[Evaluation of pituitary-gonadal axis in alcohol dependent males]. / Ocena osi przysadkowo-gonadalnej u mezczyzn uzaleinionych od alkoholu.

UNLABELLED: Chronic alcoholism leads to organic damages of nervous system, the liver and the endocrine system. The aim of the study is to evaluate pituitary-gonadal axis in males chronically dependent with alcohol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 50 alcohol dependent men aged 27 to 53 years (40.7 +/- 6.6) treated at the Ward of Toxicology and Environmental Diseases (Detoxification Unit). Al-cohol dependence was diagnosed according to ICD-10 criteria. The intensity of withdrawal syndrome was measured using CIWA-A scale. In all the patients anthropometrical measurements and abdominal ultrasonography were performed as well as blood pressure was measured. Levels of gonadotropin, total testosteron, PRL were determined, thyroid and adrenal gland function were assessed and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in all patients. Activity of the liver enzymes, urea and creatine concentration were determined. Erectile dysfunction was assessed using IIEF. 5 questionnaire: in those patients who received < or =21 points an incidence of diabetes mellitus, thyroid gland and cardiovascular diseases was assessed using standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Alcohol dependency longer than 15 years was stated in 25, longer than 10 years in 9, and longer than 5 years in 16 of examined patients. The moderate withdrawal syndrome was diagnosed in 22, severe withdrawal syndrome in 26 and very severe withdrawal syndrome in 2 of the patients. BMI ranged from 15.8 to 33.8 kg/m2 (mediane 24.67; +/- 0.54 kg/m2). In 24 men erectile dysfunction was diagnosed using IIEF5 questionnaire. No significant difference was noted between level of total testosterone and PRL in the group with or without erectile dysfunction (testosterone: 5.07 +/- 2.41 vs. 4.54 +/- 2.74; PRL: 330.2 +/- 214.2 vs. 307.4 +/- 258.2). Gonadropine level in the group of men with erectile dysfunction was significantly higher than that without erectile dysfunction (LH: 7.4 +/- 5.2 vs. 4.38 +/- 2.23, p < 0.01; FSH: 13.3 +/- 29.3 vs. 4.59 +/- 19.92, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results obtained confirm that secondary stimulation of pituitary-gonadal axis in alcoholic men depends on liver function and ethanol toxic effect on gonads.

Panther cap Amanita pantherina poisoning case report and review.

An analysis of patients with mushroom poisoning hospitalized in the Clinic of Toxicology in Cracow revealed that only a small percentage of cases had been caused by the death cap Amanita phalloides (Vaill. ex Fr.) Secr. The most important factors contributing to intoxication are confusion of toxic mushrooms with edible species, and non-specific mushroom poisoning. The genus Amanita has a global distribution and is one of the most well-known genera of macrofungi. Active toxins present in the panther cap (A. pantherina) (DC ex Fr.) Secr are ibotenic acid and muscimol, which are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is likely that other substances also participate in the psychotropic effects. Five frayed panther cap fruiting bodies were eaten by mistake by two persons (27 and 47 years of age). Symptoms onset occurred after 120 min with central nervous system (CNS) depression, ataxia, waxing and waning obtundation, religious hallucinations and hyperkinetic behaviour. In the present case, successful general symptomatic treatment was administered, which consisted of controlling the nervous symptoms and stabilizing the electrolyte balance. The poisoning regressed with no organ complications.

[Acute chloroquine intoxication--rare, but always serious: case reports and literature review]. / Ostre zatrucie chlorochina--rzadkie, ale zawsze powazne: opis przypadków i przeglad literatury.

Chloroquine is a derivative of 4-aminoquinoline, which is used in the malaria prophylaxis and treatment and the therapy of some connective tissue diseases. Its narrow therapeutic index causes that the medicine is relatively toxic, especially in the case of an overdose or an acute intoxication. In the recent study two cases of the acute chloroquine poisoning, hospitalized in the Toxicology Department in Kraków, were described and one of them was fatal. The first case was 16-year-old girl who ingested 5 g of chloroquine phosphate in the suicidal attempt. After about 2 hours general seizures appeared followed by ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. After near 2-hour-lasted reanimation procedures she was resuscitated, but 14 hours later another cardiac arrest appeared because of the bradyasystole. Despite the institution of advanced reanimation methods including external pacemaker and electrostimulation, spontaneous circulation did not return and the patient was declared dead. Postmortem toxicological examination of blood, vitreous humour, bile and liver revealed extremely high concentrations of chloroquine (252.15 mg/l in blood). The second case was the 15-year-old girl who ingested 7.5 g of chloroquine phosphate. She developed significant hypotension requiring intravenous infusions of fluids and catecholamines and respiratory distress positively treated with endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. In both cases a considerable hypokalemia and prolonged QTc interval were observed. According to the literature, a clinical picture, diagnosis and recommended therapy of an acute chloroquine poisoning were reviewed.

[The CNS damage due to methanol poisoning in the case of 23-year-old male patient addicted to organic solvents]. / Uszkodzenie OUN u 23-letniego pacjenta uzaleznionego od rozpuszczalników droga wziewna, zatrutego alkoholem metylowym.

The aim of this study is the presentation of the case of acute methanol inhalation poisoning and CSN damage connected with this incidence. 23-years old male patient addicted to organic solvents for 5 years was admitted to the Toxicological Unit because of suspicion of organic solvents poisoning. In the case history the patient was exposed to organic solvents in the admission day, he denied drinking alcohol in last time. Phenol and TCA were not confirmed in the toxicological urine analysis. Because of marked metabolic acidosis which was present in the moment of admission subsequental toxicological investigations were conducted. The 0.23 g/l of methanol in blood was revealed. The vision loss was observed in the first day of hospitalization, up to total blind in the third day. Signs of toxic optic nerves neuropathy was revealed in ophthalmological examination. Brain perfusion disturbances in frontal and basal ganglia region was found in the brain perfusion scintigraphy examination. In the 6 month follow up outpatient observation, the partial vision recover was noted. The normalisation of frontal brain perfusion in the perfusion scintigraphy was found. Until now, there is no explanation the route of methanol intoxication--it could be suspect, that the solvents inhaled by patient were contaminated with methyl alcohol.

[Dangerous, illegal captivities]. / Niebezpieczne, nielegalne hodowle.

On the 21st of August 1997 the Polish legislature introduced the first animal protection law nr 724. This act however failed to specify in a clear and proper manner the problem of possession and maintenance of dangerous animals, which allows its multiple interpretations. Poland ratified the Washington Convention in 1990 restricting the trade of animals classified as endangered species. The present regulations enable illegal purchase and trade of those animals. According to the available data illegal trade of such animals, as well as the trade of products obtained from them, ranks in the third position in terms of crime generated income, only after the trade of drugs and weapons. In our country the sales of such animals have been growing at an alarming rate. The animals often get out of the control of their owners, or are abandoned by them. The presented work describes cases of reptiles being found in public places in our region. It also mentions the problem of possible dangers associated with intentional letting out of such animals in public places. The aim of the following paper is the analysis of the problem of raising of exotic animals, in particular venomous snakes and other animals, the possession of which may be dangerous not only for the owner but also for the people around. The existing laws and executive procedures have been discussed. Both, the family doctors as well as toxicologists have little knowledge as far as diagnosis and treatment of cases of stinging and biting by exotic animals is concerned. The authors suggest providing medical emergency doctors, family doctors and surgeons, with clinic toxicology programs, as well as introduction of special courses for middle medical personnel. Establishment of a central database and a database concerned with basic polyvalent serums are crucial in our country in order have the Toxicology Centers ready to face possible dangers associated with dangerous animals, and to prepare emergency solutions in cases of criminal actions involving the use of dangerous animals.

Clinical status of carbon-monoxide-poisoned patients and the results of rest 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-Amiscan heart scintigraphy performed in the acute phase of intoxication and stress-rest 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy six month later.

The double tracer (99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-Amiscan) scintigraphy is an useful technique to imagine cardiac injury due to CO intoxication. Accumulation (retention) of 99mTc-MIBI is dependent on blood flow and cellular and mitochondrial electrical potential of myocytes. The lower tracer accumulation is seen not only in necrotic heart tissue regions, but also in ischemic area of worse metabolic rate and perfusion. 99mTc-Amiscan contrary to 99mTc-MIBI, is accumulated only in regions of early necrosis so it can be can distinguished from transitory ischemia. Mechanisms of cardiac injury due to CO toxicity is different than due to coronary occlusion and the process of the heart damage is usually much longer. Results of control stress-rest 99mTcMIBI scintigraphy, performed after 6 months from CO exposure in relation to the clinical state on admission and results of 99mTc-MIBI and 99mTc-Amiscans scans obtained in acute phase of poisoning are presented in the study. Initial 99mTc-MIBI SPET examination had confirmed transitory myocardial ischemia of different degree in all the examined patients. The mutual dependence between degree of scintigraphic changes and blood lactate level and CK activity was found. 99mTc-Amiscan scintigraphy demonstrated areas of necrosis in myocardium of some patients; they had statistically higher COHb and blood lactate concentration compared to the rest. A control stress-rest 99mTc-MIBI SPET performed 6 months after CO intoxication, confirmed a late consequences of metabolic abnormalities and a necessity of cardiovascular system follow-up controlling.

