The value of toxicological analysis in acute poisoning patients with uncertain exposure histories:a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning

BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,some patients might not be able or unwilling to provide a thorough history of medication and poison exposure.The aim of this study was to use toxicological analysis to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with acute poisoning whose exposure history was uncertain from a toxicological analysis perspective.METHODS:This was a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning.Patient registration information and test reports spanning the period from April 1,2020 to March 31,2022,were obtained.Patients with uncertain exposure histories and who underwent toxicological analysis were included.Clinical manifestations and categories of toxics were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 195 patients with positive toxicological analysis results,the main causes of uncertain exposure history was disturbance of consciousness(62.6%),unawareness(23.6%)and unwillingness or lack of cooperation(13.8%).The predominant clinical manifestations were disturbed consciousness(62.6%),followed by vomiting and nausea(14.4%)and liver function abnormalities(8.7%).A comparison of clinical manifestations between patients with positive and negative(n=99)toxicological analyses results revealed significantly different proportions of disturbances in consciousness(63%vs.21%),dizziness(1.5%vs.5.1%),multi-organ failure(1.5%vs.7.1%),and local pain(0 vs 4%).The main categories of substances involved were psychiatric medications(23.1%),sedatives(20.5%),insecticides(13.8%),and herbicides(12.8%).CONCLUSION:The clinical manifestations of acute poisoning in patients with an uncertain exposure history are diverse and nonspecific,and toxicological analysis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of such patients.

Assessment of rehabilitation treatment for patients with acute poisoning-induced toxic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND:Poisoned patients often suffer damage to multiple systems,and those experiencing central nervous system disorders present more severe conditions,prolonged hospital stays,and increased mortality rates.We aimed to assess the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions for patients with toxic encephalopathy.METHODS:This retrospective,observational,comparative cohort study was performed at the teaching hospital affiliated of Nanjing Medical University,from October 2020 to December 2022.Patients who met the diagnostic criteria for toxic encephalopathy and exclusion criteria were included,and patients were divided into three subgroups according to Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS).Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected.The effect of the rehabilitation intervention on patients were assessed in the improvement of consciousness status(Glasgow Coma Scale[GCS]score),muscle strength and movement and swallowing function(Fugl-Meyer Assessment[FMA]scale,Water Swallow Test[WST],and Standardized Swallowing Assessment[SSA]).Subgroup analysis was based on different toxic species.RESULTS:Out of the 464 patients with toxic encephalopathy,184 cases received rehabilitation treatments.For the severe toxic encephalopathy patients,patients without rehabilitation intervention have a 2.21 times higher risk of death compared to patients with rehabilitation intervention(Hazard ratio[HR]=2.21).Subgroup analysis revealed that rehabilitation intervention significantly increased the survival rate of patients with pesticide poisoning(P=0.02),while no significant improvement was observed in patients with drug/biological agent poisoning(P=0.44).After rehabilitation intervention,significant improvement in GCS and FMA were observed in severe patients with toxic encephalopathy(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Active rehabilitation intervention for patients exposed to poisons that can potentially cause toxic encephalopathy may improve the prognosis and reduce the mortality rate in clinical practice.

Chlorfenapyr poisoning:mechanisms,clinical presentations,and treatment strategies

BACKGROUND:Chlorfenapyr is used to kill insects that are resistant to organophosphorus insecticides.Chlorfenapyr poisoning has a high mortality rate and is difficult to treat.This article aims to review the mechanisms,clinical presentations,and treatment strategies for chlorfenapyr poisoning.DATA RESOURCES:We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed,Web of Science,and SpringerLink from their beginnings to the end of October 2023.The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews,clinical guidelines,retrospective studies,and case reports on chlorfenapyr poisoning that focused on its mechanisms,clinical presentations,and treatment strategies.The references in the included studies were also examined to identify additional sources.RESULTS:We included 57 studies in this review.Chlorfenapyr can be degraded into tralopyril,which is more toxic and reduces energy production by inhibiting the conversion of adenosine diphosphate to adenosine triphosphate.High fever and altered mental status are characteristic clinical presentations of chlorfenapyr poisoning.Once it occurs,respiratory failure occurs immediately,ultimately leading to cardiac arrest and death.Chlorfenapyr poisoning is diflcult to treat,and there is no specific antidote.CONCLUSION:Chlorfenapyr is a new pyrrole pesticide.Although it has been identified as a moderately toxic pesticide by the World Health Organization(WHO),the mortality rate of poisoned patients is extremely high.There is no specific antidote for chlorfenapyr poisoning.Therefore,based on the literature review,future efforts to explore rapid and effective detoxification methods,reconstitute intracellular oxidative phosphorylation couplings,identify early biomarkers of chlorfenapyr poisoning,and block the conversion of chlorfenapyr to tralopyril may be helpful for emergency physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

