Citation

Thomas SHL. Medicine (Abingdon) 2007; 35(10): 540-541.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Medicine Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.mpmed.2007.07.014

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Although the diagnosis of poisoning is usually evident (e.g. in a patient presenting with drug overdose), it may occasionally be obscure. This article describes some clinical presentations where poisoning should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Examples are unexplained coma or confusion, hypoglycaemia, abnormal liver function, unexplained convulsions or acidosis or abnormal bleeding. Poisoning should also be suspected if several people present with similar symptoms or in children who have chronic, recurrent or unexplained symptoms.