Tramadol as a fentanyl adulterant: Prevalence and management in a ToxIC Fentalog study prospective cohort.

Background: Tramadol is an adulterant of illicit opioids. As it is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor as well as a μ-opioid agonist, tramadol adulteration may worsen overdose signs and symptoms or affect the amount of naloxone patients receive.

Methods: This is a multicenter, prospective cohort of adult patients with suspected opioid overdoses who presented to one of eight United States emergency departments and were included in the Toxicology Investigators Consortium's Fentalog Study.

Current Utilization of Bupropion Treatment in Children, Young Adults, and Adults in the United States.

While available for decades, the use of bupropion has increased in recent years. To provide an updated review on the use of bupropion, this article aimed to describe bupropion prescription details, potential indication, and treatment duration in children, young adults, and adults starting bupropion treatment. Individuals aged 6-64 newly initiating bupropion hydrochloride treatment were identified from commercial claims data (MarketScan, 1/1/2016-12/31/2022).

Lead encephalopathy presenting as status epilepticus: a case report.

Background: Lead encephalopathy, while thankfully rare, is a devastating and potentially fatal consequence of lead intoxication. Owing to successful public health measures, severe lead toxicity is not often encountered by most practicing physicians in the United States, making both its recognition and management challenging. A case study of a 4-year-old female presenting in refractory status epilepticus, found to have severe microcytic anemia and lead level > 100 mcg/dL.

Heroin or fentanyl: Prevalence of confirmed fentanyl in ED patients with suspected heroin overdose.

Background: United States drug overdose deaths are being driven by the increasing prevalence of fentanyl, but whether patients are knowingly using fentanyl is unclear. We examined the analytical confirmation of fentanyl in emergency department (ED) patients with documented heroin overdose.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the proportion of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs would be higher than that of confirmed heroin.

Preventing Pediatric Opioid Poisoning: Unusual Sources and Scenarios.

This retrospective study analyzed 230 pediatric opioid exposures from a statewide poison control center over a 5-year period. Most exposures involved pharmaceutical opioids and children below 2-years-old. Narrative details were reviewed to identify uncommon sources of opioids involved in poisoning and highlight the need for tailored prevention strategies and guidance.

Trends in Shortages of Lead Chelators From 2001 to 2022.

Objective: The study aims to describe drug shortages affecting lead chelators in the United States from 2001 through 2022.

Methods: Drug shortage data were retrieved from the University of Utah Drug Information Service from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2022. Shortages of first- and second-line lead chelators were analyzed.

Management patterns of multiple magnet ingestion reported to New Jersey Poison Information and Education System.

Background: Ingestion of multiple high-powered neodymium rare-earth magnets poses a significant risk for gastrointestinal (GI) injury such as bowel perforation or ischemia. Given the rising incidence of rare earth magnetic ingestions and the corresponding increase in serious injuries in children, published guidelines recommend urgent endoscopic removal of all magnets within endoscopic reach in cases involving ingestions of two or more magnets.

Research Question: Do management patterns for multiple magnet ingestion align with current practice guidelines, and does hospital length of stay (LOS) differ based on the initial emergency department (ED) approach?

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of consecutive patient encounters reported to the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) between January 2021 and April 2022 involving multiple magnet ingestion.

Opioid overdoses involving xylazine in emergency department patients: a multicenter study.

Introduction: Illicit opioids, consisting largely of fentanyl, novel synthetic opioids, and adulterants, are the primary cause of drug overdose fatality in the United States. Xylazine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and veterinary tranquilizer, is being increasingly detected among decedents following illicit opioid overdose. Clinical outcomes in non-fatal overdose involving xylazine are unexplored.

Identification of a novel opioid, -piperidinyl etonitazene (etonitazepipne), in patients with suspected opioid overdose.

Background: Novel opioids in the illicit drug supply, such as the "nitazene" group of synthetic opioids, present an ongoing public health problem due to high potency and respiratory depressant effects. We describe three patients in whom -piperidinyl etonitazene, a compound not previously reported in human exposure, was detected after suspected opioid overdose. Other substances that these patients tested for included fentanyl, cocaine, levamisole, phenacetin, benzoylecgonine, -fluorofentanyl, presumptive heroin (tested as 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), morphine, and codeine), and tramadol.

Found Down: Approach to the Patient with an Unknown Poisoning.

Approximately 30% of poison exposures reported to centers each year are either referred to or initiated within a health care facility. Among these exposures, undifferentiated poisoned patients are among the most challenging cases faced in the emergency department. Airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs) is central to the management of unknown poisoned patient.