Cleaning and Disinfectant Chemical Exposures and Temporal Associations with COVID-19 - National Poison Data System, United States, January 1, 2020-March 31, 2020.

On January 19, 2020, the state of Washington reported the first U.S. laboratory-confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2 (1). As of April 19, a total of 720,630 COVID-19 cases and 37,202 associated deaths* had been reported to CDC from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories (2). CDC recommends, with precautions, the proper cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces to help mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (3). To assess whether there might be a possible association between COVID-19 cleaning recommendations from public health agencies and the media and the number of chemical exposures reported to the National Poison Data System (NPDS), CDC and the American Association of Poison Control Centers surveillance team compared the number of exposures reported for the period January-March 2020 with the number of reports during the same 3-month period in 2018 and 2019. Fifty-five poison centers in the United States provide free, 24-hour professional advice and medical management information regarding exposures to poisons, chemicals, drugs, and medications. Call data from poison centers are uploaded in near real-time to NPDS. During January-March 2020, poison centers received 45,550 exposure calls related to cleaners (28,158) and disinfectants (17,392), representing overall increases of 20.4% and 16.4% from January-March 2019 (37,822) and January-March 2018 (39,122), respectively. Although NPDS data do not provide information showing a definite link between exposures and COVID-19 cleaning efforts, there appears to be a clear temporal association with increased use of these products.

Using Pill Identification Calls to Poison Centers as a Marker of Drug Abuse at Three Texas Military Bases.

OBJECTIVES: Opioid abuse is a growing problem in civilian communities, and it has developed in the military as well. Telephone calls to poison centers requesting pill identification (ID) is a marker of drug abuse. This study identifies the number of pill ID calls made to the poison centers from areas containing and surrounding three Texas military bases during an 8-year period. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study identifying calls to certified poison centers in Texas from 2002 to 2009 that identified hydrocodone tablets and other pain medications. We noted the calls made from ZIP codes containing and surrounding the three largest military bases in Texas. RESULTS: We reviewed 75,537 drug ID calls for any drug from the ZIP codes of interest. Total drug ID calls increased 105% and the number of calls for hydrocodone increased 463%. CONCLUSIONS: In our study most of the drug ID calls from military communities in Texas were for hydrocodone. The rate of calls for hydrocodone increased more than the rate of calls for other analgesics from 2002 to 2009. Using drug ID calls as a surrogate of drug abuse, our results suggest that hydrocodone abuse has increased within military communities and that poison center data can be a reliable surrogate for prescription drug abuse near military bases. Future studies are needed to further understand the extent of this problem in military and civilian communities. We can use this information to heighten awareness, influence prescription practices, establish practice guidelines, and develop educational programs to mitigate the increasing rate of prescription analgesic abuse in the United States.

A Large Case Series of Acute Pediatric Methotrexate Ingestions: Significant Clinical Effects Are Rare.

OBJECTIVE: Significant adverse effects after acute pediatric methotrexate (MTX) exposures have been limited to parenteral exposures. Treatment recommendations for pediatric MTX exposures do not differentiate between routes of exposure. We report the incidence of significant clinical effects and drug-specific treatments reported in a large series of acute, pediatric MTX ingestions. METHODS: Poison center records of all MTX ingestions by patients younger than 17 years during 2000 to 2005 were collected from 6 poison centers. The cases included all MTX ingestions including those with additional substances. One trained reviewer, blinded to the study purpose, used a standardized data collection form to extract study data. Missing or conflicting data were reconciled with predetermined process. RESULTS: Forty-seven cases were documented for 6 years, 42 (89%) of which were unintentional. Thirty-six percent (17/47) were male. The mean age for the unintentional ingestions was 3.7 years (range, 20 days-17 y; median, 2 y). Five cases (11%) were intentional suicidal ingestions in teenagers. The mean dose in acute, unintentional ingestions (AUIs) in all children and in children younger than 6 years was the same, 8 mg (range, 2.5-17.5 mg). Eleven patients (23%) had follow-up greater than 12 hours. No patient with an AUI developed MTX-induced sedation, hepatotoxicity, renal insufficiency, seizures, or bone marrow suppression. Three patients with an AUI received folinic acid, but no patients in this group received sodium bicarbonate or hemodialysis. One patient with an intentional suicidal exposure developed hepatotoxicity, but the patient also ingested a toxic dose of acetaminophen and valproate. Hemodialysis was performed once on this patient. No patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Acute pediatric MTX ingestion is uncommon. Methotrexate-induced seizure, renal failure, hepatic injury, and sedation were not documented in our series. Supportive care and observation only should be considered the mainstay of treatment of pediatric AUIs. Prospective verification of our findings is warranted.

Acute methotrexate ingestions in adults: a report of serious clinical effects and treatments.

Objective. Limited reported data have reports effects after acute ingestion of methotrexate. Treatment recommendations do not differentiate between exposure routes. Our objective was to determine the frequency of significant toxicity effects and use of therapy after methotrexate ingestion in adults. Methods. We performed a retrospective study on adult cases reported to 6 poison centers over 6 years (2000-2005) which exceed 180,000 exposures/year. Variables collected included demographics, dosages ingested, coingestions, clinical effects, and therapies with outcomes. Results. Sixty-three patients examined over the 6-year period met inclusion criteria. No patient in the series received dialysis or died. The mean dose ingested for all patients was 24 mg (range 2.5-100 mg) and the mean dose for suicidal ingestions was 47.5 mg (12.5-100 mg). The most common clinical effects were abdominal pain, oral irritation, throat irritation, nausea, dizziness, and headache. Nine patients received folinic acid and 3 patients received sodium bicarbonate. No patient developed renal failure, bone marrow suppression, seizure, or coma. No patient died or received dialysis. Conclusion. In our series of patients from 6 poison centers over six years, 63 cases of acute adult methotrexate ingestions were reported. Methotrexate toxicity from ingestion in adults was uncommon and rarely toxic.

Patterns of cyanide antidote use since regulatory approval of hydroxocobalamin in the United States.

Sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate are common cyanide antidotes. Hydroxocobalamin was approved for use in the United States in 2006. Our objective was to determine the frequency of antidote use as reported to the US poison centers from 2005 to 2009 and describe which antidotes were used in critically ill cyanide toxic patients. We performed a retrospective review over 5 years (2005-2009) from 61 US poison centers. We identified all cyanide-exposed cases that received a cyanide antidote. Variables collected included demographics, gastric decontamination, antidote used, predefined serious clinical effects (hypotension, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and coma), and predefined serious therapies (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, vasopressors, atropine, anticonvulsant, antidysrhythmic, and intubation/ventilation). One trained abstractor abstracted each chart to a standardized electronic form. Another investigator audited 20% of the charts. Kappa values were calculated. One hundred sixty-five exposures were identified. Mean age was 42 years (range, 3-93 years). Seventy-one percent were male. Exposures were 27% ingestion and 53% inhalation. Thirty-two percent of the ingestions were suicide attempts. Twenty percent (32 of 157) of all cases died. Over all years reported, hydroxocobalamin was administered to 29% (45 of 157) of patients, sodium nitrite to 25%, and sodium thiosulfate to 46%. Hydroxocobalamin use increased from 24% to 54% from 2007 to 2009, respectively (P = 0.024). Sodium thiosulfate use decreased from 73% to 31% (P = 0.002) and sodium nitrite use decreased from 26% to 14% (P = 0.39). The proportion of cases with serious clinical effects that received hydroxocobalamin increased each year, and the proportion that received other antidotes decreased. Hydroxocobalamin was also administered more often in cases that required serious therapies and increased each year. Hydroxocobalamin use for cyanide toxicity increased each year as reported to the US poison centers. Reported use of sodium thiosulfate and sodium nitrite decreased over the same years. In addition, hydroxocobalamin was used more often each year in critically ill cyanide toxic patients than were sodium nitrite or sodium thiosulfate.

A descriptive study of adverse events from clenbuterol misuse and abuse for weight loss and bodybuilding.

BACKGROUND: Clenbuterol is a ß2-agonist approved in the United States for veterinary use in nonfood animals. Clenbuterol use is emerging among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts attracted to the hypertrophic and lipolytic effects. CASES: This was a retrospective chart review of clenbuterol exposures reported to 2 poison control centers. Misuse of clenbuterol for weight loss and bodybuilding was reported in 11 of 13 clenbuterol users. Reported clinical effects included tachycardia, widened pulse pressure, tachypnea, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, ST changes on electrocardiogram (ECG), elevated troponin, elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK), palpitations, chest pain, and tremor. Measured serum clenbuterol concentration was 2983 pg/mL post 4.5 mg ingestion. Co-ingestants included T3 and anabolic steroids. Treatments included activated charcoal, benzodiazepines, ß-blockers, potassium replacement, and intravenous (IV) fluid. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increasing use of the Internet for illicit drug use for bodybuilding and weight loss purposes. These patients may not present as the stereotype of illicit drug abusers, but as healthy athletic low-risk patients. Clinical effects persisted greater than 24 hours with evidence of myocardial injury in 2 patients. Clenbuterol is increasingly being abused within the bodybuilding subculture. These cases illustrate the hidden dangers of clenbuterol abuse among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.

