Publications by authors named "Giulia Scaravaggi"

Article Synopsis
  • Lacosamide, a third-generation antiepileptic drug used for partial seizures, has had limited documentation of overdose cases since its approval in 2008, prompting a study to assess the clinical effects of acute poisoning.
  • This retrospective study at the Pavia Poison Control Centre analyzed 31 cases between 2012 and 2021, noting that the median ingested dose was 1500 mg and that 64.5% of individuals had taken other substances like benzodiazepines.
  • The findings indicated that 87% of patients experienced symptoms, with the most common being vomiting and seizures, and those who entered a coma had significantly higher doses; however, all patients eventually fully recovered
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Hydrogen cyanamide, a plant growth regulator introduced in Italy, was recalled in 2008 and is currently unauthorized in Europe due to its potential for causing serious health issues, including irritation, organ damage, and dangerous reactions with alcohol.
  • A study covering exposures from 2007 to 2021 found that most cases (79%) occurred after the product's market withdrawal, primarily in Sicily, with all instances being unintentional and work-related; a significant portion (41%) involved alcohol co-ingestion.
  • Common symptoms included flushing, dyspnoea, and burns, but all patients treated symptomatically fully recovered; the findings highlight ongoing illegal usage and the need for heightened awareness of the risks
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Until now very few cases of an adverse cardiovascular event have been described following European viper envenomation (Aravanis et al., 1982) (Aravanis et al., 1982) (Aravanis et al.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

At the end of the 90s in Europe, the new psychoactive substances (NPS) phenomenon was limited to a small number of molecules created to mimic the actions and psychoactive effects of licensed medicines and existing drugs that are controlled by the United Nations drug conventions and therefore traded as their "legal" replacements. NPS were mostly circulating in rave parties and electronic music festivals. The globalization, the evolution of e-commerce and the growing popularity of NPS, facilitated the development of a wide illegal market in constant expansion.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • A study analyzed 1,445 cases of suspected NPS intoxications in hospitals across Italy from 2011 to 2019 to track the rise of new psychoactive substances.
  • Out of these cases, 17.0% tested positive for at least one NPS, primarily dissociatives like ketamine, followed by hallucinogens and stimulants.
  • The research emphasizes the rapid evolution of NPS, the necessity for healthcare professionals to recognize these substances, and the importance of laboratory confirmations in diagnosing and addressing these public health issues.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Aims: To study the predictive factors for the development of clinical manifestations in poisoning due to the erroneous taking of low-dose methotrexate (MTX).

Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed. Only cases of erroneous administration in non-oncologic outpatients were included (July 2008-March 2020).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) produced by species are the most potent identified natural toxins. Classically, the toxic neurological syndrome is characterized by an (afebrile) acute symmetric descending flaccid paralysis. The most know typical clinical syndrome of botulism refers to the foodborne form.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The use of artificial nail tips in professional manicure services and the application of false eyelashes are a growing trend among young women. Often, this "beauty routine" is performed at home without the supervision of an expert beautician, raising health problems due to either the spillage of these products or to accidental exposure to children. The aim of this study is to review the Pavia Poison Control Centre clinical records to identify the frequency, the most common route of exposure, and the possible risks associated to these events to support the decision-making process in emergency departments.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Latrodectism is a serious syndrome caused by bites from Latrodectus spiders, particularly L. tredecimguttatus, which is found in Italy and releases toxins affecting motor and adrenergic nerve function.
  • A 60-year-old man experienced severe symptoms after being bitten in the leg, leading to a hyperacute emergency presentation that included agitation, sweating, and muscle spasms, ultimately identified as poisoning from L. tredecimguttatus.
  • The patient was treated successfully with L. mactans antivenom from North America, showing significant improvement within an hour and being discharged two days later, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment for latrodectism.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF