OBJECTIVE: To characterize beta blocker-related deaths. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of beta blocker-related exposure data and fatality case abstracts reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System during the 11 year period, 1985 to 1995. Historical and laboratory data were used to determine those fatalities which resulted primarily from beta blocker intoxication. RESULTS: Of 52,156 reported beta blocker exposures, 164 were fatal. In 38 cases, beta blockers were implicated as the primary cause of death. Propranolol was responsible for the greatest number of exposures (44%) and implicated as the cause of death in a disproportionately high percentage of fatalities (71%). Patients were generally young women; 63% were female and 92% were less than 50 years old. The dysrhythmias most often noted in fatal cases were bradycardia and asystole. Cardiopulmonary arrest did not develop until patients were in the care of health care personnel in 59% of cases. Though glucagon was initiated more often than any other intervention in fatal intoxications (83%), optimal dosing and maintenance infusions appear to have been underutilized. CONCLUSIONS: The predominance of fatalities associated with propranolol compared to other beta blockers reflects both its greater frequency of use over the time period studied and its greater toxicity. Since 59% developed. cardiac arrest after reaching health care personnel, further study should focus on identifying medical intervention that can reduce mortality in this group.
OBJECTIVE: To characterize beta blocker-related deaths. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of beta blocker-related exposure data and fatality case abstracts reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System during the 11 year period, 1985 to 1995. Historical and laboratory data were used to determine those fatalities which resulted primarily from beta blocker intoxication. RESULTS: Of 52,156 reported beta blocker exposures, 164 were fatal. In 38 cases, beta blockers were implicated as the primary cause of death. Propranolol was responsible for the greatest number of exposures (44%) and implicated as the cause of death in a disproportionately high percentage of fatalities (71%). Patients were generally young women; 63% were female and 92% were less than 50 years old. The dysrhythmias most often noted in fatal cases were bradycardia and asystole. Cardiopulmonary arrest did not develop until patients were in the care of health care personnel in 59% of cases. Though glucagon was initiated more often than any other intervention in fatal intoxications (83%), optimal dosing and maintenance infusions appear to have been underutilized. CONCLUSIONS: The predominance of fatalities associated with propranolol compared to other beta blockers reflects both its greater frequency of use over the time period studied and its greater toxicity. Since 59% developed. cardiac arrest after reaching health care personnel, further study should focus on identifying medical intervention that can reduce mortality in this group.
Authors: Přemysl Mladěnka; Lenka Applová; Jiří Patočka; Vera Marisa Costa; Fernando Remiao; Jana Pourová; Aleš Mladěnka; Jana Karlíčková; Luděk Jahodář; Marie Vopršalová; Kurt J Varner; Martin Štěrba Journal: Med Res Rev Date: 2018-01-05 Impact factor: 12.944
Authors: Beth A Drolet; Peter C Frommelt; Sarah L Chamlin; Anita Haggstrom; Nancy M Bauman; Yvonne E Chiu; Robert H Chun; Maria C Garzon; Kristen E Holland; Leonardo Liberman; Susan MacLellan-Tobert; Anthony J Mancini; Denise Metry; Katherine B Puttgen; Marcia Seefeldt; Robert Sidbury; Kendra M Ward; Francine Blei; Eulalia Baselga; Laura Cassidy; David H Darrow; Shawna Joachim; Eun-Kyung M Kwon; Kari Martin; Jonathan Perkins; Dawn H Siegel; Robert J Boucek; Ilona J Frieden Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2012-12-24 Impact factor: 7.124