Citation

Tomassoni AJ, French RN, Walter FG. Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. 2015; 33(1): 13-36.

Affiliation

College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.emc.2014.09.004

PMID

25455660

Abstract

Toxidromes aid emergency care providers in the context of the patient presenting with suspected poisoning, unexplained altered mental status, unknown hazardous materials or chemical weapons exposure, or the unknown overdose. The ability to capture an adequate chemical exposure history and to recognize toxidromes may reduce dependence on laboratory tests, speed time to delivery of specific antidote therapy, and improve selection of supportive care practices tailored to the etiologic agent. This article highlights elements of the exposure history and presents selected toxidromes that may be caused by toxic industrial chemicals and chemical weapons. Specific antidotes for toxidromes and points regarding their use, and special supportive measures, are presented.

Language: en