UNRECOGNIZED PREGNANCY IN THE OVERDOSED OR POISONED PATIENT

A 22-year-old woman was found in bed unresponsive and hypotensive afte r an apparent overdose. Subsequent workup in the emergency department identified a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and extensive hemo peritoneum. A significant delay occurred when emergency physicians excluded the p ossibility of pregnancy because of the patient's normal menstrual hist ory. A qualitative serum or urine pregnancy test is recommended in all women of child bearing age who present with poisoning or drug overdos e. (Am J Emerg Med 1997;15:538-541. Copyright (C) 1997 by W.B. Saunder s Company).