TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2000//
TI  - Acute beta blocker overdose: factors associated with the development of cardiovascular morbidity
JO  - Journal of toxicology - clinical toxicology
A1  - Love, Jeffrey N.
A1  - HOWELL, J. M.
A1  - Litovitz, T. L.
A1  - Klein-Schwartz, W.
SP  - 275
EP  - 281
VL  - 38
IS  - 3
N2  - OBJECTIVE: To identify factors in exposures to beta blockers (beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists) that are associated with the development of cardiovascular morbidity and contribute to disposition decisions from the emergency department. METHODS: Prospective cohort of 280 beta blocker exposures reported to 2 regional poison centers. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine association of various clinical factors and outcome. RESULTS: In this series of beta blocker exposures, 41 (15%) developed cardiovascular morbidity and 4 (1.4%) died. A history of cardioactive coingestant was the only factor significantly associated with the development of cardiovascular morbidity (p < .05). When cases reporting cardioactive coingestants were excluded, a history of ingesting a beta blocker with membrane stabilizing activity was significantly associated with the development of cardiovascular morbidity (p < .05). All those in whom the timing of symptoms could be determined, developed symptoms within 6 hours of ingestion. CONCLUSIONS: The single most important factor associated with the development of cardiovascular morbidity in beta blocker ingestion is a history of a cardioactive coingestant, primarily calcium channel blockers, cyclic antidepressants, and neuroleptics. In the absence of such coingestion, exposure to a beta blocker with membrane stabilizing activity is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity. Beta blocker ingestion is unlikely to result in symptoms if the patient remains asymptomatic for 6 hours after the time of ingestion.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0731-3810
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -