Suicide attempt of young woman by Propafenone overdose - case report

Introduction and purpose: Over the last few years, the number of suicide attempts in Polish women has been steadily increasing. This report presents a case of a 18 years old woman hospitalized in the Toxicology and Cardiology Department due to poisoning with antiarrhythmic drug – Propafenone, taken for suicide purpose. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Propafenone is an antiarrhythmic drug which belongs to class IC according to the Vaughan-Williams classification. The overdose of this drug can cause various symptoms and complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, liver damage, cardiac arrest and even death. This drug has no specific antidote.   Conclusions: Propafenone poisoning is a significant clinical challenge and the consequences are often unpredictable and life-threatening. Treatment options such as natrium bicarbonicum, insulin, intravenous lipid emulsion, calcium gluconate seem to be good choices and the effects of treatment with these drugs are promising for the future

Amantadine toxic effect and acute psychosis – a case report

Introduction and purpose: The pandemic of COVID-19 has induced patients to use different ways to struggle with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Amantadine has become more popular as a supportive drug in the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms. This report presents a case of a young, previously healthy woman hospitalized in the Toxicology and Cardiology Department because of acute psychosis induced by amantadine intoxication. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Several medications, including psychostimulants, antibiotics, antivirals, and antiparkinsonians can cause acute psychosis. Amantadine has primarily dopaminergic with some anticholinergic properties and is used predominantly as an adjuvant agent in the management of Parkinson's disease treatment. Psychomotor agitation, insomnia, excessive verbosity, delusions, and behavioral disturbances are typical toxic effects of amantadine primarily affecting the central nervous system presented by the patient described in this case report. Conclusions: Our case illustrates the adverse effects of amantadine on the central nervous system when given at the recommended dose to young, healthy women. Despite being rare, this induced psychosis may become more common, especially while becoming more popular as a supportive drug in COVID-19 treatment. While prescribing amantadine clinicians should be aware of the rapid onset of its psychotic complications

Primary Membranous Nephropathy - what do we know today?

Introduction: Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, characterized by the deposition of immune complexes in the glomerular basement membrane. Aim of this study: evaluate the features of PMN such as incidence, pathology, clinical features and assess the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy. Materials and Methods: The review was based on articles found in PubMed database, using keyword „primary membranous nephropathy” with appropriate sufixes. Results: PMN is a challenging disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management. Laboratory tests, including assessment of autoantibodies and complement levels, are essential for the diagnosis of PMN. Immunosuppressive therapy can be effective in inducing remission in a significant proportion of patients. Conclusions: Further research is needed to optimize the duration and intensity of immunosuppressive therapy, and to evaluate the role of newer therapies such as rituximab and belimumab

Poisoning with cardiological drugs in patients hospitalized in the toxicological and cardiological department from 04/2013 to 12/2021

Introduction and purpose: Cardiological drugs are widely used in the management of various cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. However, when these drugs are taken in excessive amounts or are not used as prescribed, they can become toxic and cause significant harm to the heart and other organs. Our study aims to illustrate the most frequent causes of poisoning with cardiological drugs in patients hospitalized in the toxicological and cardiological department from April 2013 to December 2021. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Poisoning with cardiological drugs is a growing concern for healthcare professionals. In 2019, cardiovascular toxins were one of the top 10 categories of poisons evaluated by medical toxicologists. Data collected from the analyzed toxicology and cardiology department include a group of 387 hospitalized patients. The largest proportion were cases intoxicated by beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists. The second most common group was poisonings by angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors. A slightly lower proportion implicated poisonings caused by other, unidentified substances affecting the cardiovascular system - calcium channel blockers and other antihypertensive drugs. Conclusions: All of the data demonstrated in our study shows the importance of understanding the pharmacology, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies of poisonings caused by cardiological drugs which are one the most widely used medications worldwide

Recent discoveries in preventing mental impairments and ICU staff interventions in post-intensive care syndrome

Introduction Mental impairments such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety are alarming problems in the ICU-survivors population because of the higher survival rate due to medical, scientific and technological progress. There are more and more patients facing long-term emotional consequences of critical illness. The main purpose of this review is to describe recent research about possible interventions and methods of prevention of mental impairments after an ICU stay made since 2015. Review methods The review was made using online databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Brief description of the state of knowledge Recent trials included in our review suggest that the sedation strategy has no significant impact on mental impairments in ICU survivors. ICU diaries seem to be a well-accepted and cheap method of prevention of mental disorders after critical illness but their universal usefulness is difficult to determine because variable factors like hospital and country levels influence the trials on patients. Nurse-led intervention programs, virtual reality and antioxidants described in recent studies also show no significant decrease in PTS symptoms in ICU survivors. Initial effects of mobile apps-based psychoeducational programs are comparable to therapist-led programs. Summary We did not find any evidence-based revolutionary method of prevention or intervention to help improve the mental health of ICU survivors. We think that the growing seriousness of this problem will lead to further research to cope with this phenomenon

