Homicidal poisoning in the United States: an analysis of the Uniform Crime Reports from 1980 through 1989.

We performed analyses of data on 292 homicides by poisoning in the United States. The data from the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) 1980 through 1989, involved cases of one poisoned victim and one poisoning offender. Demographic factors analyzed for each victim and offender include age, gender, race, relationship of victim to offender, major category of poison, month, year, geographic location, and crime classification. The goal of this study is to identify homicidal poisoner demographics that could assist forensic scientists and law enforcement personnel in their criminal investigations and to serve as the foundation for a more formal investigative analysis of this kind of subtle killer.

Mushroom poisoning in the United States--an analysis of 1989 United States Poison Center data.

An analysis of mushroom case exposures reported in 1989 to the American Association of Poison Control Centers "National Data Collection System" by poison centers in the United States was conducted to obtain a clearer view of mushroom poisoning epidemiology and outcome in the United States.

Mushroom toxicology resources utilized by certified regional poison centers in the United States.

A survey of certified regional poison centers in the United States was performed to determine sources of treatment information for mushroom intoxications, and extent of reporting of mushroom epidemiological data to a national mushroom case registry.

Lionfish string experiences of an inland poison center: a retrospective study of 23 cases.

From January 1979 through March 1988, our regional poison center, located many hundreds of miles from the nearest coastal salt water, documented 23 cases of envenomation by "Lionfish" (members of genus Pterois). All cases involved specimens which were maintained in the homes of amateur aquarists. A study of patient epidemiology showed the following: patient's sex 91.3% male, 8.7% female; patients ages ranged from 17 to 50 years with an average age for males of 29.8 years and 35 years for females; the site of the envenomation accident was always in the home; the only part of the body envenomated was the hand or finger; and all of the patients were symptomatic. Symptoms noted included sharp pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, nausea, numbness, joint pain, anxiety, headache, disorientation, and dizziness. One patient had a complication of cellulitis. Treatment provided included immersion of the effected area in hot water at 40 C for 60 to 90 min, analgesics, tetanus toxoid, and antibiotics. There were no deaths noted and treatment proved effective in all cases. This paper also discusses the natural history, clinical effects, and current treatment for envenomations from these beautiful but dangerous venomous fish, which can cause poisoning exposures that are likely to be encountered by poison centers anywhere in the world.

Findings of ten years of clinical drug screening.

During the years from 1977 to 1986, 21,410 specimens were collected for clinical drug screening from 13,589 patients. The specimens included 9,530 blood samples, 9,184 urine samples and 2,717 samples of gastric contents. One or more drugs/drug metabolites were detected in 74% of the specimens. Gastric contents were positive most often (85%) followed by urine (79%) and blood (66%). Although the 5 most frequently detected drugs did not change (caffeine, ethanol, nicotine, salicylates and acetaminophen), the presence of cocaine, phenylpropanolamine, diphenhydramine and the group of cyclic antidepressants steadily increased over the time period. Over 200 different drugs/drug metabolites were detected in the drug screens, contributing a significant amount of information for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the patients for which the testing was requested.

A review of chemical eye burns referred to the Blodgett Regional Poison Center.

We reviewed a random sampling of 500 cases of chemical eye exposures referred to the Blodgett Regional Poison Center from July 1, 1986 to December 31, 1986. While some injuries were encountered in laboratories and industrial plants, the great majority originated in the home (84.4%) and involved commonly used household products. Most exposures were acute and reported within minutes to 1 hr. Cases predominantly involved children suffering accidental exposure. The most common symptoms were eye discomfort (56.2%) and redness (26.4%), but many patients were completely asymptomatic (11.4%). The reported injuries included corneal burns or abrasions (23 cases), and conjunctivitis (7 cases). Only 8 cases (1.6%) were initially seen by an ophthalmologist. In virtually all cases, the recommended emergency treatment was immediate prolonged rinsing of the eye.

An analysis of arsenic exposures referred to the Blodgett Regional Poison Center.

Fifty-seven cases of acute arsenic exposure were referred to Blodgett Regional Poison Center from January 1985 through December 1985. We will summarize epidemiologic aspects, laboratory values and the types of arsenicals involved. Cases predominantly involved children ingesting sodium arsenate in the form of ant poison. A great majority were accidental exposures related to the home use of ant killers in contrast to previous reports of homicidal or industrial poisoning. Initial urine arsenic levels, symptoms and therapy will be included. Most cases were reported within hours with patients being asymptomatic or with relatively few complaints. The current Blodgett Regional Poison Center Arsenic Protocol and instructions for the preparation of D-penicillamine suspension adapted from the Blodgett Pharmacy Department will be included. Conclusions, outcomes and recommendations are discussed.

Direct mail solicitation of contributions from poison center users--success or failure?

Funding problems seem to be an ever present obstacle for Regional Centers. To date, there has not been an effective solution for many, if not all, the centers. An often raised suggestion is the direct solicitation of the users of the services of the Poison Center. On March 1, 1985, the Blodgett Regional Poison Center (BRPC) initiated a direct solicitation project. For most BRPC calls involving a "patient", a packet containing informational and educational materials was mailed to the caller. This packet also included a letter requesting a donation to BRPC to help defray operational expenses. The letter suggested a $10.00 donation, or any amount the individual could afford. Results through the first 5 months of this project are presented with copies of all materials used in the solicitation.

Scorpion envenomation in Michigan: three cases of toxic encounters with poisonous stow-aways.

Three cases of Centrurid scorpionism are described from the State of Michigan, a geographic area where scorpions are not native to the normal fauna. A discussion of the incidents, signs and symptoms of the envenomations and treatment of the victims is given, along with a review of the toxicology of scorpion envenomation, methods of treatment and prevention.

Camphorated and castor oil confusion and its toxic results.

Three cases of camphorated oil ingestion occurring over a 20-month period are discussed. Two of the three ingestions resulted in hospitalization, and the clinical course of the ingestions are presented. Follow-up investigations were performed to determine the causes of the confusion between castor and camphorated oil. Also presented are descriptions of efforts made to improve labeling and packaging of this potentially lethal household product.