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Released July 23, 2020 |
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Join the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) and the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation at the 2017 Seminar in Forensic Toxicology 'Opioids, Toxicology, and the Law: Medical-Legal Aspects of the Opioid Epidemic' on Monday, December 11 and Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at the Chemical Heritage Foundation in Philadelphia, PA. This two-day course will focus on the forensic and medical-legal aspects of opioid use, abuse, prescribing, and addiction by presenting real cases encountered by medical toxicology experts. The seminar will be tailored to the interests of physicians and other professionals involved in numerous disciplines, including medical toxicology, forensic and laboratory medicine, addiction medicine, and the legal community. The course will feature some of the most experienced medical toxicologists in the country discussing the following topics: Acute Opioid Toxicity This unique and timely conference will benefit physicians, pharmacists, nurses, scientists, social workers, attorneys, law enforcement and public health specialists. The University of Alabama School of Medicine will provide continuing medical education for physicians. Visit webpage for details. Important Dates: Now accepting abstracts. Deadline: October 1, 2017. ‘Encore’ presentation of high quality research studies presented at other scientific meetings is encouraged. Register early and save! Early Bird Rates expire on October 30, 2017. Link to details: http://www.acmt.net/2017_ACMT_Seminar_in_Forensic_Toxicology.html Presented By: |
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On July 12, 2017, The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) and the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT) released a detailed statement on safety precautions for emergency responders in case of fentanyl exposure. Fentanyl is an ultra-potent opioid that police, firefighters and paramedics may encounter when responding to medical calls, crime scenes, or drug raids. Despite concerning stories of emergency responders developing symptoms after exposure of skin to drug residue or powder, the reported symptoms have not been consistent with poisoning by opioids. In addition, these drugs are not absorbed well enough through the skin to cause sickness from incidental contact. ACMT contends that emergency responders should exercise reasonable caution around unknown drugs. However, excessive personal protective equipment (which has been recommended by some safety organizations) may be harmful because bulky, unnecessary equipment could potentially interfere with vital tasks that emergency responders perform. The ACMT fentanyl statement recommends that for “routine handling of these drugs, nitrile gloves provide simple protection” and that masks and face shields are only needed in very exceptional circumstances. According to the statement, “Toxicity cannot occur from simply being in proximity of the drug.” In the event drug powder gets on skin, ACMT recommends simply washing it off. ACMT hopes that this guidance will reassure emergency responders. “Police and emergency medical technicians have challenging jobs,” said Andrew Stolbach, MD, a physician at Johns Hopkins, board member of ACMT and lead author of the statement. “We want these professionals to know that simple commonsense practices, such as wearing gloves, are more than sufficient to protect them. It’s just not plausible that getting a small amount of fentanyl on your skin is going to cause significant opioid toxicity.” Link to full position statement __________________________________________ ACMT: Advancing the Care of Poisoned Patients The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of more than 700 physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. Medical toxicology focuses on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of poisoning/toxicity and other adverse health effects resulting from medications, chemicals, occupational and environmental substances and biological hazards. Current projects at ACMT include research and treatment of synthetic cannabinoid abuse, opioid addiction, lead and mold exposure, Zika virus, venomous bites/stings and gas poisoning. |
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July 12, 2017 Synthetic Cannabinoid Effects Detailed in 5 Year Study from the American College of Medical Toxicology ToxIC Registry Database —The Largest Clinical Report to Date ACMT will host a public Tweet Chat about Synthetic Marijuana Abuse on Thursday, July 20 from 4:00-5:00pm EST. Phoenix, AZ—A recent article published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT) reports detailed clinical descriptions and management by medical toxicologists treating patients with synthetic cannabinoid exposure. Information was collected using ACMT’s national Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) database between 2010 and 2015. This study provides the largest series to date of patients presenting to emergency departments, inpatient medical floors, and intensive care units due to synthetic cannabinoid exposure. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), which are sold under hundreds of brand names including “spice” or “K2”, have become common drugs of abuse in the US. The man-made drugs are marketed as “herbal incense” and viewed by many as a legal high. SCs are consumed in a variety of ways including smoking, vaping and drinking. According to the report, the drugs are commonly abused by individuals hoping to evade detection by drug screens, including However, the use of SCs is still widely underreported due to limited methods of detection. SCs are far more dangerous than marijuana, partially due to greater potency. Clinical effects are unpredictable due to the wide variety of chemical structures, inconsistent dosing, and variable potency of individual products. “Teens are having seizures, hallucinations and delirium, and those effects can last several days,” said Diane Calello, MD, contributor to this study. Medical toxicologists participating in the ACMT ToxIC Registry collected 353 cases of SC toxicity (at sites nation-wide) between 2010 and 2015. Of these cases:
In this study, nearly a quarter of patients were admitted to intensive care units. According to Andrew A. Monte, MD, the lead author, “Increased public health education is needed. Expanded and improved testing strategies may decrease use by those hoping to evade detection and would certainly allow bedside providers an opportunity to provide substance abuse interventions.” Article information: “Characteristics and Treatment of Patients with Clinical Illness Due to Synthetic Cannabinoid Inhalation Reported by Medical Toxicologists: A ToxIC Database Study.” Monte, A.A., Calello, D.P., Gerona, R.R. et al. J. Med. Toxicol. (2017) 13: 146. doi:10.1007/s13181-017-0605-9
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June 22, 2017 PEHSU New Pediatric Environmental Health Web Toolkit for Providers Phoenix, AZ—Parents say they are concerned about environmental health threats, yet most pediatric care providers do not offer prevention strategies during office visits. Why not? Many providers report they feel ill-equipped to educate families about common exposures. In an effort to fill the need for up-to-date environmental health information, Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU) and Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) have launched a new web-based Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit (PEHT) to replace the former print version. The PEHT, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is based on material in the AAP “Green Book”, and the former print version of the PEHT.
Beginning in the womb and continuing throughout life, multiple environmental factors are strong determinants of health, even decades later, making it vital to provide the most current and scientifically-based advice to patients on how to have healthy families. The PEHT provides examples of common environmental interactions children experience, with steps clinicians and parents can take to decrease harmful exposure. Research shows that parents are anxious to have this information. Now, the PEHT makes it easy for clinicians to provide. Three key sections cover the basics:
Want to dig deeper? Check out the trusted resources and references with links such as to the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units who you can contact for help to answer your questions about environmental health issues. “You can feel confident in the concise information and guidance provided in the PEHT since it was created and peer-reviewed by experts in the environmental health nationwide,” says Dr. Nick Newman, a pediatrician and the Medical Director of the Pediatric Environmental Health and Lead Clinic in Cincinnati. “It is free of charge and without advertising so there is no reason not to bookmark and use the PEHT.” Simply visit the PEHT website from your computer and create a shortcut on your home screen, or visit the PEHT website from your mobile device and add a shortcut to your phone or tablet home screen for easy access. Interested in free Continuing Education credit? Take the PEHT online course and get credit through the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. |
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will hold its Annual Scientific Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico from March 31 – April 2, 2017. The conference will feature current research in the field of medical toxicology and will be accompanied by special satellite sessions on the opioid and Zika epidemics.
American College of Medical Toxicology PHOENIX, ARIZONA (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 28, 2017 The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will hold its Annual Scientific Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico from March 31 – April 2, 2017 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Isla Verde, San Juan. The conference, titled ‘Toxicologic Impact: Research, Practice, Teach’ will appeal to clinicians, academicians, and researchers in toxicology-related fields. Day One includes cutting-edge research on testing to detect clandestine fentanyl after suspected heroin overdose, mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with carbon monoxide poisoning, and adverse events associated with use of pit viper antivenom. Presentations and break-out sessions will explore practical aspects of working with Institutional Review Boards, assessing evidence in toxicology, resiliency in research, and measuring the reach of research with tools such as Altmetrics. Day Two and Three of the Annual Scientific Meeting will feature additional research, as well as presentations from distinguished leaders in medical education, industry, and government. The Presidential Keynote will be given by Jeremy Sugarman, MD, MPH, MA, from Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics in Baltimore, MD and will explore ethical issues in medical toxicology research. Mark Kirk, MD, a medical toxicologist with the Department of Homeland Security will discuss the intersection of toxicology and terrorism. Other diverse topics will include use of social media to monitor drug epidemics, controlling the Zika Virus epidemic through vector management, advances in medical education methods, the utility of registries in research and practice, and quality metric development. The Annual Scientific Meeting will follow special satellite sessions on Thursday, March 30. The first satellite session, ‘Epidemic of Addiction: Prescription Opioids, Heroin, and Fentanyl’, will delve into the newest data and best practices for treatment, as well as the forensic aspects of the opioid epidemic. The second satellite will be a half-day exploration of the Zika epidemic as well as a scientific analysis of the public health aspects of pesticide use. According to Dr. Bryan Judge, ACMT Board Member and Chair of the Education Committee, “My colleagues and I are eager to learn about some of the latest developments in the field of Medical Toxicology, as well as share our expertise with the public during the Satellite Sessions on the Opioid and Zika epidemics. The educational experiences offered at #ACMT2017 will not disappoint!”
About ACMT ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The ACMT mission is to advance quality care of poisoned patients and public health through physicians who specialize in consultative, emergency, environmental, forensic, and occupational toxicology. For more information, visit http://www.acmt.net, or follow on Twitter @acmt. |
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA (PRWEB) JANUARY 11, 2017 ACMT is pleased to announce that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has officially recognized medical toxicology as a medical subspecialty and will be assigning a unique specialty code for medical toxicology beginning in 2017. Medical toxicology, which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, focuses on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of poisoning and other adverse health effects due to medications, occupational and environmental toxins, and biological agents. Medical toxicologists are involved in the comprehensive high level care of persons who come into contact with drugs, substances or other agents that may pose a threat to their wellbeing. Published evidence supports the benefit to patients and cost-savings to healthcare facilities of medical toxicology admitting and consult services. When the new specialty code becomes available, medical toxicology will be appropriately recognized as a unique specialty by CMS and also private insurers. This recognition by CMS empowers medical toxicologists to obtain reimbursement for their service to patients across the United States. The specialty code will enhance the ability to bill for services offered to new patients, and also potentially reduce medical claims denials. In addition, the presence of a specialty code for medical toxicology will help researchers better determine the quality of care rendered and impact medical toxicologists have in group practices. The ACMT practice committee, lead by Dr. Danyal Ibrahim, spearheaded the application to CMS for the specialty code over the past year and a half with support from the American College of Emergency Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and the American Board of Emergency Medicine Medical Toxicology Sub-board. Dr. Ibrahim reports “Without the specialty code, medical toxicology has been in the blind spot as far as CMS and other private insurers are concerned. Our impact on our patients is hidden within other specialties like emergency medicine, pediatrics, occupational medicine and others. This monumental achievement is a game changer and will translate into better care for our patients”. About The American College of Medical Toxicology ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The ACMT mission is to advance quality care of poisoned patients and public health through physicians who specialize in consultative, emergency, environmental, forensic, and occupational toxicology. For more information, visit http://www.acmt.net, or follow on Twitter @acmt. |
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will present ‘Chemical Agents of Opportunity’ in two major cities in India September 5-10, 2016 in collaboration with experts in radiation emergencies and bomb/blast injuries. The ACMT program will provide training to emergency personnel and planners regarding both common and unusual chemical industrial agents which may pose a threat.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) September 05, 2016 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is participating in the delivery of a training program in Delhi and Mumbai, India titled "Building Global Capacity to Recognize and Mitigate ‘Agents of Opportunity’ for Chemical and Radiological Emergencies", September 5- 10, 2016. This activity is in collaboration with the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS), and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The course is organized by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with CDC and will be hosted at the All India Institute for Medical Sciences and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. This 2.5-day course is designed to familiarize healthcare providers and those who might have a role in planning and preparing for an emergency response to chemical, radiological or bomb-related emergencies. The course will review the medical assessment and management of chemical, radiological and blast injuries.
Eight course modules of the ACMT component will cover important chemical hazards including industrial gases and neurotoxins. In addition, delayed-onset toxicants and the psychological sequelae of mass exposures will be discussed. Potential delivery mechanisms of chemical agents, such as through the food and water supplies, and post-event monitoring will be addressed. Overall, presentations by more than a dozen Indian and U.S. experts (from ACMT, CDC and REAC/TS) will provide participants with 2 ½ days of interactive instruction and practice in preparing for, responding to and mitigating chemical, radiological, and explosive disasters. According to Chuck McKay, MD, a medical toxicologist with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and a member of the course faculty, “This course is an opportunity for individuals from a variety of backgrounds to bring their expertise to bear on complex problems. The interdisciplinary interactions are very rewarding.” More than 200 participants are expected to attend; with backgrounds in Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Public Health and Community Medicine, Disaster Medicine, Nursing and Pre-Hospital Care.
ACMT first developed a Chemical Agents of Opportunity course 13 years ago under a contract with the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR). ACMT has provided single-day training in chemical awareness and combined 2-day chemical and radiation awareness training with REAC/TS more than 90 times to more than 10,000 participants in the United States, its territories, and Canada. Organizations may contact ACMT for information on presenting this course to their members. |
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will offer a comprehensive medical toxicology review course September 29 to October 1, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Although the course is designed for physicians preparing to take the Medical Toxicology board certification examination in November, it will be of great interest to clinical toxicologists and other healthcare practitioners interested in updating their knowledge of human poisoning.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) June 28, 2016 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will hold its 7th biennial Medical Toxicology Board Review Course on September 29th to October 1st at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The course was developed to prepare medical toxicologists for both the board certification and recertification examinations. The course content additionally serves as a useful review to clinical toxicologistsand other health professionals who encounter patients with toxicology problems in their practice or wish to broaden their understanding of issues related to human poisoning beyond their daily practice.
The ACMT Medical Toxicology Board Review Course features presentations from nationally recognized medical toxicologists and capitalizes on the strengths of a multidisciplinary faculty. There will be visual stimulus sessions where attendees review images of clinical findings, toxic plants and mushrooms, and chemical structures for which recognition may aid in determining toxic effects in humans. Participants will receive an electronic syllabus, which includes access to over 700 practice questions and answers. According to Evan Schwarz, MD, a course leader, “The Board Review Course is an essential tool for those preparing to take the certification exam offered by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, but also serves as a great refresher in all aspects of human poisoning for anyone who wants to broaden their knowledge of medical toxicology." A discounted registration fee for the course is available through July 10, 2016.
Medical Toxicology is a medical subspecialty that focuses on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of human poisoning and other adverse health effects due to medications, occupational and environmental toxins, and biological agents. ACMT places a priority on promoting education within the field and on educating the public and other medical professionals on the services provided by its members.
About The American College of Medical Toxicology ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The ACMT mission is to advance quality care of poisoned patients and public health through physicians who specialize in consultative, emergency, environmental, forensic, and occupational toxicology. For more information, visit http://www.acmt.net, or follow on Twitter @acmt. |
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Heidelberg | New York, 23 June 2016 There is merit in looking at the use of wearable biosensors to detect whether opioid users stay focused on their rehabilitation programs. This follows a preliminary study in Springer’s Journal of Medical Toxicology led by Stephanie Carreiro of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the US. Her team tested the use of wristband sensors worn by a group of patients in an emergency room who were receiving opioids for severe pain relief. Non-invasive devices worn close to the body are becoming popular among other uses as health tracking tools. These small and user-friendly biosensors provide continuous data that can be stored and reviewed later, or be transmitted wirelessly to allow for real time review and analysis. More data on physical changes and activity are, however, needed before such devices can be put into use as part of substance abuse treatment programs. Numerous studies are underway to determine the biometric profiles of people who are using opioids. To this end, Carreiro’s team conducted preliminary research involving 30 emergency room patients. They were prescribed intravenous opioid analgesics to treat their acute pain. The particular medication and dose administered to each patient was decided on by the attending physician. The patients agreed to wear a wristband biosensor, which allowed the researchers to detect how the patients’ bodies reacted to the dosages. The patients were asked how often in the past they had used opioids, and their medical records were also investigated. Heavy users were classified as those who chronically used opioids daily, were part of an opioid maintenance therapy program (involving for instance the drugs methadone and buprenorphine) or abused the drug. All in all, it was possible to detect when an opioid was administered, based on the readings of the biosensor. It picked up that patients moved less after they received the drug, and that their skin temperature also rose. These are among the ways in which the body is known to react to an opioid. Distinguishable features were also found between heavy and non-heavy opioid users, and between different age groups. In particular, there was a greater decrease in the so-called short amplitude movements of heavy users and older patients, which means that they became less fidgety. “The patterns may be useful to detect episodes of opioid use in real time,” says Carreiro, who says that more work is needed before wearable biosensors can become part of treatment programs. “The ability to identify instances of opioid use and opioid tolerance in real time could for instance be helpful to manage pain or during substance abuse treatment.” Biosensors could help monitor developing opioid tolerance and identify people who are at risk for substance abuse or addiction. They could also be applied to opioid addicts in rehabilitation to detect whether they are relapsing. Such relapse data can either be reviewed retrospectively or transmitted wirelessly to trigger an intervention (for example to alert a family member or a community support system).
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The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) applauds the announcement by the American Board of Medical Specialties that it will recognize Addiction Medicine as a new subspecialty. Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB)
May 04, 2016 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) applauds the landmark announcement by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) that it will recognize Addiction Medicine as a new subspecialty. As specialists in managing drug toxicity and overdoses, ACMT physician members encounter individuals with substance use disorders across the spectrum of their addiction - from experimentation and intoxication to overdose and withdrawal and through relapse and recovery. Dr. Timothy Wiegand, a specialist in both Medical Toxicology and Addiction Medicine who leads the ACMT Addiction Medicine Section, states “the recognition of Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Medical Subspecialties is a critical component of the response to the public health crisis of addiction. This recognition will promote education and training in the field of addictions so that a physician workforce will develop with the requisite skill and training necessary to effectively identify, prevent and treat individuals with addiction.”
The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM), a Member Board of ABMS, sponsored the application for the new field to be a multispecialty subspecialty – meaning that physicians certified by any Member Board of the ABMS can become certified in addiction medicine. The ABMS subspecialty recognition of Addiction Medicine has been championed by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM), which has established a certification examination and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process for addiction medicine physicians.
Addiction Medicine has become an increasingly important practice pathway for Medical Toxicologists. Over the past few years thirty-four physicians, nearly 8% of all currently Board Certified Medical Toxicologists, have passed the ABAM sponsored Board Certification exam and are now dual certified in Addiction Medicine. This area of focus in Medical Toxicology has become increasingly important for Medical Toxicologists to expand their practice and incorporate more content in addictions not only clinically but academically and in research activities as well. Addiction Medicine is one of the six identified practice pathways that a Medical Toxicologist can develop in professionally.
“This is a great day for addiction medicine,” said Robert J. Sokol, MD, President of ABAM and The Addiction Medicine Foundation (formerly The ABAM Foundation). “This landmark event, more than any other, recognizes addiction as a preventable and treatable disease, helping to shed the stigma that has long plagued it. It sends a strong message to the public that American medicine is committed to providing expert care for this disease and services designed to prevent the risky substance use that precedes it.”
Addiction medicine is defined as the prevention of the risky use of substances, including nicotine, alcohol, prescription medications and other licit and illicit drugs, and the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management of the disease of addictionand related health conditions. Physicians specializing in this field also help family members whose health and functioning are affected by a loved one’s substance use or addiction.
Certification by an ABMS-recognized specialty or subspecialty is considered the “gold standard” in physician credentialing, assuring patients that their physician meets the highest standards of practice and clinical Page 2/3 If you have any questions regarding information in these press releases please contact the company listed in the press release. Our complete disclaimer appears here - PRWeb ebooks - Another online visibility tool from PRWeb knowledge, and has completed an approved educational program and process.
“This recognition by ABMS will help assure patients and their families that the care they receive is grounded in science and evidence-based practice,” added Patrick G. O’Connor, MD, MPH, Immediate Past President of ABAM, who worked closely with APBM and the ABMS Member Boards to help achieve this landmark event. “It will also mean more visibility for this subspecialty among medical students and residents, and will ultimately increase the number of physicians who are trained and certified as addiction medicine specialists.”
The Addiction Medicine Foundation has supported the establishment of 40 addiction medicine fellowship training programs to date, based at major medical schools and hospitals across North America, and is committed to establishing a total of 125 fellowship programs by 2025. ABMS recognition opens the door for these fellowships to obtain accreditation through the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), a process already underway. |
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The American College of Medical Toxicology, along with other health care organizations, medical experts and consumer advocacy groups, sent petitions to the Joint Commission and CMS requesting changes to pain management requirements. Phoenix, Arizona
(PRWEB) April 27, 2016 -- In an effort to reduce overprescribing of opioid pain relievers, the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), together with dozens of health care organizations, medical experts and consumer advocacy groups sent petitions to the Joint Commission, an agency that accredits health care organizations, and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees Medicare. Petition signers are requesting changes to pain management requirements they believe foster dangerous prescribing practices.
Over the past 20 years, prescriptions for opioid painkillers have soared, leading to an epidemic of opioid addiction, rising heroin use and a record high rate of overdose deaths. Opioid prescribing increased in response to a multifaceted campaign, which called for pain to be treated as if it was a vital sign, a measure of essential bodily function, which includes temperature, breathing rate, blood pressure and pulse. In 2001, the Joint Commission introduced pain management standards requiring health care organizations to ask every patient about pain, leading to use of pain patient scales and hospital policies requiring aggressive pain management. In their April 13th letter to the Joint Commission, petitioners wrote that mandatory pain assessment in all patients and in all medical settings is “unwarranted and can lead to overtreatment and overuse of opioid analgesics”.
The petition sent to CMS calls for removal of the pain questions from HCAHPS, the agency’s patient satisfaction survey used for determining hospital reimbursement rates. In their letter to CMS, petitioners wrote “Aggressive management of pain should not be equated with quality healthcare as it can result in unhelpful and unsafe treatment, the end point of which is often the inappropriate provision of opioids.” The petitioners believe that linking hospital reimbursement to patient satisfaction with pain treatment results in overprescribing of opioids.
The opioid epidemic has been a focus of the ACMT for several years. Recently, ACMT released position statements on the use of methadone as an analgesic and on prescription fentanyl products. “While this epidemic is multifactorial, the important fact is that medical toxicologists can be a part of the solution by participating in advocacy and educating physicians. One of the most successful satellite courses at the ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting was the 2015 Addiction Medicine Academy. “ said Dr. Leslie Dye, President of ACMT. The proceedings from this symposium were published in the March 2016 issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology, the official journal of the ACMT.
About The American College of Medical Toxicology ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The ACMT mission is to advance quality care of poisoned patients and public health through physicians who specialize in consultative, emergency, environmental, forensic, and occupational toxicology. For more information, visit http://www.acmt.net, or follow on Twitter @acmt. |
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Click here to view .pdf of this press release. PHOENIX, ARIZONA (PRWEB) MARCH 08, 2016 The March 2016 issue (Vol.12, Issue 1) of the Journal of Medical Toxicology(JMT), the official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), highlights new research to be presented at the 2016 ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting in Huntington Beach, California from March 18-20. Included are the complete abstracts from over 100 cutting-edge research studies that will inform the future work of other researchers, practicing clinicians, and policymakers on issues ranging from innovative antidotal treatments for poisoning to new insights on the treatment of snakebites. These abstracts offer an early preview of practice-changing manuscripts to be published in JMT and other leading scientific journals. The March issue also includes the complete Proceedings from ACMT’s Addiction Medicine Academy, which featured forward-thinking lectures from nationally and internationally recognized addiction researchers and clinicians. The Academy symposium, and the proceedings, focused on the current and developing treatment options for patients suffering from alcohol and opioid abuse and addiction. Special Issue Editor Kavita Babu MD and Academy organizer Timothy Weigand MD comment in this issue’s introduction: “Addiction and substance use disorders are the defining public health problems of the past decade. Abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs costs the USA more than $700 billion annually related to crime, lost productivity, and in health care costs.” They discuss the continued shortage of practitioners with experience in the treatment of addiction disorders and the intuitive collaboration between specialists in medical toxicology and addiction medicine. The Proceedings in the March issue enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers and policy-makers in order to address this growing national problem. The Journal has been on the forefront of publishing important research and commentary on the prescription drug epidemic, including the details about specific drugs, the epidemiology of addiction, and the forensic aspects of overdose. About The American College of Medical Toxicology |
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 23, 2016 The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will hold its Annual Scientific Meeting in Huntington Beach, California from March 18-20, 2016. The conference will focus on mechanisms, diagnostics, and treatments related to metabolic and neurologic toxicity. A review of specific metabolic and neurologic conditions that may predispose to toxicity or be mistaken for toxicologic illness will also be presented. This three-day educational program is intended for physicians and other health care providers wishing to learn about recent advances in the understanding and management of poisoning syndromes. The conference will be held at the Waterfront Beach Resort. The distinguished speaker lineup includes Wendy K. Chung, M.D., PhD., a Kennedy Family Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at Columbia University Medical School. Dr. Chung will be delivering a presentation on the genetic predisposition to toxicity. Barbara S, Koppel, M.D., the Chief of Neurology and a Professor of Clinical Neurology at New York Medical College will present the latest evidence regarding use of cannabinoids in the treatment of neurologic disorders. Additionally, Marya G. Zlatnik, MD, MMS, a Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at UCSF, and a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist with clinical expertise in ultrasound and the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities, will lead a discussion on communicating risk to pregnant patients following exposure to neurologic and metabolic toxins. In addition to these presentations, leading medical toxicology experts will discuss mechanisms and treatment of toxin-induced seizures, toxicity of newer anticonvulsants, and the metabolic effects of natural toxins including those found in plants and marine life. Each day of the conference will feature original research presentations. Topics include newer antidotes for poisoning, such as high dose insulin, lipid emulsion, and hydroxocobalamin, as well as a fresh look at an older antidote, physostigmine. Participants will also attend breakout sessions which focus on clinical toxicology challenges and medical toxicology practice, including use of telemedicine via wearable devices. According to Ayrn O’Connor, MD, an organizer of the ACMT Scientific Meeting, “we have an amazing line-up of talented and engaging speakers with tremendous knowledge and expertise that will make complex neurologic and metabolic mechanisms and their associated clinical nuances entertaining and fun.” The Annual Scientific Meeting will follow a special satellite session highlighting the role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO) and Advanced Drug Testing Interpretation on March 17, also sponsored by ACMT. The satellite session is open to all healthcare providers and will provide in-depth education regarding the role of the MRO, positive test confirmation, and drug testing in addiction treatment. The session will also cover applications and limits of synthetic cannabinoid testing. For more information and to register, please visit:http://www.acmt.net. About The American College of Medical Toxicology |
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will present A Legal “PotPourri” as part of its Seminars in Forensic Toxicology series. This course, which explores medical and public health issues surrounding marijuana, alcohol and prescription medication use and abuse, will be offered on December 9-10, 2015 in Denver, Colorado.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) May 19, 2015 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will offer a course entitled A Legal “PotPourri” on December 9-10, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. This course is part of ACMT’s educational series ‘Seminars in Forensic Toxicology’ and will take place at the Marriott City Center. The conference will consist of two parts, with single day registration available. Day 1 will focus on a spectrum of medicolegal concepts related to medicinal and recreational use of cannabis. As more states legalize marijuana, new and complicated issues related to increased use and availability arise. The conference will address public health issues such as childhood exposures, as well as describe the legal framework for civil tort and criminal cases involving impairment. Related topics such as marijuana alternatives and interpretation of post-mortem laboratory values will also be discussed.
Day 2 explores the intricacies involved in interpreting clinical and laboratory information relating to ethanol. The conference will emphasize practical issues faced by toxicology consultants, such as dram shop laws, postmortem toxicokinetics, and presenting the concepts underlying ethanol tolerance to the lay public. An expert panel will also lead participants in an evaluation of fatalities attributed to prescription medication. Collaborative sessions will focus on providing expert testimony and developing sound expert reports. According to Charles McKay, MD, Vice President of ACMT, “This course promises to be another great opportunity to evaluate the science and communication skills so important to our forensic toxicology practices. In particular, the chance to discuss marijuana issues with medical, forensic, and research toxicology experts is very timely.”
The course will be of value and interest to medical and forensic professionals who provide consultation to patients, clinicians, attorneys, and others needing expert advice. This Seminar in Forensic Toxicology will use a variety of formats, including case based didactics, breakout groups, and panel discussions, to maximize learning and engagement. ACMT has had great success in developing programs for medical, clinical, analytical, and other forensic toxicologists. A Legal “PotPourri” will be ACMT’s sixth Seminar in Forensic Toxicology. Lewis Nelson, MD, co-organizer of the conference reports “Collaboration with like-minded professionals benefits everyone by providing different perspectives on overlap issues. These cutting edge topics are particularly relevant given the complexity of applying clinical science in a legal context.” _______________________________________________________________ |
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA (PRWEB) OCTOBER 08, 2015 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialists at the University of California San Francisco PEHSU(Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit) along with researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and Dartmouth have released a new report reviewing the risks of childhood exposure to arsenic through consumption of rice, and potential health consequences. Rice is an important staple grain for large segments of the population. Children who regularly consume large amounts of rice or rice products may be exposed to amounts of arsenic exceeding the maximum amounts allowable in public drinking water systems in the U.S. The amount of arsenic exposure from rice is not enough to produce acute symptoms. Chronic exposure to arsenic in high doses from water has been associated with increased risk for developing lung, bladder, and skin cancers, impaired intellectual development, diabetes, and other health problems. Although the levels of arsenic found in rice are lower than exposure levels in water known to produce such health risks, there is concern whether infants and children with a diet high in rice products are at risk. Children at particular risk for arsenic exposure include those that consume rice or rice products daily, those who consume a lot of rice as a cultural practice, or those with diets high in rice due to gluten-free requirements or to control allergens. “Clinicians should be aware that exposures to arsenic that children have from rice products (including those sweetened with brown rice syrup) may present a risk and that certain children have particularly high exposures due to dietary needs and preferences” states Dr. Mark Miller, Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco and Director of the Western States PEHSU. The authors provide strategies to reduce arsenic exposure, including diversifying the diet of young people and encouraging the consumption of a variety of grains. Parents should consider alternates to rice when introducing food to infants by starting them on barley, oats or other grains. If rice cereal must be given to infants, parents are encouraged to limit rice to 1 serving per day. Additionally, families can adopt strategies to help minimize arsenic exposure, including rinsing rice in a colander prior to cooking, cooking rice with plenty of extra water, and choosing lower-arsenic varieties of rice (e.g. basmati). Parents should also limit the use of rice milk, or other rice beverages, for infants and children under 5 years of age. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to identify children at risk for high consumption of rice and rice products and counsel families on ways to decrease exposure in culturally sensitive ways when appropriate. The American College of Medical Toxicology manages the PEHSU National Office – Western Operations. The PEHSU Mission is to improve the health of children through enhancing educational and consultation services to clinicians, health professionals, and the community regarding environmental health concerns. |
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The Journal of Medical Toxicology presents a Special Issue for June 2015 entitled “At the Precipice of Quality Health Care: The Role of the Toxicologist in Enhancing Patient and Medication Safety.”
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) June 30, 2015 -- The Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT), the official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), highlights patient and medication safety with its June 2015 issue (Vol. 11, Issue 2). Editorial Board member Jeanmarie Perrone, MD from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, served as the special editor for this issue, which includes several proceedings from ACMT’s 2014 fall symposium “At the Precipice of Quality Health Care: The Role of the Toxicologist in Enhancing Patient and Medication Safety.” The symposium explored safety from several perspectives and provided an overview of organizational, system-based approaches that address these issues. This is an important topic for health systems and clinicians as they dedicate increasing resources to address medication safety. Medical toxicologists are frequently involved in the care of patients who have suffered from medication errors and leadership opportunities in medication safety are emerging as a result of this experience and expertise.
Several articles in the June issue of JMT address how clinicians and policy makers can better approach error identification and aim proactively to prevent errors in their organizations and the populations they serve. According to Dr. Perrone, “These proceedings yield a toolbox of critical concepts for clinicians tasked with addressing patient and medication safety issues by thought leaders in the field.” Brenna Farmer, MD from Weill-Cornell Medical Center and Silas Smith, MD from the New York University School of Medicine organized the ACMT symposium. In addition, they co-authored an insightful historical review of patient safety crises and lessons learned, as well as current innovations being applied toward improving safe medication practice. Other articles in this issue discuss the significance of a “Culture of Safety” and “Just Culture” in healthcare organizations; relevant lessons about patient safety learned from high reliability organizations (HROs); and the tools used by the FDA to improve medication safety. Dr. Perrone further adds, “These papers represent an expanded compendium of a growing body of literature on the role of proactive, rather than reactive, approaches to safety, as well as the benefits of including the unique perspectives of medical toxicologists on the front line of patient safety.” These articles and other regular features are available in the June edition of JMT (Volume 11, Issue 2).
About The American College of Medical Toxicology ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The ACMT mission is to advance quality care of poisoned patients and public health through physicians who specialize in consultative, emergency, environmental, forensic, and occupational toxicology. For more information, visit http://www.acmt.net, or follow on Twitter @acmt. |
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ACMT Announces Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit Sites in Western United States The American College of Medical Toxicology announces selection of five Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) sites in the western United States. These sites, located in federal regions 6-10, serve as referral and information resources for healthcare providers and the public with environmental health concerns. Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) June 23, 2015 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) has selected Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) sites for the five Federal regions in the western United States. The sites were chosen through a competitive bidding process, as has been done with prior awards. ACMT manages the PEHSU National Office – Western Operations (PEHSU West) through a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Awards were distributed to the following sites in Regions 6 through 10: Region 6: Texas Tech University in El Paso, Texas Region 7: Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri Region 8: Denver Health and Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center in Denver, Colorado Region 9: University of California San Francisco, with a satellite at the University of California Irvine Region 10: University of Washington in Seattle, Washington The PEHSU Mission is to improve the health of children through enhancing educational and consultative services to clinicians, health professionals, and the community regarding environmental health concerns. PEHSUs are based at academic medical centers affiliated with medical schools. They offer health care professionals and community members expert servicesrelated to the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of environmentally related health effects. In concert with the American Academy of Pediatrics, which is managing the PEHSUs in Regions 1 through 5, ACMT is committed to expanding the reach of the regional units through technology platforms and national partnerships. According to Carl Baum, M.D., “ACMT has assembled an expert team to roll out new services, including enhanced website, database, and instructional design capacity. These enhancements will help all 10 Regionsextend their reach and achieve deliverables.” The long-term goal of the PEHSU program is to reduce children’s exposure to environmental health threats beginning at the earliest stages of fetal development and prevent the development of adverse effects. Charles McKay, MD, ACMT Vice-President, reports “It is at the earlier stages of development where the concern for possible long-term impacts of environmental exposure is the greatest. ACMT will oversee the development of tools by PEHSUs and other experts to assist healthcare providers in assessing exposure and helping their pregnant patients to take reasonable steps to reduce risk.” As part of the educational services provided through the PEHSU network, ACMT hosts monthly educational webinars for healthcare practitioners on a variety of pediatric environmental health topics. More information on the PEHSU Webinar Series can be found here: http://www.acmt.net/PEHSU_Grand_Rounds.html About The American College of Medical Toxicology Page 2/3 If you have any questions regarding information in these press releases please contact the company listed in the press release. Our complete disclaimer appears here - PRWeb ebooks - Another online visibility tool from PRWeb ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The ACMT mission is to advance quality care of poisoned patients and public health through physicians who specialize in consultative, emergency, environmental, forensic, and occupational toxicology. For more information, visit http://www.acmt.net, or follow on Twitter @acmt. |
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The American College of Medical Toxicology and the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology encourage physician and patient conversations about evidence-based medicine by identifying five treatments or tests to question. Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB)
March 26, 2015 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) and American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT) jointly released their second list of five specific treatments, tests and procedures that are commonly used, rarely necessary, and potentially harmful as part of the Choosing Wisely® campaign, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation. This list builds on the initial five areas of overuse published jointly by the organizations in September 2013. The new list published today identifies five additional targeted, evidence-based recommendations that can support conversations between patients and physicians about what care is really necessary.
The joint ACMT and AACT list identified the following five recommendations:
1. Don’t use phenytoin or fosphenytoin to treat seizures caused by drug toxicity or drug withdrawal.
2. Don’t recommend “detoxification” through colon cleansing or promoting sweating for disease treatment or prevention.
3. Don’t order tests to evaluate for or diagnose “idiopathic environmental intolerances,” “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” or “mold toxicosis.”
4. Don’t perform hair or nail testing for “metal poisoning” screening in patients with nonspecific symptoms.
5. Don’t perform fasciotomy in patients with snake envenomation absent direct measurement of elevated intracompartmental pressures.
According to Leslie Dye, MD, President of ACMT, “As a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with expertise in medical toxicology, we recognize the importance of the education of health care providers and patients in making responsible decisions. Use of healthcare resources is most effective and efficient when recommendations are made based on solid research and evidence based knowledge.” Karen Simone, PharmD, President of AACT adds, “As a not-for-profit multi-disciplinary organization of scientists and clinical toxicologists, the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology recognizes the need for guidance in the responsible and appropriate use of diagnostic tests, as well as in the management of pharmaceutical and environmental poisonings and exposures. Such guidelines improve patient care, save money and help healthcare providers, patients and families focus on the most beneficial and cost-effective tests, diagnoses and therapies.”
The ACMT and AACT joint list was developed after careful consideration and review of the most current evidence about diagnosis, management, and treatment options toxicology care. List development was led by a Choosing Wisely® Work Group, with members representing various practice settings within the field of Medical and Clinical Toxicology, including ambulatory, acute, and population-based practice. The Work Group solicited input from members of both societies, as well as from leaders within the field. All feedback was reviewed and the final list determined based on a review of scientific evidence, relevance to the specialty, and the greatest opportunity to improve care, reduce cost, and reduce harm to patients. The final list was approved by the ACMT Board of Directors and the AACT Board of Trustees.
The release of this list kicks off the American College of Medical Toxicology Annual Scientific Meeting, where specialists in clinical toxicology and poisoning treatment will gather to review the latest scientific research and developments in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human poisoning. The conference will be held in Clearwater, Florida at the Hilton Clearwater Beach. For more information on the ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely campaign, including lists from more than 70 medical specialty societies, visit http://www.choosingwisely.org. _______________________________________________________________ ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The ACMT mission is to advance quality care of poisoned patients and public health through physicians who specialize in consultative, emergency, environmental, forensic, and occupational toxicology. For more information, visit http://www.acmt.net, or follow on Twitter @acmt. AACT is a multidisciplinary organization uniting scientists and clinicians in the advancement of research, education, prevention, and treatment of diseases caused by chemicals, drugs, and toxins. Page 3/3 If you have any questions regarding information in these press releases please contact the company listed in the press release. Our complete disclaimer appears here - PRWeb ebooks - Another online visibility tool from PRWeb Contact Information ACMT American College of Medical Toxicology http://www.acmt.net +1 (623) 533-6340 Online Web 2.0 Version You can read the online version of this press release here. |
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Click here to view .pdf of this press release. Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) March 03, 2015
The Journal of Medical Toxicology(JMT), the official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), transitions from a traditional print journal to an online-only format with its March 2015 issue (Vol.11, Issue 1). All issues will now be accessible by computer or mobile device, and PDFs of individual articles will be downloadable. The switch to online-only is in response to overwhelming reader and College input, and allows JMT to join the ranks of other major journals. Benefits include fast publication of important research in addition to environmental friendliness. Much of the March issue of JMT is devoted to research that will be presented at ACMT’s Annual Scientific Meeting in Clearwater, Florida on March 27-29. Abstracts from over 100 cutting-edge studies and other noteworthy toxicologic reports are included. These synopses inform the future work of other researchers, practicing clinicians, and policymakers on issues ranging from innovative public health initiatives to new insights on the mechanism of lipid emulsion therapy. The March issue offers an early preview of practice-changing manuscripts that will be debated at the scientific meeting. The March issue also includes a special focus on the operations of medical toxicology services. Three papers, each from a different region of the United States, offer varying perspectives on the delivery of patient care by medical toxicologists. Timothy Weigand, MD, and co-authors in Rochester, NY, describe the economic benefits of a medical toxicology consulting service in a large urban academic tertiary care center. Trevonne Thompson, MD, and co-authors describe a related experience in a private outpatient medical toxicology practice in Chicago. Finally, Steven Curry, MD, and colleagues report better medical outcomes and resource utilization in hospitalized poisoned patients when primarily under the care of physician medical toxicologists in several hospitals in the Phoenix area. These papers add important new knowledge to a growing body of literature on the bottom line benefits of an active toxicology service in healthcare today. These articles and other regular features are available in the March edition of JMT (Volume 11, Issue 1). |
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Click here to view .pdf of this press release. The American College of Medical Toxicology will sponsor the Addiction Medicine Academy in Clearwater, Florida on March 26, 2015. This educational conference is intended for physicians and other health care providers who encounter patients with substance use disorders in their clinical practice. Substance use disorders represent an increasingly important topic in the practice of medical toxicology, as highlighted by the rise of heroin and prescription opioid abuse, concerns over electronic cigarettes, and legalized recreational marijuana. Topics will include reviews of specific therapies used in the treatment of substance abuse, examination of challenges encountered with this special population, and discussions of legal, policy, and administration issues relevant to the clinical practice of addiction medicine. The conference will begin with a presentation by Eliot L. Gardner, PhD, on the physiological basis of craving, relapse, and addiction. Dr. Gardner is the Chief of the Neuropsychopharmacology Section Intramural Research Program at the National Institute on Drug Abuse in Baltimore, MD. Petros Levounis, MD, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, NJ will discuss how an understanding of the neurological basis of addiction can be translated into the clinical approach for treatment of addiction. Many other distinguished faculty with expertise in addiction medicine and medical toxicology will discuss various approaches to treatment of substance abuse disorders, including use of buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Treatment of addiction in patients with chronic pain disorders will be reviewed by Edwin A. Salsitz, MD, of the Division of Chemical Dependency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. The conference will also use case discussions to illustrate specific challenges, such as the treatment of substance use disorders during pregnancy. Kevin B. Kunz, MD, Vice-President of the American Board of Addiction Medicine will discuss the growth of addiction medicine and pathways to training and practice in this specialty. The course will conclude with a panel discussion focused on the integration of the disciplines of medical toxicology and addiction medicine to serve the growing population of patients with substance use disorders. Timothy Wiegand, M.D., the lead organizer of the conference, states “There is a huge population of patients in need of physicians expert in the treatment of substance use disorders. By bringing together experts in both fields, we hope this conference encourages medical toxicologists to expand their training and practice into this burgeoning area of medicine.” The Addiction Medicine Academy will take place a day before the start of ACMT’s Annual Scientific Meeting, entitled “Toxicoprevention: Good Intentions, Important Advances, and Unintended Consequences.” The Annual Scientific Meeting will be held at the Hilton Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida from March 27th to 29th. |