[Diagnostic problems in case of environmental exposure to tetraethyl lead]. / Problemy diagnostyczne w przypadku srodowiskowego narazenia na czteroetylek olowiu.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was the presentation of the chronic tetraethyl lead poisoning of the 4 person family in the place of settlement. CASE REPORT: 15.5-years-old man was admitted to the regional Pediatric Ward because of changes of behavior, hallucinations, agitation. Nausea, vomiting, metallic taste and diarrhea were observed prior to the admission. In the case history, there were no data suggested of the toxic origin of the disorder . The CSF examination and CT of the brain were normal. Increased activity of CPK, ALT, AST, GTP, LDH in the blood were found. Paranoid syndrome was diagnosed by psychiatric evaluation. The patients' mother presented similar signs in almost the same time. The laboratory tests of the blood taken from the patients' father and older brother revealed the increase activity of the same enzymes (CPK, ALT, AST, LDH). All family was admitted to the Department of Clinical Toxicology in Kraków because of suspicion of the heavy metal poisoning. The toxicological laboratory test showed in all described patients the toxic serum lead concentration accordingly: 440 microg/l--older brother, 490 microg/l--father, 508 microg/l--mother and 635 microg/l--primary described patient. Because of the fact, that were no characteristic for lead poisoning changes in blood picture, the toxicological investigations were continued. As a result of these examinations presence of a diethyl lead in urine was confirmed. In the evaluation of the multiorgan damages connected with tetraethyl lead poisoning, we paid special attention on CSN dysfunctions. The USG and scintigraphy examinations revealed the liver damage. The different kinds of arrhythmias indicated on cardiovascular system damage. Based on clinical presentation and laboratory investigations the chronic tetraethyl lead poisoning was diagnosed.

[Late sequelae of tetraethyl lead poisoning]. / Odlegle nastepstwa zatrucia czteroetylkiem olowiu.

In our previous study a tetraethyl lead poisoning due to a rural environmental exposure of four family members was described. A differently intensified OUN dysfunction dominated clinical picture. Cognition status and degree of OUN dysfunction was monitored using generally accepted neurobehavioral test battery. The tests applied were fitted individually to each poisoned family member in accordance to current intensification of symptoms. Basing on the neurobehavioral performance results a consecutive imagine techniques were introduced to full CNS evaluation of intoxicated patients. Results of neuropsychological monitoring in 12 months period were compared to brain CT, SPET 99mTc-ECD used to evaluation of regional brain perfusion disturbances, MRI and MRS and presented in the study.

Clinical and scintigraphic (99mTc-MIBI SPECT) heart evaluation in young acutely carbon monoxide poisoned patients.

The results of myocardial (99mTc-MIBI SPECT) perfusion scintigraphy according to clinical evaluation, ECG, biochemical factors of necrosis and indicators of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning severity are described in the paper. Under examination there were 88 young (mean age 26 +/- 8.5) acutely CO poisoned patients without previous cardiac illness history, treated at the Department of Clinical Toxicology Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow in 1996 to 2002. Measurement of COHb level, blood lactate concentration, duration of exposure and ECG examination were performed on admission. The enzymes activity ALT, AST, CK, MB-CK, was evaluated after 24-48 h. The severity of CO poisoning was estimated basing on age, duration of exposure, COHb level, blood lactate concentration and the patient neurological state on admission. 99mTc-MIBI SPECT was performed on days 1 to 5 post admission. The abnormalities in scintigraphic scans were assessed according to arbitrary accepted scale (0-IV). Conventional biomarkers creatine kinase, ALT and AST were insufficient for evaluation the heart injury in CO cutely poisoned patients. A statistically significant differences in the blood lactate concentration with regard to degree of scintigraphic changes have been observed. The ECG curves monitored from admission to discharge were analyzed in the study. Tachycardia was observed in all the patients but no statistically significant differences were found between the subgroups divided according to the degree of scintigraphic scans. Conductivity disturbances were detected mainly in patients qualified to higher then the first degree of scintigraphic changes. ECG signs of myocardial ischemia were the most frequent in patients with biggest pathological changes in 99mTc-MIBI scans. The changes in 99mTc-MIBI SPECT were observed in the majority of acutely CO poisoned patients. The mutual dependence of patient's condition based on neurological symptoms, carbon monoxide poisoning severity scoring and the degree of scintigraphy changes was found. The examination performed indicate that 99mTc-MIBI SPECT scintigraphy can be method of choice for evaluation the heart injury in patients after acute CO intoxication.

Concentration of ethanol and other volatile compounds in the blood of acutely poisoned alcoholics.

The presence of volatile compounds, such as acetone, acetaldehyde, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and n-propanol, in the blood of 169 acutely poisoned alcoholics was determined. The clinical diagnosis of addiction was made on the basis of a patient interview as well as physical, psychological, and psychiatric examination. At the time of the patients' admission to the clinic, the mean concentration of ethanol in blood was 3.14 +/- 1.10 g/l and its elimination rate in the studied group was 0.27 +/- 0.08 g/kg/hr, an elimination rate significantly higher (P <.001) than that of social drinkers, which averages to 0.014 +/- 0.04 g/kg/h. The presence of other volatile compounds in the blood of alcohol-addicted patients is common. The calculated elimination rate constant of methanol was about 0.2 h(-1). This rate seems to indicate that, in heavy drinkers, the elimination of methanol may be relatively fast even if the ethanol concentration is above 1 g/l. The elimination of other volatile compounds can be accelerated by large doses of ethanol, although it is not correlated with actual blood ethanol level. Moreover, in most of the blood samples with a methanol concentration below 10 mg/l, the measured concentration of acetone was below 7 mg/l and that of isopropanol was below 2 mg/l.