The Role of Abdominal CT in the Assessment of the Effectiveness of Gastric Lavage after Pesticide Poisoning

Pesticide poisoning is one of the most common diseases in the emergency department, characterized by rapid changes in condition, a high misdiagnosis rate, and a poor prognosis. Measures for early removal of poisons are crucial, and gastric lavage is one of the important measures. Regarding the post-gastric lavage effect, abdominal CT scanning has an important application value in the assessment of the gastric lavage effect after pesticide poisoning.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Latent Variables in Mitigating Data Poisoning Attacks in the Context of Bayesian Networks:An Empirical Study

Bayesian networks are a powerful class of graphical decision models used to represent causal relationships among variables.However,the reliability and integrity of learned Bayesian network models are highly dependent on the quality of incoming data streams.One of the primary challenges with Bayesian networks is their vulnerability to adversarial data poisoning attacks,wherein malicious data is injected into the training dataset to negatively influence the Bayesian network models and impair their performance.In this research paper,we propose an efficient framework for detecting data poisoning attacks against Bayesian network structure learning algorithms.Our framework utilizes latent variables to quantify the amount of belief between every two nodes in each causal model over time.We use our innovative methodology to tackle an important issue with data poisoning assaults in the context of Bayesian networks.With regard to four different forms of data poisoning attacks,we specifically aim to strengthen the security and dependability of Bayesian network structure learning techniques,such as the PC algorithm.By doing this,we explore the complexity of this area and offer workablemethods for identifying and reducing these sneaky dangers.Additionally,our research investigates one particular use case,the“Visit to Asia Network.”The practical consequences of using uncertainty as a way to spot cases of data poisoning are explored in this inquiry,which is of utmost relevance.Our results demonstrate the promising efficacy of latent variables in detecting and mitigating the threat of data poisoning attacks.Additionally,our proposed latent-based framework proves to be sensitive in detecting malicious data poisoning attacks in the context of stream data.

Treatment of a patient with aconitine poisoning using veno-arterial membrane oxygenation:A case report

BACKGROUND Aconitine poisoning is highly prone to causing malignant arrhythmias.The elimination of aconitine from the body takes a considerable amount of time,and during this period,patients are at a significant risk of death due to malignant arrhythmias associated with aconitine poisoning.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old male patient was admitted due to accidental ingestion of aconitinecontaining drugs.Upon arrival at the emergency department,the patient intermittently experienced malignant arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia,ventricular fibrillation,ventricular premature beats,and cardiac arrest.Emergency interventions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation were promptly administered.Additionally,veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(VA-ECMO)therapy was initiated.Successful resuscitation was achieved before ECMO placement,but upon initiation of ECMO,the patient experienced recurrent malignant arrhythmias.ECMO was utilized to maintain hemodynamics and respiration,while continuous blood purification therapy for toxin clearance,mechanical ventilation,and hypothermic brain protection therapy were concurrently administered.On the third day of VA-ECMO support,the patient’s respiratory and hemodynamic status stabilized,with only frequent ventricular premature beats observed on electrocardiographic monitoring,and echocardiography indicated recovery of cardiac contractile function.On the fourth day,a significant reduction in toxin levels was observed,along with stable hemodynamic and respiratory functions.Following a successful pump-controlled retrograde trial occlusion test,ECMO assistance was terminated.The patient gradually improved postoperatively and achieved recovery.He was discharged 11 days later.CONCLUSION VA-ECMO can serve as a bridging resuscitation technique for patients with reversible malignant arrhythmias.

Severe aconite poisoning successfully treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation:A case report

BACKGROUND Most species of aconite contain highly toxic aconitines,the oral ingestion of which can be fatal,primarily because they cause ventricular arrhythmias.We describe a case of severe aconite poisoning that was successfully treated through venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(VA-ECMO)and in which detailed toxicological analyses of the aconite roots and biological samples were performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male presented to the emergency room with circulatory collapse and ventricular arrhythmia after ingesting approximately half of a root labeled,“Aconitum japonicum Thunb”.Two hours after arrival,VA-ECMO was initiated as circulatory collapse became refractory to antiarrhythmics and vasopressors.Nine hours after arrival,an electrocardiogram revealed a return to sinus rhythm.The patient was weaned off VA-ECMO and the ventilator on hospital days 3 and 5,respectively.On hospital day 15,he was transferred to a psychiatric hospital.The other half of the root and his biological samples were toxicologically analyzed using LC-MS/MS,revealing 244.3 mg/kg of aconitine and 24.7 mg/kg of mesaconitine in the root.Serum on admission contained 1.50 ng/mL of aconitine.Beyond hospital day 2,neither were detected.Urine on admission showed 149.09 ng/mL of aconitine and 3.59 ng/mL of mesaconitine,but these rapidly decreased after hospital day 3.CONCLUSION The key to saving the life of a patient with severe aconite poisoning is to introduce VA-ECMO as soon as possible.

Paradoxical systemic toxicity by inhaled paraquat poisoning: A case report

Rationale:Multi-organ failure is a symptom of paraquat poisoning,resulting in high mortality and morbidity rates.Though paraquat is widely available,poisoning through inhalation is rare.Patient’s Concern:A 37-year-old male reported to the emergency department with complaints of vomiting after an alleged history of inhalation of paraquat while at work.Diagnosis:Paraquat poisoning.Interventions:Supportive management along with multiple sessions of hemodialysis.Outcomes:Renal complications caused by paraquat were improved after multiple sessions of hemodialysis.However,the patient developed respiratory complications and later due to persistent hypoxemia and non-responsive to supportive therapy,he succumbed to his illness.Lessons:Acute kidney injury is a complication of paraquat poisoning.However,kidney involvement with the inhalational mode is rare.It is caused by reduction and oxidation cycles,as well as the formation of reactive oxygen species,necessitating hemodialysis as the treatment.Without a clear history,a specific clinical trait,or a diagnostic test,diagnosis can be difficult.Our case thus highlights the inhaled paraquat poisoning,presenting with acute kidney injury with late respiratory impairment as a consequence.

Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome due to high-dose cantharidin poisoning:A case report

BACKGROUND This report delves into the diagnostic and therapeutic journey undertaken by a patient with high-dose cantharidin poisoning and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome(MODS).Particular emphasis is placed on the comprehensive elucidation of the clinical manifestations of high-dose cantharidin poisoning,the intricate path to diagnosis,and the exploration of potential underlying mechanisms.CASE SUMMARY A patient taking 10 g of cantharidin powder orally subsequently developed MODS.The patient was treated with supportive care,fluid hydration and antibiotics,and hemoperfusion and hemofiltration therapy for 24 h and successfully recovered 8 d after hospital admission.Cantharidin poisoning can cause lifethreatening MODS and is rare clinically.This case underscores the challenge in diagnosis and highlights the need for early clinical differentiation to facilitate accurate assessment and prompt intervention.CONCLUSION This article has reported and analyzed the clinical data,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of a case of high-dose cantharidin poisoning resulting in MODS and reviewed the relevant literature to improve the clinical understanding of this rare condition.

Acquired methemoglobinemia in a third trimester puerpera and her premature infant with sodium nitrite poisoning:A case report

BACKGROUND The common cause of sodium nitrite poisoning has shifted from previous accidental intoxication by exposure or ingestion of contaminated water and food to recent alarming intentional intoxication as an employed method of suicide/exit.The subsequent formation of methemoglobin(MetHb)restricts oxygen transport and utilization in the body,resulting in functional hypoxia at the tissue level.In clinical practice,a mismatch of cyanotic appearance and oxygen partial pressure usually contributes to the identification of methemoglobinemia.Prompt recognition of characteristic mismatch and accurate diagnosis of sodium nitrite poisoning are prerequisites for the implementation of standardized systemic interventions.CASE SUMMARY A pregnant woman was admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University due to consciousness disorders and drowsiness 2 h before admission.Subsequently,she developed vomiting and cyanotic skin.The woman underwent orotracheal intubation,invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV),and correction of internal environment disturbance in the ICU.Her premature infant was born with a higher-than-normal MetHb level of 3.3%,and received detoxification with methylene blue and vitamin C,supplemental vitamin K1,an infusion of fresh frozen plasma,as well as respiratory support via orotracheal intubation and IMV.On day 3 after admission,the puerpera regained consciousness,evacuated the IMV,and resumed enteral nutrition.She was then transferred to the maternity ward 24 h later.On day 7 after admission,the woman recovered and was discharged without any sequelae.CONCLUSION MetHb can cross through the placental barrier.Level of MetHb both reflects severity of the sodium nitrite poisoning and serves as feedback on therapeutic effectiveness.

Clinical Case Report of Acute Heart Injury and Acute Rhabdomyolysis Due to Cyanide Poisoning

Cyanide poisoning is one of the most dangerous poisonings, and it can be absorbed into the body through the mouth, inhalation and through the skin. A 32-year-old female patient was admitted to our poison control center because of high fever, severe vomiting, and seizures. Physical examination found that the patient was drowsy, had a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius, pulse of 140 beats/minute, and increased tendon and bone reflexes. Exploiting the patient’s information, it was discovered that the patient bought Cyanide to drink with the intention of committing suicide. The patient was quickly treated with gastric lavage and activated charcoal. Echocardiography recorded EF: 35%, reduced movement of the entire myocardium. CK blood test: 4562 U/L. The patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated and the patient was made ECMO, IHD and CVVHDF. After 3 days of treatment, the patient’s condition did not improve, so the family asked for the patient to go home. This article aims to describe the rapidly progressing and severe damage to the heart and muscles of patients with cyanide poisoning.

A Comparison of Hydrothermal Aging, SO2 and Propene Poisoning Effects on NH3-SCR over Cu-ZSM-5 and Cu-SAPO-34 Catalysts

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of hydrothermal aging, propene and SO2 poisoning on the ammonia-selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) performance of both Cu-SAPO-34 and Cu-ZSM-5. The catalytic activities of fresh, aged and poisoned samples were tested in ammonia-selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) of NOx conditions. The XRD, TG and N2-desorption results showed that the structures of the Cu-SAPO-34 and Cu-ZSM-5 remained intact after 750˚C hydrothermally aged, SO2 and propene poisoned. After hydrothermal aging at 750˚C for 12 h, the NO reduction performance of Cu-ZSM-5 was significantly reduced at lower temperatures, while that of Cu-SAPO-34 was less affected. Moreover, Cu-SAPO-34 catalyst showed high NO conversion with SO2 or propene compared to Cu-ZSM-5. However, Cu-ZSM-5 showed a larger drop in catalytic activity with SO2 or propene compared to Cu-SAPO-34 catalyst. The H2-TPR results showed that Cu2 ions could be reduced to Cu and Cu0 for Cu-ZSM-5, while no significant transformation of copper species was observed for Cu-SAPO-34. Meanwhile, the UV-vis DRS results showed that CuO species were formed in Cu-ZSM-5, while little changes were observed for the Cu-SAPO-34. Cu-SAPO-34 showed high sulfur and hydrocarbon poison resistance compared to Cu-ZSM-5. In summary, Cu-SAPO-34 with small-pore zeolite showed higher hydrothermal stability and better hydrocarbon and sulfur poison resistant than Cu-ZSM-5 with medium-pore.

Role of penehyclidine in acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning

BACKGROUND:Penehyclidine is a newly developed anticholinergic agent.We aimed to investigate the role of penehyclidine in acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning(OP)patients.METHODS:We searched the Pubmed,Cochrane library,EMBASE,Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Chinese Biomedical literature(CBM)and Wanfang databases.Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)recruiting acute OP patients were identifi ed for meta-analysis.Main outcomes included cure rate,mortality rate,time to atropinization,time to 60%normal acetylcholinesterase(AchE)level,rate of intermediate syndrome(IMS)and rate of adverse drug reactions(ADR).RESULTS:Sixteen RCTs involving 1,334 patients were identifi ed.Compared with the atropineor penehyclidine-alone groups,atropine combined with penehyclidine significantly increased the cure rate(penehyclidine+atropine vs.atropine,0.97 vs.0.86,RR 1.13,95%CI[1.07–1.19];penehyclidine+atropine vs.penehyclidine,0.93 vs.0.80,RR 1.08,95%CI[1.01–1.15])and reduced the mortality rate(penehyclidine+atropine vs.atropine,0.015 vs.0.11,RR 0.17,95%CI[0.06–0.49];penehyclidine+atropine vs.penehyclidine,0.13 vs.0.08,RR 0.23,95%CI[0.04–1.28]).Atropine combined with penehyclidine in OP patients also helped reduce the time to atropinization and AchE recovery,the rate of IMS and the rate of ADR.Compared with a single dose of atropine,a single dose of penehyclidine also signifi cantly elevated the cure rate,reduced times to atropinization,AchE recovery,and rate of IMS.CONCLUSION:Atropine combined with penehyclidine benefi ts OP patients by enhancing the cure rate,mortality rate,time to atropinization,AchE recovery,IMS rate,total ADR and duration of hospitalization.Penehyclidine combined with atropine is likely a better initial therapy for OP patients than atropine alone.

Trends in Suicide by Poisoning in China 2000-2006: Age, Gender, Method, and Geography

Objective This study analyzed patterns of suicide and suicide attempts by poisoning as reported through a national poison control system for the purpose of improving intervention and prevention. Methods During the period of 2000 to 2006, 6440 cases of poisoning suicide were reported to the telephone consultation service system of The National Center for Poisoning Control （Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention）. Among these records, 4728 cases had completed data for this analysis in terms of age, sex, trend of time and location, and type of poisons. Results There were 60.6% female cases with the age from 10 to 90 years old. The age of cases from 20 to 39 years accounted for 54.5% of all age groups. Both the numbers and percentage in record related to poisoning consultation of oral poisoning suicide showed an increasing tendency during the 7 years. In particular, there was a drastic increase from 2004 to 2006. In addition, the high frequency of cases occurred from May to October. Hebei, Shandong, Henan, and Anhui Provinces had the highest number of cases. Pesticide poisonings were the most common method in these cases of consultation for suicide and suicide attempts. Conclusion This study describes epidemiological characteristics in the oral poisoning suicide cases and provides scientific basis for suicide prevention interventions.

Oxidative Stress and Free Radical Damage in Patients With Acute Dipterex Poisoning

Objective To investigate whether acute dipterex poisoning (ADP) may cause oxidative stress and free radical damage in the bodies of acute dipterex poisoning patients (ADPPs), and to explore the mechanisms by which ADP may cause oxidative stress and free radical damage. Methods Fifty ADPPs and fifty healthy adult volunteers (HAVs) whose ages, gender and others were matched with the ADPPs were enrolled in a randomized controlled study, in which concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) and P-carotene (P-CAR) in plasma as well as concentration of lipoperoxide (LPO), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in erythrocytes were determined by spectrophotometric analytical methods. Results Compared with the average values of experimental parameters in the HAVs group, the average values of plasma NO and erythrocyte LPO in the ADPPs group were significantly increased (P<0.0001), while those of plasma VC, VE and P-CAR as well as erythrocyte SOD, CAT, GPX and AChE in the ADPPs group were significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Bivariate correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis suggested that when NO and LPO values were increased, and VC, VE, β-CAR, SOD, CAT and GPX values were decreased in the ADPPs, AChE value was decreased gradually in the ADPPs (P<0.001-0.0001). Reliability analysis of experimental parameters reflecting oxidative stress and free radical damage in the ADPPs showed that the reliability coefficient (8 items) alpha=0.6909, and the standardized item alpha=0.8574. Conclusion The findings in the present study suggest that ADP can cause oxidative stress and free radical damage, and inhibit markedly erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity in ADPPs.

Ulinastatin suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats with acute paraquat poisoning

Lung injury is the main manifestation of paraquat poisoning. Few studies have addressed brain damage after paraquat poisoning. Ulinastatin is a protease inhibitor that can effectively stabilize lysosomal membranes, prevent cell damage, and reduce the production of free radicals. This study assumed that ulinastatin would exert these effects on brain tissues that had been poisoned with paraquat. Rat models of paraquat poisoning were intraperitoneally injected with ulinastatin. Simultaneously, rats in the control group were administered normal saline. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that most hippocampal cells were contracted and nucleoli had disappeared in the paraquat group. Fewer cells in the hippocampus were concentrated and nucleoli had dis- appeared in the ulinastatin group. Western blot assay showed that expressions of GRP78 and cleaved-caspase-3 were significantly lower in the ulinastatin group than in the paraquat group. Immunohistochemical findings showed that CHOP immunoreactivity was significantly lower in the ulinastatin group than in the paraquat group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-medi- ated dUTP nick end labeling staining showed that the number of apoptotic cells was reduced in the paraquat and ulinastatin groups. These data confirmed that endoplasmic reticular stress can be induced by acute paraqnat poisoning. Ulinastatin can effectively inhibit this stress as well as cell apoptosis, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect.

Cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest related to mushroom poisoning: A case report

BACKGROUND Mushroom exposure is a global health issue.The manifestations of mushroom poisoning (MP) may vary.Some species have been reported as rhabdomyolytic,hallucinogenic,or gastrointestinal poisons.Critical or even fatal MPs are mostly attributable to Amanita phalloides,with the development of severe liver or renal failure.Myocardial injury and even cases mimicking ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have been previously reported,while cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac arrest is not commonly seen.CASE SUMMARY We report a 68-year-old woman with MP who suffered from delirium,seizure,long QT syndrome on electrocardiogram (ECG),severe cardiac arrhythmias of multiple origins,and cardiac arrest.She was intubated and put on blood perfusion.Her kidney and liver functions were intact;creatine kinase-MB was mildly elevated,and then fell within normal range during her hospital stay.We sent the mushrooms she left for translation elongation factor subunit 1α,ribosomal RNA gene sequence,and internal transcribed spacer sequence analyses.There were four kinds of mushrooms identified,two of which were found to be toxic.CONCLUSION This is the first time that we found cardiac toxicity caused by Panaeolus subbalteatus and Conocybe lactea,which were believed to be toxic to the liver,kidney,and brain.We suggest that intensive monitoring and ECG follow-up are essential to diagnose prolonged QT interval and different forms of tachycardia in MP patients,even without the development of severe liver or renal failure.The mechanisms need to be further investigated and clarified based on animal experiments and molecular signal pathways.

Prognostic value of plasma C-reactive protein in the evaluation of paraquat poisoning patients

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of plasma C-reactive protein(CRP) level in patients with paraquat poisoning.Methods: This study included 162 patients with paraquat poisoning. The data of plasma paraquat, CRP level and arterial blood gas were analyzed. Cox regression analysis was applied to evaluate the risk factors of prognosis. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis and area under curve were used to calculate the predictive power of significant variable. Differences in patient survival were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method and a log-rank test.Results: Plasma CRP level was significantly increased in non-survival patients compared with survival patients(P < 0.05), and positively correlated with plasma paraquat level(P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that plasma CRP level was an independent prognostic marker of mortality within 30 days. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis indicated that area under curve of plasma CRP level was0.867(95% CI: 0.81–0.93), and the cut-off value was 18 mg/L, and patients with CRP level over this value had a poor survival time compared with those with less than this value.Conclusions: These results suggest that plasma CRP level is distinct increased in patients with paraquat poisoning, and the plasma CRP level may be useful for the prediction of prognosis in paraquat poisoning.

Early Biomarkers in 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Striatal Pathological Mechanisms after Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Rats

Objective In vivo Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy （1H-MRS） can be used to evaluate the levels of specific neurochemical biomarkers of pathological mechanisms in the brain. Methods We conducted T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging （MRI） and 1H-MRS with a 3.0-Tesla animal MRI system to investigate the early microstructural and metabolic profiles in vivo in the striatum of rats following carbon monoxide （CO） poisoning. Results Compared to baseline, we found significant cortical surface deformation, cerebral edema changes, which were indicated by the unclear gray/white matter border, and lateral ventricular volume changes in the brain. A significant reduction in the metabolite to total creatine （Cr） ratios of N-acetylaspartate （NAA） was observed as early as 1 h after the last CO administration, while the lactate （Lac） levels increased marginally. Both the Lac/Cr and NAA/Cr ratios leveled off at 6 h and showed no subsequent significant changes. In addition, compared to the control, the choline （Cho）/Cr ratio was slightly reduced in the early stages and significantly increased after 6 h. In addition, a pathological examination revealed mild cerebral edema on cessation of the insult and more severe cerebral injury after additional CO poisoning. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that 1H-MRS of the brain identified early metabolic changes after CO poisoning. Notably, the relationship between the increased Cho/Cr ratio in the striatum and delayed neuropsychologic sequelae requires further research.