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will hold its Annual Scientific Meeting entitled
“Toxicoprevention” in Clearwater, FL from March 27-29, 2015. The conference will feature current research that affects the practice of medical toxicology and recent advances in prevention of toxin-related illness and medication errors. Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) January 08, 2015 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will hold its Annual Scientific Meeting in Clearwater, Florida from March 27-29, 2015. The conference will focus on how different aspects of prevention can be applied in medical toxicology, from prevention of medication errors in individual patients to prevention of illness, errors, and waste in the population at large. This three-day educational program is intended for physicians and other health care providers wishing to understand ongoing initiatives and advances in prevention science related to toxins and medications and explore the potential unintended consequences of these initiatives. The conference will be held at the Hilton Clearwater Beach. The Keynote speaker for the Scientific Meeting will be Kenneth W. Kizer, MD, MPH, FACMT. Dr. Kizer is the Director of the Institute for Health Improvement at UC Davis Health System and Distinguished Professor of Emergency Medicine at the UC Davis School of Medicine. He will be speaking on opportunities and challenges for medical toxicologyin the emerging value-based health care economy. Dan Budnitz, MD, MPH, CAPT, USPHS, who is the Director of the Medication Safety Program at the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will speak on preventing medication exposures in young children. Kellie Schoolar Reynolds, PharmD, of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology IV at the Food and Drug Administration will discuss the science behind package insert labeling and ongoing efforts to prevent adverse effects and errors. Other conference topics include the expanding distribution and use of naloxone, an antidote to opioid intoxication; the role of medical toxicologistsin promotion of pediatric environmental health; the utility of prescription drug monitoring programs in prevention of opioid misuse and its consequences; and representation of medical toxicology in the ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely® campaign. The conference will feature a variety of educational formats, including lecture presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Original research will also be prominently featured throughout the Annual Scientific Meeting, with researchers
presenting their work in both platform and poster formats. According to Louise Kao, MD, Chair of the conference planning committee, “A record number of research studies will be presented at this year’s Scientific Meeting. This will include a wide variety of efforts, ranging from laboratory-based investigations of emerging antidotes for ultimate use in poisoned patients to studies looking at outcomes of populations exposed to particular poisons. This promises to be a highlight of the entire conference.” The Annual Scientific Meeting will follow the day-long Addiction Medicine Academy on March 26, also sponsored by ACMT. The Addiction Medicine Academy is open to all healthcare providers and will provide indepth education regarding current pharmacotherapies that are used in the treatment of substance use disorders. ____________________________________________ |
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The December issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology, the official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, features the 2013 annual report from the Toxicology Investigators Consortium.Click here to view .pdf of this press release. ![]() ![]() Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) December 09, 2014 The December issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT) features the Annual Report of the Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC). This report details the ToxIC Registry, which prospectively collects de-identified information on patients cared for at the bedside by medical toxicologists as hospitalized patients or in outpatient clinics. This registry, which is human-research approved and compliant with confidentiality standards, has grown from 4 participating institutions in 2010 to 38 sites across the U.S. Cases collected by the ToxIC Registry in 2013 predominantly involved pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) ranked as the 4th most common reason for evaluation by a medical toxicologist, an issue that supports the recent focus by the American College of Medical Toxicology on medication safety. The report demonstrates the rapid annual growth of the Registry and its potential to provide opportunities for improved patient care and outcomes through focused research. Another article in the December issue considers a new approach to expansion of specialized toxicology patient care through advances in computerization. Lead author Peter Chai, MD from Brown University writes that innovative new technologies, such as Google Glass ®, have revolutionized how we communicate and organize information in medicine and other industries. These devices have generated a lot of excitement, but Chai suggests organized studies to evaluate “improvement in satisfaction, clinical outcomes, workflow and cost are necessary for the long‐term integration of head-mounted wearable technologies into the clinical environment.” Other highlights include a comprehensive review article about use of the alpha2 adrenergic agonist class of drugs for the treatment of withdrawal syndromes, a study evaluating the role of simulation for toxicology education, and a collaborative position statement on expanding access to naloxone for treatment of opioid overdose. These articles and other regular features are available in the December edition of JMT (Volume 10, Issue 4) and highlighted in the journal’s podcast. |
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Click here to view .pdf of this press release. The American College of Medical Toxicology announces the release of the Medical Toxicology Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) October 28, 2014 -- The Medical Toxicology Foundation (MTF) has released its The report also describes awards currently available for the promotion of research and career development in Additional awardsare available to fund innovative research and teaching projects. The 2014 recipients of these According to Suzanne White, MD, President of ACMT, “It excites me as I see the possibilities for helping |
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The American College of Medical Toxicology is to receive two subcontracts from the National Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) October 14, 2014 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will One award will support an investigation entitled “Prevention of the cardiovascular medical consequences of The second is a 1-year $300,000 award entitled “NIDA national early warning system network (iN3): An
“Since death from overdose with prescription medications now exceeds motor vehicle crashes as the primary |
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Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) October 07, 2014
On Oct. 6, 2014, the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), joined with the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT) and American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), to jointly publish a position statement advocating expanding the access to naloxone throughout the United States in the October 2014 issue of Clinical Toxicology. Over the past three decades, drug overdose deaths in the United States have tripled and in 2008, unintentional poisoning deaths surpassed the number of motor vehicle deaths for the first time. Of the 38,329 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2010, 60 percent (22,134) were related to pharmaceuticals, with 75 percent of those deaths involving prescription opioid analgesics. Concurrently, heroin deaths have risen 55 percent between 2000 and 2010. In overdose scenarios, opioids (including morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone and fentanyl) cause slowed breathing which can lead to hypoxia and, if untreated, death. Timely administration of naloxone reverses the opioid-induced slowing of the respiratory rate and can save a person’s life. Naloxone is very effective, inexpensive, and has been used for this purpose in hospitals and by emergency medical systems since 1970. Currently in the U.S., naloxone is principally administered in the health care setting, but use by laypersons is becoming more common. “Deaths from prescription and non-prescription opioids have reached epidemic proportions,” said AACT President Robert S. Hoffman, MD. “Naloxone is easy to administer, very safe and can rapidly reverse toxicity. Unfortunately, help is often too far away. Putting naloxone into the hands of laypersons via a ‘Bystander Naloxone Training’ program can help save lives when time is of the utmost importance.” Naloxone administered by laypersons is prescribed and distributed as part of “overdose education and naloxone distribution” programs. The word bystander refers to a family member, friend, or stranger who is in close proximity to the victim at the time of the overdose and specifically not a trained health care provider. Naloxone educations programs include the following key elements: “Due to concerns of police involvement cited as a main reason for not calling 911, it is critical we have a system in place to rapidly respond to these increasing opioid overdoses,” said Dr. Hoffman. “Until immunity laws for drug-related emergencies are broader and better communicated, naloxone is a common sense means to prevent unnecessary and avoidable deaths.” For more information, the media may contact Brett Schuster, AAPCC associate manager, Public Relations and Government Affairs, at 703.894.1865 or schuster(at)aapcc(dot)org. AAPCC supports the nation’s 55 poison center members in their efforts to treat and prevent drug, consumer product, animal, environmental and food poisoning. Members staff the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222 that provides free, confidential, expert medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year from toxicology specialists, including nurses, pharmacists, physicians, and poison information providers. In addition, AAPCC maintains the only poison information and surveillance database in the United States, providing real-time monitoring of unusual poisoning patterns, chemical exposures and other emerging public health hazards. AAPCC partners with federal agencies such as EPA, HRSA and the CDC, as well as private industry. To learn more, visit http://www.aapcc.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or read our blog at aapcc.wordpress.com. To join your voice with other poison center supporters, register for AAPCC advocacy network at http://www.capwiz.com/aapcc – click on “Action E-List.” |
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Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) September 17, 2014 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) has been awarded a $5.7 million cooperative agreement spread over a five-year period with the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). ACMT will manage the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) Program in the five western regions in the US. ATSDR is a Public Health Service Agency that is
co-located with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA. CDC/ATSDR is led by CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD, MPH who also serves as the ATSDR Administrator. The PEHSUs are located in 12 academic university medical centers with at least one in each of the 10 federal regions of the United States. Each PEHSU offers health care professionals and community members expert education, consultation, and referral related to the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of environmentally related health effects. The long-term goal of the PEHSU program is to reduce environmental health threats to children at their
earliest stages of fetal development to adulthood.
ACMT’s Principal Investigator for this cooperative agreement, Carl Baum, MD, FAAP, FACMT, is a pediatrician and medical toxicologist at the Yale University School of Medicine and Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. He serves as director of the Yale Lead and Healthy Homes program and has extensive
experience in issues related to children’s environmental health. Examples of pediatric environmental health threats include breathing difficulty from pesticides, lead poisoning from deteriorated paint dust, or even cancer
from radiation. According to Dr. Baum, "The PEHSU program, which has been in existence since 1998, has provided a referral and educational network for medical professionals and the public. This is an enormous opportunity to extend the reach of the PEHSU network, allowing clinical care providers and the public greater access to environmental medicine expertise."
Since 1999 ACMT has had a series of cooperative agreements with ATSDR managing the National Environmental Medicine Education and Consultation Project. The program has provided an assortment of educational activities to health care providers on timely topics such as chemical threat agents, illicit drug labs, endocrine disruptors, and fracking. Through this program, ACMT established a national consultation network supporting the ATSDR Regional Offices.
With the ATSDR funding, ACMT will work with the PEHSUs in the five federal regions in the western portion of the U.S. to provide education to health care providers and the public on matters pertaining to reproductive and pediatric environmental health. The project will foster partnerships with numerous national organizations to promote access to experts in medical toxicology, pediatrics, and reproductive health.
Dr. Paul Wax, Executive Director of the ACMT, says, “This new award provides a wonderful opportunity for medical toxicologists from around the country to significantly contribute to the delivery of reproductive and pediatric environmental health educational and consultative services and to team up with pediatric and reproductive health specialists to ensure that the highest level of expertise will be available to primary care providers and the public.”
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The September issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology, the official journal of the American Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) September 09, 2014 -- The September 2014 issue of the Journal of Medical Also featured in the September issue of JMT is a series of articles that add important knowledge to our Other highlights in the September issue include a report of occupational carbon monoxide poisoning due to |
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A study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology found that hospitalized poisoned
patients who were primarily cared for by medical toxicology physicians had better outcomes
than similar patients cared for by non-medical toxicology physicians. Outcomes studied
included length of stay, cost, and mortality.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) August 26, 2014 -- A study published this week in the Journal of Medical
Toxicology (JMT), the official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), found that
patients diagnosed with ‘poisoning and toxic effects of drugs’ experienced better outcomes when managed
primarily by medical toxicologists, physicians with expertise in the care of poisoned patients, compared to
physicians without similar expertise. The study looked at data from patients admitted to seven hospitals in
Arizona using a database maintained by Premier Inc.®, commonly used in studies of healthcare quality
outcome measures. Patients cared for by medical toxicologists were compared to patients with similar
diagnoses but cared for by non-medical toxicologists.
The study authors specifically analyzed length of stay, cost, and mortality in patients with poisoning-related
diagnoses. They compared the results to expected outcomes for similar patients based on national data. They
found that having care managed directly by a medical toxicologist was associated with a shorter length of stay
in the hospital, lower cost, and greater decrease in expected mortality rates. While the specific reasons for the
favorable outcomes were not studied, the authors suggested several possible factors. Expertise developed
through specialized training in the diagnosis and management of poisoning likely enabled the medical
toxicologists to more rapidly recognize signs of poisoning, anticipate complications, withhold unnecessary
testing because of confidence in their diagnoses, and rapidly and safely administer antidotal therapies that other physicians may be uncomfortable using.
Medical toxicologists provide consultative services to poison centers and to many treating physicians in
hospitals nationwide. However, medical toxicology admitting services, where patients are admitted and
primarily cared for by medical toxicologists, are very uncommon. While previous studies have demonstrated
the cost-saving benefit of poison centers, no study has specifically looked at the effect of a medical toxicology
admitting service on patient outcomes and healthcare costs. According to Steven Curry, MD, the study’s lead
author and Director of the Department of Medical Toxicology at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, “This
study confirms that both patients and society benefit when medical toxicologists manage the care of poisoned
patients. Our medical center has supported this practice model for years and we hope to see expansion of
medical toxicology services to more health care systems in the future.”
ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will present ‘Environmental and Health Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) July 29, 2014 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will The course focuses largely on the clinical effects and chemical hazards associated with methamphetamine Course faculty includes experts in the field of medical toxicology who have extensive experience directly ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. |
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Click here for a .pdf of this press release. The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will hold its 6th biennial Medical Toxicology Board Review Course on September 20-22 at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The course was developed to prepare medical toxicologists for both the board certification and recertification examinations. The course content additionally serves as a useful review to clinical toxicologists and other health professionals who encounter patients with toxicology problems in their practice or wish to broaden their understanding of issues related to human poisoning beyond their daily practice. The ACMT Medical Toxicology Board Review Course features presentations from nationally recognized medical toxicologists and capitalizes on the strengths of the multidisciplinary faculty. There will be visual stimulus sessions where attendees review images of clinical findings, toxic plants and mushrooms, and chemical structures for which recognition may aid in determining toxic effects in humans. Participants will receive an electronic syllabus, which includes access to over 700 practice questions and answers. According to Howard Greller, MD, a course organizer, “The Board Review Course combines multiple teaching modalities and techniques to cover the entirety of a very complex specialty in the span of three days. It’s guaranteed to be challenging and fun for everyone." A discounted registration fee for the course is available through June 30, 2014. Medical Toxicology is a medical subspecialty that focuses on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of human poisoning and other adverse health effects due to medications, occupational and environmental toxins, and biological agents. ACMT places a priority on promoting education within the field and on educating the public and other medical professionals on the services provided by its members. The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology. |
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The June 2014 issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology, the official journal of the American
College of Medical Toxicology, features articles on antidotes including lipid emulsion therapy,
flumazenil, and atropine.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) May 28, 2014 -- The June issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT)
features several cutting edge papers that examine the safety and benefit of various antidotes, some old and some
new. One of the highlights from the issue is the largest published case series of the antidotal use of intravenous
lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy for treatment of drug overdose from the LIPAEMIC Study Group, an international
multi-center collaboration. Intravenous lipid emulsion has been called “miracle fat” because of its ability to
save patients with cardiovascular collapse from toxicity related to local anesthetic agents. LIPAEMIC’s new
report from data collected using a prospective online registry describes recovery from cardiac arrest in several
patients with anesthetic as well as non-anesthetic drug overdoses. Although few adverse effects were noted, the
authors emphasize that additional clinical trials are warranted “to further define the role of ILE in clinical
toxicology.” The large number of cases adds important new knowledge to the evolving literature on ILE.
