Rhabdomyolysis among hospitalized patients for salicylate intoxication in the United States: Nationwide inpatient sample 2003–2014

Introduction This study aimed to assess the risk factors and impact of rhabdomyolysis on treatments, outcomes, and resource utilization in hospitalized patients for salicylate intoxication in the United States. Materials and methods The National Inpatient Sample was utilized to identify hospitalized patients with a primary diagnosis of salicylate intoxication from 2003–2014. Rhabdomyolysis was identified using hospital diagnosis code. We compared the clinical characteristics, in-hospital treatment, outcomes, and resource utilization between patients with and without rhabdomyolysis. Results A total of 13,805 hospital admissions for salicylate intoxication were studied. Of these, rhabdomyolysis developed in 258 (1.9%) admissions. The risk factors for rhabdomyolysis were age>20 years, male sex, volume depletion, hypokalemia, sepsis, and seizure. After adjustment for baseline clinical characteristics, salicylate intoxication patients with rhabdomyolysis required more invasive mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy. Rhabdomyolysis was significantly associated with higher risk of failure of any organ systems, and in-hospital mortality. Length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost were higher when rhabdomyolysis occurred during hospital stay. Conclusions Rhabdomyolysis was not common in hospitalized patients for salicylate intoxication but it was associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization.

Circulatory Shock among Hospitalized Patients for Salicylate Intoxication

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for circulatory shock and its impact on outcomes in patients hospitalized for salicylate intoxication. Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample to identify patients hospitalized primarily for salicylate intoxication from 2003–2014. Circulatory shock was identified based on hospital diagnosis code for any type of shock or hypotension. We compared clinical characteristics, in-hospital treatments, outcomes, and resource use between patients with and without circulatory shock associated with salicylate intoxication. Results: Of 13,805 hospital admissions for salicylate intoxication, circulatory shock developed in 484 (4%) admissions. Risk factors for development of circulatory shock included older age, female sex, concurrent psychotropic medication overdose, anemia, congestive heart failure, volume depletion, rhabdomyolysis, seizure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and sepsis. Circulatory shock was significantly associated with increased odds of any organ failure and in-hospital mortality. Length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost was significantly higher in patients with circulatory shock. Conclusion: Approximately 4% of patients admitted for salicylate intoxication developed circulatory shock. Circulatory shock was associated with worse clinical outcomes and increased resource use.

Starvation Ketosis and the Kidney

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The remarkable ability of the body to adapt to long-term starvation has been critical for survival of primitive man. An appreciation of these processes can provide the clinician better insight into many clinical conditions characterized by ketoacidosis. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> The body adapts to long-term fasting by conserving nitrogen, as the brain increasingly utilizes keto acids, sparing the need for glucose. This shift in fuel utilization decreases the need for mobilization of amino acids from the muscle for purposes of gluconeogenesis. Loss of urinary nitrogen is initially in the form of urea when hepatic gluconeogenesis is dominant and later as ammonia reflecting increased glutamine uptake by the kidney. The carbon skeleton of glutamine is utilized for glucose production and regeneration of consumed HCO₃⁻. The replacement of urea with NH₄⁺ provides the osmoles needed for urine flow and waste product excretion. Over time, the urinary loss of nitrogen is minimized as kidney uptake of filtered ketone bodies becomes more complete. Adjustments in urine Na⁺ serve to minimize kidney K⁺ wasting and, along with changes in urine pH, minimize the likelihood of uric acid precipitation. There is a sexual dimorphism in response to starvation. <b><i>Key Message:</i></b> Ketoacidosis is a major feature of common clinical conditions to include diabetic ketoacidosis, alcoholic ketoacidosis, salicylate intoxication, SGLT2 inhibitor therapy, and calorie sufficient but carbohydrate-restricted diets. Familiarity with the pathophysiology and metabolic consequences of ketogenesis is critical, given the potential for the clinician to encounter one of these conditions.

Characterization and outcome of 11 children with non-diabetic ketoacidosis

ObjectivesTo study the clinical and laboratory features, management, and outcome of pediatric non-diabetic ketoacidosis (NDKA).MethodsBetween May 2018 and April 2020, we prospectively collected children under 18 years who presented with ketoacidosis, defined as ketosis (urinary ketones ≥++ and/or serum β-hydroxybutyrate level ≥3 mmol/L) and metabolic acidosis (pH <7.3 and HCO3− <15 mmol/L). Children with HbA1c level ≥6.5% at initial presentation and those meeting the diagnostic criteria for DM during follow-up were excluded. Data were collected on demographics, clinical and laboratory features, management, and outcome.ResultsEleven children with 19 episodes of NDKA were identified. The median age was 12 months (range from 5 months to 5 years). They manifested dehydration and disturbed conscious level (all cases), convulsions (n=6), hypoglycemia (n=6), hyperglycemia (n=2) and significant hyperammonemia (n=4). Most cases required intensive care management. Death or neurodevelopmental impairment occurred in six cases. Seven cases had inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). Other cases were attributed to starvation, sepsis, and salicylate intoxication.ConclusionsThis is the largest case series of pediatric NDKA. Ketoacidosis, even with hyperglycemia, is not always secondary to diabetes mellitus. IEMs may constitute a significant portion of pediatric NDKA. Increased awareness of this unfamiliar condition is important for prompt diagnosis, timely management, and better outcome.

Hospitalizations for Acute Salicylate Intoxication in the United States

Background: The objective of this study was to describe inpatient prevalence, characteristics, outcomes, and resource use for acute salicylate intoxication hospitalizations in the United States. Methods: A total of 13,805 admissions with a primary diagnosis of salicylate intoxication from 2003 to 2014 in the National Inpatient Sample database were analyzed. Prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The overall inpatient prevalence of salicylate intoxication among hospitalized patients was 147.8 cases per 1,000,000 admissions in the United States. The average age was 34 ± 19 years. Of these, 35.0% were male and 65.4% used salicylate for suicidal attempts. Overall, 6% required renal replacement therapy. The most common complications of salicylate intoxication were electrolyte and acid-base disorders, including hypokalemia (25.4%), acidosis (19.1%), and alkalosis (11.1%). Kidney failure (9.3%) was the most common observed organ dysfunction. In-hospital mortality was 1.0%. Increased in-hospital mortality was associated with age ≥30, Asian/Pacific Islander race, diabetes mellitus, hyponatremia, ventricular arrhythmia, kidney failure, respiratory failure, and neurological failure, while decreased in-hospital mortality was associated with African American and Hispanic race. Conclusion: hospitalization for salicylate intoxication occurred in 148 per 1,000,000 admissions in the United States. Several factors were associated with in-hospital mortality.

Aspirin misuse: a case report

Aspirin-use disorder is an underreported condition. Identification of the signs and symptoms of aspirin misuse are important in light of prevalent non-prescribed medicine/over-the-counter medication (NPM/OTC) misuse. We discuss here the case of a patient with a history of chronic aspirin misuse who presented to the emergency department with salicylate intoxication and described elation secondary to deliberate aspirin consumption. This case highlights the importance of screening for NPM/OTC medication misuse in at-risk populations.

Overdose

Salicylate intoxication can be fatal if not recognized and treated in a timely fashion. Presentation may be subtle, and complaints of tinnitus or observation of Kussmaul respirations (rapid, deep breathing secondary to acidosis) may be the clinician’s leading cues. Other signs may include hyperthermia, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, diaphoresis, cardiovascular instability, and/or anion gap acidosis. Salicylate intoxication may be mistaken for sepsis, pneumonia, or ketoacidosis. Exposure may be chronic or acute - either can be deadly. Understanding the mechanisms of salicylate toxicity will guide diagnosis and treatment. Deciding whether or not to intubate and /or dialyze the patient are often critical determinanants of outcome. This chapter reviews recognition and management of this rare but potentially life-threatening toxicity.