[Ergotamine poisoning: a case study].

Ergotamine is a well known pharmacological remedy applied in neurology (treatment of vascular headache) and in obstetrics (abortive remedy, uterus atony). But today it is rarely used, because of new safer anti-migraine medicine (triptanes) which cause fewer side effects. According to obstetrical indications ergotamine is applied only in hospital treatment.

[Severe tricyclic antidepressants poisoning--a case study].

Long QT syndrome is a disease characterized by periodic or constant prolongation of QT interval and attacks of ventricular polymorphic tachycardia known as torsade de pointes. It may appear as a result of various medicines application, both anti-arrhythmic and non-cardiovascular. Currently, a list of medicines which may cause proarrhythmic action in consequence of QT prolongation is long and constantly updated.

[Difficulties in interpreting the results of laboratory tests for methanol concentration in serum of patients with metabolic acidosis of various origins].

Due to increasing availability of methyl alcohol, methanol poisoning becomes more common. Consumption of even relatively small amounts can lead to very serious consequences, including irreversible damage to the eye and death. Quickly implemented proper treatment can alleviate the course of poisoning.

[The harmfulness of drugs and slimming substances--a toxicologist's point of view].

Obesity in rapidly developing countries has recently become an epidemic. That is why the need to fight against this chronic disease is becoming more and more apparent. In order to lose weight it is necessary to achieve negative energy balance either by increasing physical activity or using a low calorie diet.

[Preventive treatment of prolongation of the QT interval].

Prolongation of QT interval is an indicator of bad prognosis in general population of people with heart disease, in patients after myocardial infarction and in people without recognized heart disease. Prolongation of QT interval occurs in many diseases and clinical states. It may be congenital or acquired ECG anomaly and it determines the basic symptom of long QT syndrome.