;4(1):65-68. Published online June 30, 2006
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- Contact urticaria describes a wheal and falre response elicitied within 30-60 minutes after cutaneous exposure to certain agents. Contact urticaria encompasses a number of different clinical manifestations and the symptoms which can vary from the mildest forms of burning, stinging and itching sensation to life-threatening anaphylaxis referred to as contact urticaria syndrome. Cefotiam is one of the most popular second generation cephem antibiotic used in korea. Since 1975, contact urticaria due to cephalosporins has been reported, and also, in japan, this reported from about last 15 years. Recently we experienced three nurses working at the general wards with showing contact urticaria and anaphylaxis after occupational exposure to cefotiam antibiotics.
- A Case Report of Liquid-Lye (NaOH) Ingestion Complicated with Gastroesophageal Perforation
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Hee-Bum Yang, Young-Mo Yang, Sung-Youp Hong
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2005;3(2):99-102. Published online December 31, 2005
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- The caustic drugs are classified into acid and alkali. Oral intake of these drugs cause histological injuries to the surfaces of oral cavity, laryngopharynx, and esophagus. Caustic drugs such as detergents and brilliants are easily contacted at homes. However, until now, the epidemiology and the clinical statistics of caustic drug ingestion in Korea were not carried out. This is a case report of sodium hydroxide - lye, a caustic drug more toxic than the others - ingestion with complication of gastroesophageal perforation, rapidly progressed mediastinitis and prompt death in the course of treatment.
- Paraquat Poisoning by Skin Absorption
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Jong Oh Yang, Hyo Wook Gil, Eun Young Lee, Sae Yong Hong
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2004;2(2):101-105. Published online December 31, 2004
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- Purpose: Paraquat is the most commonly used herbicide in Korea. Exposure to paraquat through the skin has resulted in local irritation or inflammation of varying degree, sometimes severe. The purpose of this study was to review the patients with paraquat poisoning by skin absorption. Methods: We analysed retrospectively the clinical and laboratory findings of 45 patients with paraquat poisoning after dermal exposure, who were admitted to Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital from January 1999 to December 2003. Results: Among 870 cases of paraquat poisoning, 45 cases were exposed to paraquat through the skin. The peak incidence was the fifth decade($40\%$). The clinical symptoms were pain, pruritus, nausea, and vomiting. The major skin lesions were generalized vesicobullae and necrotic erosion in face, scrotum, trunk, upper and lower extremities and etc. All patients were survived after skin contact or inhalation of paraquat. Conclusion: This study illustrates the extreme toxicity of paraquat and demonstrates that lethal quantities of paraquat may be absorbed if repeated exposure to it. Stricter precautions, including the mandatory use of protective clothing, should be recommended whenever this material is used.
- Analyses of Suicide Victims Admitted via the Emergency Department -Based on Psychiatric Histories, Past Suicidal Attempts and Psychiatric Diagnoses-
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Jae Min Hur, Woo Chan Chun, Young Gi Min, Yoon Seok Jung
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2004;2(2):106-115. Published online December 31, 2004
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- Purpose: This study analyzed the general features, psychiatric histories, past suicidal attempts and psychiatric diagnoses of suicide victims admitted via the emergency department (ED). Methods: Reviewing the charts of 138 inpatients of suicide attempts admitted via the ED from January 2002 to December 2003, we analyzed various data, including sex, age, season, stressful events, psychiatric histories, previous suicidal attempts, and psychiatric diagnoses during admission, and we used a chi-square test to chart the statistical data. Results: A significant difference was found between 1 st attempts and repeated attempts as to the mechanical methods used for the suicide attempts, There was a significant difference in the kinds of drugs between patients with and without psychiatric histories. In the psychiatric diagnosis, there was a significant difference in AXIS I between patients with and without psychiatric histories. In AXIS II, there was a significant difference between patients with and without psychiatric histories, 1st attempts and repeated attempts. Conclusion: We emphasize the importance of psychiatric consults, treatments, and follow-ups for suicide victims and the emergency physicians' function in helping them to contact psychiatric doctors.
- Dialysis Related Treatment to Increase Elimination of Toxic Agent
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Heung-Soo Kim, Gyu-Tae Shin
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J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2003;1(1):6-11. Published online June 30, 2003
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- Various forms of dialytic techniques are available for detoxification. Hemodialysis, hemoperfusion and hemofiltration (hemodialfiltration) are the main treatment modalities. Because these modalities are rather invasive and expensive, it must be decided in balance of the risk and benefit to the patient. The prime consideration in the decision is based on the clinical features of poisoning; hemodialysis or hemoperfusion should be considered in general if the patient's condition progressively deteriorates despite intensive supportive therapy. The hemodialysis technique relies on passage of the toxic agent through a semipermeable membrane so that it can equilibrate with the dialysate and subsequently removed. It needs a blood pump to pass blood next to a dialysis membrane, which allows agents permeable to the membrane to pass through and reach equilibrium. Solute (or drug) removal by dialysis has numerous determinants such as solute size, its lipid solubility, the degree to which it is protein bound, its volume of distribution etc. The technique of hemoperfusion is similar to hemodialysis except there is no dialysis membrane or dialysate involved in the procedure. The patient's blood is pumped through a perfusion cartridge, where it is in direct contact with adsorptive material (usually activated charcoal) that has a coating material such as cellulose. This method can be used successfully with lipid-soluble compounds and with higher-molecular-weight compounds than for hemodialysis. Protein binding does not significantly interfere with removal by hemoperfusion. In conclusion, hemodialysis, hemoperfusion and hemofiltration can be used effectively as adjuncts to the management of severely intoxicated patients.
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