Acute Propoxyphene Self‐Poisoning in 222 Consecutive Patients

Abstract
The course of severe propoxyphene self-poisoning in 222 consecutive patients is presented. On admission, 73% of the patients had neurological symptoms, 10% had convulsions, 45% were in respiratory failure, and impaired circulation was present in 48%. A mortality rate of 8% was observed. Twelve patients arrived in asystole of whom 6 were resuscitated without sequelae. The overdose was accidental in 13 patients, 1 of whom died. Early medical intensive care was found mandatory for a good prognosis. Before discharge from the ICU an observation-period free of cardiovascular symptoms for 24 h is recommended.

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