How does cold water impact on human physiology? Recent research discoveries

  We analysed the newest research conducted from 2019 to 2023. The study was searched in the online databases, especially in PubMed. Results: The newest studies are not consistent with the impact of cold water after training sessions on muscle performance and regeneration.  There are no coherent results of the impact on biochemical immunological and hormonal parameters. Research showed that cold water has a good impact on heart recovery after strain. CWI can remove the positive effect of hypotension after exercise. Studies show no impact of CWI on PCG1-α in muscles with a depletion level of glycogen but there is a need for consideration that CWI can benefit when muscle glycogen is at a higher level. It seems that CWI has a more efficient effect of vasoconstriction than PBC.  There are suggestions that CWI can increase insulin sensitivity and better glucose tolerance after fasting sessions. There are suggestions that 18-degree water can cause an acute decrease in cognitive function. Immersion in cold water which is defined in that study as 20-25℃ can benefit RLS among pregnant women.  Conclusions: On the grounds of the newest studies, it is hard to come to a clear conclusion about the impact of cold water on the human body. There is a need for further studies with large and diverse groups of contestants. Results from studies analysed in that article can help design the next studies. At that moment there was no undisputed evidence of the beneficial impact of cold water on human physiology

Summary of hospitalizations related to medicational poisoning groups in a cardiological and toxicological department from 04.2013 to 12.2021

  Introduction and purpose: Drug poisoning is one of the more common reasons for patients being hospitalized in toxicology wards. The wide availability and ease of obtaining a wide variety of drugs and supplements are the cause of adverse reactions associated with their use. Increasing life expectancy and emerging chronic diseases also require the use of sometimes many drugs to control people's health. This can lead to poly-pragmasy, which is an undesirable condition and leads to poisoning. The purpose of our work is to demonstrate the most common causes of drug poisoning considering the criterion of division according to ICD-10.   Brief description of the state of knowledge: Any preparation, drug, supplement can cause negative effects on the organism. This depends on the dose, improper use, or cross-reactions of the relevant substances. The study compiled statistics on the cause of hospitalization of drug-poisoned patients based on ICD-10. 5433 patients were included in the study.   Conclusions: Our work shows that the most common causes of hospitalization due to drug poisoning are those caused by antiepileptic drugs, sedative-hypnotics and antiparkinsonism medications. The data compiled in this article agree with scientific reports from different countries compiling the most common reason for hospitalization related to drug poisoning

Treatment with Digoxin – is it a clinical challenge? A Retrospective Analysis of Hospitalizations due to Digoxin intoxication

Introduction and purpose: Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside derived from Digitalis lanata, has stood as a cornerstone in the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders for centuries. This study aims to delve into the demographic aspects, clinical characteristics, and outcomes associated with Digoxin poisoning. By drawing upon a dataset involving 22 patients hospitalized for Digoxin intoxication at the Clinical Department of Toxicology and Cardiology in Lublin, Poland, spanning from April 2014 to December 2023, our investigation seeks to provide an understanding of this issue.Brief description of the state of knowledge: Despite the efficacy of Digoxin, the potential risk of intoxication, especially in the elderly, necessitate a comprehensive examination. Age-related changes, such as declining renal function,  electrolyte imbalances, comorbidities and polypharmacy affect how drugs like Digoxin work. The symptoms of Digoxin poisoning can manifest in various organ systems such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous system, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition to seek medical attention.Methods and results: In our study, we analyzed data from 22 patients hospitalized due to Digoxin intoxication, focusing on demographic aspects, clinical characteristics and outcomes. The cases of Digoxin poisoning were categorized according to several factors, including the quantity and nature of substances consumed, the cause of intoxication, gender, age brackets, health conditions, peak serum Digoxin levels, length and outcomes of hospitalization.Conclusions: Our study provides insights into the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized due to Digoxin intoxication. The findings underscore the association of Digoxin poisoning, and emphasize the importance of monitoring serum levels to prevent adverse outcomes. As Digoxin continues to be relevant in treating cardiovascular conditions, our study calls for careful management and monitoring

Recent discoveries in preventing mental impairments and ICU staff interventions in post-intensive care syndrome

Introduction Mental impairments such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety are alarming problems in the ICU-survivors population because of the higher survival rate due to medical, scientific and technological progress. There are more and more patients facing long-term emotional consequences of critical illness. The main purpose of this review is to describe recent research about possible interventions and methods of prevention of mental impairments after an ICU stay made since 2015. Review methods The review was made using online databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Brief description of the state of knowledge Recent trials included in our review suggest that the sedation strategy has no significant impact on mental impairments in ICU survivors. ICU diaries seem to be a well-accepted and cheap method of prevention of mental disorders after critical illness but their universal usefulness is difficult to determine because variable factors like hospital and country levels influence the trials on patients. Nurse-led intervention programs, virtual reality and antioxidants described in recent studies also show no significant decrease in PTS symptoms in ICU survivors. Initial effects of mobile apps-based psychoeducational programs are comparable to therapist-led programs. Summary We did not find any evidence-based revolutionary method of prevention or intervention to help improve the mental health of ICU survivors. We think that the growing seriousness of this problem will lead to further research to cope with this phenomenon

Primary Membranous Nephropathy - what do we know today?

Introduction: Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, characterized by the deposition of immune complexes in the glomerular basement membrane. Aim of this study: evaluate the features of PMN such as incidence, pathology, clinical features and assess the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy. Materials and Methods: The review was based on articles found in PubMed database, using keyword „primary membranous nephropathy” with appropriate sufixes. Results: PMN is a challenging disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management. Laboratory tests, including assessment of autoantibodies and complement levels, are essential for the diagnosis of PMN. Immunosuppressive therapy can be effective in inducing remission in a significant proportion of patients. Conclusions: Further research is needed to optimize the duration and intensity of immunosuppressive therapy, and to evaluate the role of newer therapies such as rituximab and belimumab