Question Of The Day

In a recent retrospective analysis of the IQVIA pharmacy drug dispensing database, how did the epidemiology of benzonatate prescribing in pediatric patients change from 2012 to 2019? Benzonatate prescribing in pediatric patients increased by 62% from 2012 to 2019 (from ~217,000 unique patients to 351,000)…

Historical QOD 11/17/08: Propylene glycol accumulation, as reflected by a hyperosmolar anion gap metabolic acidosis, may be observed in critically ill adults receiving continuous high-dose infusion of what drug for more than 48 hrs. Lorazepam Arroliga et al. Relationship of continuous infusion of lorazepam to…

Effective and timely decontamination of modern nerve agents including VX and Novichok agents is notoriously difficult. Which of the following performed best in protecting against VX toxicity in a guinea pig study? a) rapid decontaminating skin lotion (RSDL), b) 0.5% bleach, c) 1% soapy water,…

What are the characteristic hair changes in thallium poisoning? Examination of the hair by dermoscopy and polarized light microscope (dermoscopic trichogram) may show a characteristic dystrophic anagen hair with dark pigmentation in the hair bulb, disorganized cortex and intermittent dark transverse bands in the hair…

What is a risk factor for liver injury due to long-term nitrofurantoin exposure? Liver injury associated with long term exposure from nitrofurantoin leads to fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure. HLA DRB1*11:04 is a risk factor for liver injury after long term use of nitrofurantoin. Chalasani…

Emerging evidence suggests that liver injury from some supplements may be immune mediated. Which herbal supplements has this been suggested recently? HLA allele B*35:01 has been associated with drug induced liver injury from herbal supplements including: Green tea extract; turmeric and Garcinia cambogia. 1. Hoofnagle…

Historical QOD 11/14/08: The development of the hemolytic uremic syndrome has been reported to be associated with a variety of chemotherapeutic agents. Which chemotherapeutic agent is the most common cause of HUS? Mitomycin-C Wu et al. Mitomycin-C induced hemolytic uremic syndrome: a case report and…

Identify the following animal. The above is Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_man_o%27_war  

Identify the following toxin. The above is Methylene Chloride, also known as dichloromethane https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methylene-Chloride  

According to a review of ECMO use in poisoning, what are relative contraindications to cannulation? Relative contraindications vary based on each center’s experience but often include: severe brain injury, advanced age, unrepaired aortic dissection or sever arotic regurgitation in VA ECMO, irreversible organ injury, contranidications…