Abstract

KOEGELENBERG, Coenraad F N; JOUBERT, Zirkia J  and  IRUSEN, Elvis M. Tricyclic antidepressant overdose necessitating ICU admission. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2012, vol.102, n.5, pp.293-294. ISSN 2078-5135.

Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose necessitating intensive care unit (ICU) admission remains a significant problem in the Western Cape. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the course of life-threatening TCA overdose in our centre to identify potential prognostic indicators. TCA levels >1 000 ng/ml were associated with QT and QRS prolongation and convulsions. However, no single parameter predicted non-survival. The overall mortality of TCA overdose was very low. Our findings should encourage clinicians to offer medical care including ICU admission, if necessary, to patients with TCA overdose.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )