SALICYLATE INTOXICATION

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is one of the most widely used over-the -counter medications. Because of its availability and widespread use, aspirin has a long history of human toxicity from accidental or intent ional overdosing. According to the American Association of Poison Cont rol Centers aspirin was implicated in 19083 exposures in 1995, with 11 800 cases treated in a health care facility, and 52 associated deaths. Aspirin toxicity may be a life-threatening condition that produces mu ltiple system organ failure requiring treatment in an intensive care u nit. Managing a patient with salicylism will challenge the skills of t he critical care team, especially in the areas of life support, fluid and electrolyte balance, and acid-base management. This article review s the physiology, pathophysiology, acute and chronic salicylism in chi ldren and adults, and management of salicylate intoxication.