Clinical evaluation of the poisoned patient and toxic syndromes

Poisonings and toxic exposures are prominent causes of morbidity and mortality in patients that present to the emergency department. The American Association of Poison Control Centers, in its 1994 annual report, cites a 10% increase in the number of reported cases of poison exposure. The clinical evaluation and management of such patients remain challenging. Few specific antidotes are available for the many potential poisonings that occur annually. Rapid stabilization, resuscitation, and recognition of major toxic syndromes, along with appropriate utilization of laboratory testing, guide the clinician in the treatment of such patients.