Showing papers on "Barbiturate published in 2022"
1 citations
TL;DR: This report presents the case of a patient with refractory seizures unresponsive to conventional treatment, requiring prolonged barbiturate burst suppression with ventilator support and making a full recovery.
Abstract: Seizures after liver transplantation were previously thought to be a reliable harbinger of catastrophe, but more recent studies have found seizure activity to be relatively common, and most cases do not result in a poor outcome. Generalized seizures are the most common, and they typically occur de novo within the first two weeks after transplantation. The underlying cause for seizure activity in these patients may be complex, with potential etiologies including metabolic, infectious, cerebrovascular, and medication-induced causes. Identification of the underlying cause and the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is crucial for minimizing risk to the patient's neurologic and overall health. In this report, we present the case of a patient with refractory seizures unresponsive to conventional treatment, requiring prolonged barbiturate burst suppression with ventilator support. Seizure activity eventually ceased, and the patient made a full recovery.
TL;DR: The results support the use of the immunochromatographic test for the screening of urine collected postmortem to assess for the presence of barbiturates, specifically pentobarbital, used for euthanasia.
Abstract: Pentobarbital is used commonly to euthanize animals. Occasionally during a death investigation, it is necessary to determine whether a cat or dog was euthanized via pentobarbital overdose. Screening for the detection of barbiturates including pentobarbital can be performed using commercial immunochromatographic tests. We used a commercial immunochromatographic test for barbiturates in humans to screen for barbiturates in urine collected postmortem from 20 dogs and 20 cats to determine whether they had been euthanized with pentobarbital. Additionally, we analyzed the urine for pentobarbital using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry as a confirmatory test. Screening and confirmation testing revealed 100% agreement between the tests and with the euthanasia status of each animal. Our results support the use of the immunochromatographic test for the screening of urine collected postmortem to assess for the presence of barbiturates, specifically pentobarbital, used for euthanasia.
TL;DR: In this paper , a 50-year-old female with a history of epilepsy developed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy (DPHL) 12 days after respiratory failure secondary to barbiturate toxicity.
Abstract: Rationale: Delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy (DPHL) is usually an overlooked condition, which arises as a result of a multitude of reversible and irreversible conditions. Patient’s Concern: A 50-year-old female with a history of epilepsy, who developed DPHL 12 days after respiratory failure secondary to barbiturate toxicity. Diagnosis: DPHL on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Interventions: Mechanical ventilation was initiated for respiratory failure and hemodialysis for barbiturate toxicity. Outcomes: The patient developed akinetic mutism due to infirmity and had a residual disability, which led to permanent dependency. Lessons: The diagnosis of DPHL is often delayed or missed, given the rarity of this condition and its inconsistent clinical symptomatology. Diagnostic delay can be avoided by early recognition of the classical “delayed onset” symptoms.
TL;DR: In experimentally simulated barbiturate poisoning, not only is the suppression of the functions of the central nervous system observed, but also significant and prolonged restructuring of the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract.
Abstract: Following a single administration of sodium thiopental in high doses (85 mg/kg intraperitoneally), the animals demonstrated the absence or weakening of reflexes at the levels of the spinal cord, medulla oblongata, bridge and midbrain and cerebral cortex over the period of one day. Other signs included a pronounced hypothermia, a decrease in the respiratory rate and a violation of its rhythm, a distinct tendency to bradycardia. On days 1-3 after the administration of sodium thiopental, a restoration of the respiratory rate, heart rate, body temperature, and the functional state of the central nervous system at various levels was observed, with the exception of the cerebral cortex. In the long term, following the administration of sodium thiopental for up to 21 days, a depression of the functional state of the central nervous system at the level of the cerebral cortex, violation of coordinated propulsive peristalsis of the small intestine and intestinal microbiocenosis were detected. Hence, in experimentally simulated barbiturate poisoning, not only is the suppression of the functions of the central nervous system observed, but also significant and prolonged restructuring of the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract.