We present the case of a 26-year-old man who experienced an episode of postinjection olanzapine delirium/sedation syndrome (PDSS). The patient was admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) for psychomotor agitation after administration of 405 mg olanzapine depot i.m. The patient shows drowsiness, disorientation in time and space, significant motor slowdown, speech impairment like dysarthria, movement-associated muscle clonus and marked patellar hyperreflexia. After a diagnostic workup, the diagnosis of PDSS was made. Olanzapine long-acting injectable formulation finds increasing use. PDSS is a rare but dangerous adverse reaction. For the emergency physician, it is essential to know how to diagnose it and how to treat it.

We present the case of a 70-year-old woman who experienced an episode of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) triggered by hyperlithiemia and hypernatremia. t: This case report describes a 70-year-old woman with bipolar disorder who presented at the Emergency Department (ED) with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) triggered by hyperlithiemia and hypernatremia. Although lithium treatment is commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, the exact mechanisms underlying lithium-induced PRES are still under investigation. The patient's altered consciousness prompted toxicological consultation, leading to a diagnosis of PRES associated with lithium toxicity. The patient required intensive care and received hydration therapy, resulting in a gradual reduction of sodium and lithium levels. After a period of rehabilitation, she was discharged with minimal neurological deficits. Hyperlithiemia is an extremely rare cause of PRES (Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome), which, if unrecognized, can have serious consequences and long-term effects on the patient.

Vitamin D is an important prohormone largely derived from sunlight exposure on the skin. In many older people, vitamin D levels have been found to be insufficient or frankly deficient. Alterations in body composition associated with ageing, such as decreased muscle mass and increased adipose tissue, may also decrease vitamin D levels. Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures and the conditions of frailty and sarcopenia, but confounding with decreased outdoor exposure from a large range of concomitant diseases partly explains these findings. The benefits of vitamin D supplementation found in randomised trials have largely been confined to frail and disabled older people. There is some evidence that bolus vitamin D supplements that achieve supraphysiological levels may increase the risk of falls.

This study describes the exposures and suspected intoxications in children (0–14 years) managed by an Italian reference poison control center (PCC). A seven-year observational retrospective study was performed on the medical records of the Toxicology Unit and PCC, Careggi University Hospital, Florence (Italy). During the study period (2015–2021), a total of 27,212 phone call consultations were managed by the PCC, of which 11,996 (44%) involved subjects aged 0–14 years. Most cases occurred in males (54%) aged 1–5 years (73.8%), mainly at home (97.4%), and with an oral route of intoxication (93%). Cases mainly occurred involuntarily. Consultations were generally requested by caregivers; however, in the age group 12–14 years, 70% were requested by healthcare professionals due to voluntary intoxications. Cleaners (19.44%) and household products (10.90%) were the most represented suspected agents. Pharmacological agents accounted for 28.80% of exposures. Covariates associated with a higher risk of emergency department visit or hospitalization were voluntary intoxication (OR 29.18 [11.76–72.38]), inhalation route (OR 1.87 [1.09–3.23]), and pharmacological agents (OR 1.34 [1.23–1.46]), particularly central nervous system medications. Overall, consultations do not burden national and regional healthcare facilities, revealing the activity of PCCs as having a strategic role in reducing public health spending, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Authors report an accidental gas exposure of Chlorine gas in a worker. This accident is very uncommon and can lead to important life-threatening conditions, such as Reactive Airway Disfunction Syndrome (RADS) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) with important pulmonary disfunctions and even death. This syndrome results are reversible when a quick and appropriate intensive treatment is performed.

Data on cleaner and disinfectant exposure and misuse-related acute intoxications in Italy during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are still lacking. The aim of the present study was to analyse and describe cleaner and disinfectant-related intoxications during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in an Italian poison control centre. Data were obtained from the toxicological consultations requested to the Toxicology Unit and Poison Centre, Careggi University Hospital, Florence (Italy). We compared data from January 1st to April 30th of 2019 and 2020. Data concerning probable or acute intoxication from any causative agent in the general population (all age groups), from private individuals or from Regional and National health structures, were included in the analysis. A toxicological evaluation was also performed to calculate the Poisoning Severity Score. In 2019, 451 phone counselling sessions were performed and compared to a total of 410 calls received during the same period of 2020. In both periods, the majority of events occurred in paediatric (0-17 years) and adult (18-65 years) patients, who were mainly exposed to one toxic agent, and intoxications took place principally at home due to domestic accidents. The oral route of intoxication was the most frequently observed one, followed by inhalation of toxic agents, which increased by 4.7% in 2020. In 2020, sanitizers and cleaners were reported in 21.6% of cases compared to 12.5% in 2019. This is the first study describing cleaner and disinfectant-related intoxications in Italy. Our results suggested a possible misuse of these products during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, underling the effects of home isolation on mental health and unintentional toxic exposures.

A 51-years-old male presented with drooling, hematemesis and diarrhea in emergency department after accidental ingestion of homemade aconitine tincture. Examination revealed shock and initial ECG showed atrial fibrillation. The patient suddenly developed a pulseless wide QRS complex tachycardia requiring resuscitation maneuvers. The rhythm varied from monomorphic ventricular tachycardia to torsade de point to ventricular fibrillation. Repeated direct-current cardioversions were unsuccessful. After intravenous electrolyte correction and anti-arrhythmic drugs administration, a last direct-current shock was finally successful. Bradycardia and ventricular excitability persisted over 12 hours with gradual normalization. Patient was discharged in normal sinus rhythm without any medication and on follow-up he was totally asymptomatic. With the increasing popularity of traditional medicine, clinicians should be alerted to the risk of herbal substances with low margins of safety like Aconitum in order to allow correct diagnosis and treatment. The general public should be educated that herbal medicine is not always safe.

Cases of human envenomation by Centruroides pococki are exceptionally reported in human. We report a Class III human envenomation by C. pococki in Guadeloupe, French West Indies, with neuromuscular toxicity that has never been described before. Symptoms resolved within a few hours, without the need for intravenous scorpion-specific antivenom.