A Clinical-Epidemiological Study on Beta-Blocker Poisonings Based on the Type of Drug Overdose. (24th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eizadi-Mood, Nastaran; Adib, Mahtab; Otroshi, Arman; Dorooshi, Gholamali; Meamar, Rokhsareh
• Other Names: Orisakwe Orish Ebere Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of toxicology. Volume 2023(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-24
• Subjects: Toxicology -- Periodicals; 571.9505
• DOI: 10.1155/2023/1064955
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8191

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Beta‐blockers carry a high risk of potentially causing fatal poisoning if overdosed. We aimed to assess the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with beta-blocker poisoning. Methods . Patients were categorized based on the type of drug poisoning into propranolol, other beta-blockers, and the combination of beta-blocker groups, respectively. Demographic data, drug toxicity, and clinical, laboratory, and treatment information of different groups were compared. Results . During the study period, 5086 poisoned patients were hospitalized, of whom 255 (5.1%) had beta-blocker poisoning. Most patients were women (80.8%), married (50.6%), with a history of psychiatric disorders (36.5%), previous suicide attempts (34.6%), and intentional type of exposure (95.3%). The mean ± SD age of the patients was 28.94 ± 11.08 years. Propranolol toxicity was the most common among different beta-blockers (84.4%). There was a significant difference in age, occupation, education level, and history of psychiatric diseases with respect to the type of beta-blocker poisoning (P < 0.05 ). We observed changes in the consciousness level and need for endotracheal intubation only in the third group (combination of beta-blockers). Only 1 (0.4%) patient had a fatal outcome in toxicity with the combination of beta-blockers. Conclusion . Beta-blocker poisoning is not common in our poisoning referral center. Propranolol toxicity was most common among different beta-blockers. Although symptoms are not different among defined beta‐blocker groups, more severe symptoms are observed in the combination of the beta-blocker group. Only one patient had a fatal outcome in the toxicity with the combination of the beta-blocker group. Therefore, poisoning circumstances have to investigate thoroughly to screen coexposure with combined drugs.