POISONING AND DRUG OVERDOSE

Poisoning is a common cause for intensive care unit admission for both children and adults, and most poisoning victims are effectively treat ed using standard decontamination measures and supportive care. For a small number of poisons, acceleration of toxin removal with hemodialys is or hemofiltration is indicated. Similarly, specific antidotes are i ndicated in a few selected circumstances. Rarely, patients may benefit from more aggressive supportive techniques such as cardiopulmonary by pass.