Evaluation of changes in poisoning in young children: 2000 to 2010.

OBJECTIVE: The nature of pediatric poisonings is dynamic, with changes occurring over time. We evaluated poisoning in children younger than 6 years for trends during an 11-year period regarding the substances involved in the poisoning, medical outcomes, and health care use. METHODS: This was retrospective study of poisoning in children younger than 6 years reported to 12 poison centers in 5 U.S. states for the years 2000 through 2010. Data abstracted included substance category involved in the exposure, age of patient, year of occurrence, location of patient management, and medical outcome. RESULTS: There were 2,577,036 poison exposures in children younger than 6 years, with a 12.4% increase from 210,270 poison exposures in 2000 to 236,425 poison exposures in 2010. There was a 33% increase (P < 0.05) in pharmaceutical related exposures in children younger than 6 years and a 2.8% decline in the number of nonpharmaceutical related exposures. Among those substance categories representing more than 1% of exposures, the only pharmaceutical showing decline was cough/cold preparations. There was a 53% increase in serious medical outcomes, including 119 deaths and a significant increase in health care facility use, primarily owing to pharmaceutical exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Poisoning in young children increasingly involves pharmaceuticals and is associated with an increased number of serious outcomes and children treated in a health care facility. We believe that these changes are related to increased availability of medications in the home and poison prevention education efforts should include a focus on the availability of these products to small children.

Incidence of tricyclic antidepressant-like complications after cyclobenzaprine overdose.

BACKGROUND: The cyclobenzaprine structure is similar to amitriptyline; however, tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)-like wide complex dysrhythmia has not been reported. Our objective was to determine the incidence of TCA-like effects in cyclobenzaprine overdoses as reported to 6 poison centers for 2 years. We compared the incidence of these effects to amitriptyline overdoses collected during the same period. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 2 years of cases as reported to the Texas Poison Center Network. We identified sole ingestions of cyclobenzaprine and of amitriptyline. Cases had a recorded clinical outcome and clinical effect. A trained reviewer used a standard data collection sheet within a secured electronic database. One investigator audited a random sample of charts. RESULTS: We identified 3974 cases of cyclobenzaprine calls. Of these, we collected 209 cases of acute overdoses without coingestions. There were no deaths. No cases of cyclobenzaprine ingestions were reported to have died or have a wide QRS or ventricular dysrhythmia. Seizures were reported in 2 cases; however, both were unrelated to cyclobenzaprine. Hypotension was reported in 1.4% (3/209) of cases, and a vasopressor was used in one case (0.5%). Patients with an amitriptyline overdose were more likely to have seizure, coma, tachycardia, a wide QRS or ventricular dysrhythmia, and have received sodium bicarbonate or be intubated. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclobenzaprine overdoses were not reported to cause widened QRS, ventricular dysrhythmias, or seizures, and hypotension was rarely reported. Tricyclic antidepressant-related effects occurred more often in our comparison group of amitriptyline overdoses.

Unintentional therapeutic errors involving insulin in the ambulatory setting reported to poison centers.

