Episode #4: Poisoning and the diagnosis of brain death
Conclusion: unclear how long to wait before pronouncing brain death as many factors such as pharmacogenetics can alter normal metabolism
Summary
Drug overdose can mimic brain death
Be especially cautious in overdose involving the scary B’s: baclofen, barbiturate, benzodiazepine
The 3-5 half life rule for drug clearance cannot be applied in the cases of overdose
Half lives are measured at therapeutic levels
Multiple other factors can alter metabolism in overdoses, such as pharmacogenetics, and cross reactivity with other ingestants
Consult a toxicologist if there is any question regarding possible overdose in the diagnosis of brain death
NOTE: On the podcast, Leon mistakenly identifies Joe Rotella as @toxtalk. Joe is actually @toxrocks — @toxtalk is the feed from the UMass Division of Toxicology. Both are excellent and well worth following.
Quizzler from episode 3 Kaboom!
Q: The Guinness World record recently named this pepper the hottest pepper in the world. What is its name and who makes it?
A: Smokin’ Ed’s ‘Carolina Reaper’ by the Puckerbutt Pepper Company rating an average of 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units
Congratulations Thomas Gilmore!
Current Quizzler
Posted at the end of the podcast
Submit responses and any feedback to toxtrivia@gmail.com
The first correct response wins a $10 amazon gift card and a Poison Review t-shirt (bonus prize!)
Bibliography
Greer DM, Varelas PN, Haque S, Wijdicks EF. (2008). Variability of brain death dete...
Source: The Poison Review - Category: Toxicology Authors: LeonThe Poison Review Tags: Podcast Source Type: news
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