BACKGROUND: Adverse drug events in the ambulatory care setting are not uncommon and can cause significant morbidity. Little research has been published on the management of adverse drug events involving insulin in the outpatient setting. OBJECTIVE: To analyze data on patients with unintentional therapeutic errors involving insulin managed by 9 regional poison control centers. METHODS: A retrospective search was performed for all records involving insulin at 9 poison centers, covering the population of 4 states for the years 2000-2009. A subgroup of the study population was selected with a reason for exposure of "unintentional-therapeutic error." RESULTS: There were 3819 insulin exposures reported, with an increase in the annual incidence of insulin exposures of 279% (from 170 to 645 patients/year) and a mean annual increase of 18%. Of the insulin exposures, 2584 were unintentional therapeutic errors (68%). The percentage of all insulin exposures that were unintentional therapeutic errors increased progressively, from 41% to 78%. There was a 495% increase in annual incidence of unintentional therapeutic errors involving insulin, with a mean annual increase of 28%. Unintentional therapeutic errors involving insulin occurred primarily in adults >40 years (73%), with 63% occurring in women. There was a pronounced increase in unintentional therapeutic errors involving insulin in the later evening hours, with 71% occurring between 1800 and 2400 and reaching a peak at 2200. The majority (n = 1803; 70%) of patients were managed in a non-health-care facility location, primarily their own residence. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of an increasing trend of insulin-related unintentional therapeutic errors in the ambulatory setting. Our study highlights a number of striking features, including: (1) a consistent and dramatic increase of unintentional therapeutic errors involving insulin over the 10-year period, (2) a high incidence of unintentional therapeutic errors involving insulin in the late evening hours, and (3) a high incidence of unintentional therapeutic errors involving insulin involving adults >40 years and females. With their 24/7 availability, poison centers appear to be an increasingly important resource for patients experiencing unintentional therapeutic errors involving insulin.

Diphenhydramine dose-response: a novel approach to determine triage thresholds.

CONTEXT: It is unclear how much diphenhydramine (DPH) is toxic in humans. Previous dose-response studies have had conflicting results. Objective. We sought to evaluate DPH dose-response using a unique method that utilizes acetaminophen (APAP) serum concentrations to estimate DPH doses in patients ingesting APAP/DPH in a fixed-combination product. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed APAP/DPH-only exposures in patients 2-80 years of age using case data from 15 U.S. poison centers. DPH dose was extrapolated from measured serum APAP concentrations. A clinically significant response (CSR) was predefined in terms of eight specific manifestations (e.g., coma) that would warrant emergency department intervention. Nominal logistic regression was used to model the probability of each recorded manifestation across DPH dose ranges examining fits for mg, mg/kg, log10 mg, and log10 mg/kg DPH doses. The threshold value where patients reliably became symptomatic was determined by further examining receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: There were 509 cases that met inclusion criteria. Forty-five patients (9%) developed CSRs. A higher percentage of patients developed CSR at ≥ 7.5 mg/kg DPH and ≥1 g total DPH cutoff points (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test). The best model for predicting the probability of CSR was a logistic fit of log(10) mg/kg dose (p < 0.05). By this model, for every 1 log(10) unit increase of mg/kg DPH dose, the odds of developing a CSR increased 47-fold (95% CI 17, 154). Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed a dose-related progression of symptoms. The cut-point with greatest sensitivity (98%) versus 1-specificity (57%) corresponded to an extrapolated mg/kg DPH dose of 8.2 mg/kg (95% CI 5.6, 10.5). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the current American Association of Poison Control Centers' guideline recommendation to refer patients to the hospital for evaluation if they have ingested greater than or equal to 7.5 mg/kg of DPH.

Emergency medical services' use of poison control centers for unintentional drug ingestions.

INTRODUCTION: Every year, emergency medical services (EMS) providers respond to thousands of calls for toxic ingestions. Many systems have begun using poison control centers (PCCs) when unsure of disposition. We sought to determine the type of exposures EMS personnel were using the PCCs for and treatments suggested. Secondary end points included transport rate after consulting the PCC and amount of money saved by avoiding unnecessary transports. METHODS: This study was a qualitative retrospective chart review. Encounters between 2004 and 2006 originating in Austin, TX, were queried and limited to accidental ingestion calls placed by prehospital personnel. Data from charts were then analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 386 charts met inclusion criteria for this study. Household chemicals were the most frequently encountered agents. The most common recommendation was to observe patients at home for the development of concerning symptoms. In only 6% of cases did the PCC recommend administration of medication. Also of interest was the fact that only 63 patients were transported (16%). CONCLUSIONS: It is unreasonable to expect prehospital providers to know what to do for every toxic exposure. This study suggests that the use of PCCs by EMS systems can be beneficial to patient care. For the time period of this study, EMS crews who contacted the PCC saved the City of Austin more than $205,000 in unnecessary ambulance transport costs. When emergency department expenses are factored in and other regions of the country are included, the savings would likely be much greater. This modality is an important resource for providers in a potentially uncertain realm.

Validation of the American Association of Poison Control Centers out of hospital guideline for pediatric diphenhydramine ingestions.

CONTEXT: In 2006, the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) published an out of hospital guideline for diphenhydramine overdoses in children. This guideline has not been validated. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the incidence of serious clinical effects or use of medical treatments after unintentional diphenhydramine ingestions in children. We sought to determine if patients with less than 7.5 mg/kg ingestions developed medical complications of diphenhydramine toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our observational case series, we searched 7 years of data (2000-2006) in the Texas Poison Center Network for diphenhydramine using the AAPCC generic codes. We included only acute, single ingestions of diphenhydramine in children under 6 years old. We included only patients with a recorded weight, known amount of ingestant, and known follow-up. We defined "serious clinical effects" as hallucinations, seizure, wide QRS on electrocardiogram, wide complex dysrhythmia, any conduction block, hypotension, hypertension, rhabdomyolysis, pyrexia, dystonia, coma, respiratory depression, or death. One trained abstractor reviewed the data and entered it into an electronic data collection form. Twenty percent of the charts were audited for abstractor agreement. RESULTS: Our search resulted in 928 cases. Of these, 305 were included in our study. Of the patients who ingested doses less than 7.5 mg/kg, 99.7% (299/300) did not require critical treatments or were without serious clinical effects. One child was admitted. Five children ingested doses of more than 7.5 mg/kg. All five were observed in the emergency department and discharged home. Two patients had serious clinical effects of hallucinations, one of which ingested more than 7.5 mg/kg. No child required critical treatments. Our agreement on chart review for 20% of the cases was very good for "serious clinical effects" (kappa, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.39-1.0) and excellent for "critical treatments" (kappa, 1.0). CONCLUSION: Based on our observational case series, 99.6% of patients who reportedly ingested doses less than 7.5 mg/kg did not develop serious clinical effects or require admission. Pediatric ingestions over 7.5 mg/kg were uncommon in our study population. Serious clinical effects, critical treatments, and admission from diphenhydramine were rare in children under 6 years old.

Texas coral snake (Micrurus tener) bites.

BACKGROUND: The clinical features of bites from Texas coral snakes (Micrurus tener) have not been well studied. Our goal was to review the largest number of victims of Texas coral snakebites to determine their characteristics, effects, treatment, and outcome. METHODS: Retrospective case series of Micrurus tener exposures reported to the Texas Poison Center Network from 2000 to 2004. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included in the analysis. Most (57.3%) were 18 to 49-year-old men. Almost 90% had local swelling, pain, erythema, or paresthesias. Only 7.3% had systemic effects, and none of these were severe. Over half received coral snake antivenin, and 15.9% were given opioids for pain. No patient died and no patient required mechanical ventilation due to hypoventilation from the snakebite. CONCLUSIONS: There were more local findings and less severe systemic effects than previously reported. Antivenin is not needed for most of these patients, and opioids may be administered safely.

A possible trend suggesting increased abuse from Coricidin exposures reported to the Texas Poison Network: comparing 1998 to 1999.

Coricidin products seemed to be one of the over-the-counter medications being reportedly abused by adolescents, as observed from the Texas Poison Center Network data. This retrospective chart review investigated the occurrence of abuse, developed a patient profile, and defined the clinical effects resulting from the abuse of Coricidin products. Data collected from the Texas Poison Center Network Toxic Exposure Surveillance System database included human exposures between 1998 and 1999, patients > or = 10y old, intentional use or abuse, and single substance ingestion of I of the tablet formulations of Coricidin. Thirty-three cases from 1998 and 59 cases from 1999 were reviewed. Of these cases, 85% met the inclusion criteria. Of the 7 medications searched, only 4 substances were coded for: Coricidin D, Coricidin D (long acting), Coricidin D (cold, flu & sinus) and Coriciding HBP. These contain a combination of dextromethorphan hydrobromide, chlorpheniramine maleate, phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, and acetaminophen. Of the 78 cases, 63% were male and 38% were female. The mean age was 14.67 years, 77% being between 13 to 17 years old. Eighteen different symptoms were reported: tachycardia 50%, somnolence 24.4%, mydriasis and hypertension 16.7%, agitation 12.8%, disorientation 10.3%, slurred speech 9%, ataxia 6.4%, vomiting 5.1%, dry mouth and hallucinations 3.9%, tremor 2.6%, and headache, dizziness, syncope, seizure, chest pain, and nystagmus each 1.3%; 12.8% of the calls originated from the school nurse. The incidence of abuse reported increased 60% from 1998 to 1999. This worrisome trend suggests increased abuse of these products.