Flumazenil, an older antidote used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines, is the subject of a novel study also
featured in the June issue. Philip Moore, MD and colleagues in Pennsylvania propose flumazenil as a means to
diagnose benzodiazepine-induced delirium after treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The clinical
benefits of flumazenil have been hotly debated for more than 20 years, and this new study will generate much
discussion among toxicologists as illustrated by Lewis Nelson, MD of the New York City Poison Control
Center in his elegant commentary entitled “Alcohol Withdrawal and Flumazenil: Not for the Faint of Heart.”
Other highlights include a comparison of atropine regimens for treatment of organophosphate poisoning, a 10-
year review of nutmeg ingestions, and an important study that evaluates different treatment strategies for
complicated bleeding associated with dabigatran use. These articles, and many other regular features, are
available in the June edition of JMT (Volume 10, Issue 2).
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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Collaborate to Advance Care of Poisoned Patients Worldwide
The American College of Medical Toxicology is working with The Global Educational
Toxicology Uniting Project (GETUP) to promote medical toxicology education and specialized
patient care worldwide. The GETUP initiative connects clinicians in countries with established
clinical toxicology services to those in countries without these services.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) April 29, 2014 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), through its
International Committee, is working with the Global Educational Toxicology Uniting Project (GETUP) as part
of an international effort to break down boundaries to medical toxicologyeducation and patient care in
developing countries. GETUP directly connects clinicians with different backgrounds and access to resources
through videoconferencing in order to share experiences in managing patients with poisoning resulting from
acute and chronic exposure to medications, chemicals, venoms, and environmental toxins. As a result, it
promotes education of all participants as they discuss toxicologic diagnoses common to some regions but rare
to others, as well as the management of mutually common conditions with and without the benefit of treatments
such as advanced antidotes. According to Project Director Anselm Wong, MD, “Discussing basic management
principles and mechanisms of toxicity can help change patient outcomes even in the most challenging remote
circumstances.”
GETUP was piloted in 2013 by medical toxicologistsand emergency physicians from three centers, including
the Austin Hospital Toxicology Service in Victoria, Australia, UCSF-Fresno Toxicology Service in California,
USA, and Colonial War Memorial Hospital, in Suva, Fiji. “Poisoning is an under-recognized burden to global
health, similar to many neglected tropical diseases,” says Rais Vohra, MD, chair of the ACMT International
Committee. “Part of the problem is that many poisonings and exposures occur in countries and regions that lack
medical toxicologists or poison control centers. With the GETUP project, we are able to discuss case-based
management and toxicology research updates with our member sites using free videoconferencing software. This is a pathway to building poisoningmanagement expertise where people most need it, and that will have a
positive impact on human poisoning.”
The GETUP Project is now expanding beyond the pilot phase and enrolling more sites worldwide. The project
currently includes 26 centers in 14 countries. GETUP is open to new registrants, and welcomes health care
centers with and without expertise in human poisoning to become involved. Interested parties can register
through the website www.acmt.net/GETUP.html.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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The North American Snakebite Registry was created by The American College of Medical
Toxicology (ACMT) in 2013. Data from the pilot year were presented at the ACMT Annual
Scientific Meeting in March, as the College announced expansion of the Registry.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) April 22, 2014 -- In 2013, the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT)
launched the North American Snakebite Registry with eight participating medical toxicology centers. This
Registry was developed in order to create opportunities for collaborative research and education among
physicians with expertise in the diagnosis and management of snake envenomation. Data from the pilot year
were presented in March at the ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting, as the College announced expansion of the
project to additional centers across the United States.
Bites by venomous snakes affect up to 10,000 people in the US each year. The snakes responsible for the vast
majority of envenomations are the pit vipers, which include copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes.
Rattlesnakes typically cause the most severe illness. Though fewer than ten deaths from snakebite are reported
annually in the US, hundreds of people are hospitalized and experience prolonged disability as a result of their
bites. The Snakebite Registrywas created to allow for a better understanding of the factors that may influence
the severity and outcome of a snake envenomation, such as co-existing illness, medications, and response to
specific treatments. According to Michelle Ruha, MD, the lead investigator on the Registry project, “The data
from our first year demonstrate that snake envenomation affects many vulnerable populations, including people
with chronic medical conditions, children and the elderly. As we learn how different populations react to venom
and how they respond to different treatment strategies, we can better target our research to achieve the ultimate
goal of improving care and outcomes of people who are bitten by snakes.”
The North American Snakebite Registry is a project of the Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC),
which was created in 2009 by ACMT to advance the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge of medical
aspects of human poisoning. Data that is collected is housed in the ToxIC Registry and includes the clinical
syndromes associated with various poisons and venoms and the treatments used to care for poisoned and
envenomed patients. The data held in the Registry is secure, and is de-identified so that no link can be made
back to individual patients.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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A new research report examining opioid analgesic prescribing for headache visits in U.S.
emergency departments found that there have been large increases in opioid use for the
treatment of headache, despite expert guidelines recommending against this practice. The
research will be presented at the American College of Medical Toxicology’s Annual Scientific
Meeting to be held in Phoenix, AZ from March 28-30, 2014.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) March 27, 2014 -- Over the past decade, there have been significant increases in the
prescription of opioid analgesics for many pain-related ED visits despite rising rates of opioid abuse, overdose,
and poisoning-related fatalities. Research to be presented at the American College of Medical Toxicology’s
(ACMT) Annual Scientific Meeting in Phoenix, AZ from March 28-30, 2014 focuses on opioid prescribing
trends for headache-related emergency department visits. Opioid analgesics are not recommended as first-line
treatment for headache by expert consensus guidelines, including those of the American Academy of
Neurology and the American College of Emergency Physicians, and more recently, the Choosing Wisely®
Campaign. In 2010, there were an estimated 7.7 million headache-related emergency department visits.
Investigators from the medical schools of George Washington University, the University of Pennsylvania, and
New York University, used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Hospital
Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to examine prescribing trends for opioid analgesics, as well as non-opioid
alternatives, for the treatment of headache from 2001-2010.
The researchers found there was a 65% increase in opioid prescribing for headaches over the ten-year study
period. Hydromorphone, a highly potent agent, showed a 450% increase, and represented the largest change of
the opioids studied. Significant increase also occurred for the prescribing of other opioids such as oxycodone, a
widely abused opioid. At the same time, there was not an increase in prescribing of non-opioid alternatives,
including acetaminophen, anti-emetic medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and “triptans”,
which are more strongly endorsed by current guidelines.
According to the lead investigator, Dr. Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi from George Washington, “These findings
are particularly concerning given the magnitude of increase in opioid prescribing compared to the other nonaddictive
medications, whose use remained the same or declined.” In addition she commented, “we are
concerned that providers are prescribing these medications, despite guidelines recommending against their
routine use.” Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone of the University of Pennsylvania, another investigator, explains, “there
could be several factors driving these prescribing trends including an increased focus on pain management,
patient satisfaction, and regulatory requirements, which sum to carry the unintended consequence of medication
overuse and its complications. Future efforts should also focus on promoting guideline-concordant prescribing.”
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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Research examining the impact of a 2006 Oregon law that requires a prescription to obtain
pseudoephedrine, a cold medication that is also a material used in the manufacture of
methamphetamine, finds that there has been limited overall impact. The research will be
presented at the American College of Medical Toxicology’s Annual Scientific Meeting to be
held in Phoenix, AZ from March 28-30, 2014.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) March 20, 2014 -- Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant medication that is also used
in the manufacture of the recreational drug methamphetamine. In the last ten years the sale of pseudoephedrine
has become increasingly regulated to prevent such diversion. In most states pseudoephedrine is only available
behind the pharmacy counter and limited quantities are sold to any customer. In 2006 Oregon became the first
state to enact a law to require a prescription to obtain pseudoephedrine.
Two medical toxicologists from Oregon Health and Science University, Jennifer Stephani MD and Robert
Hendrickson MD, have studied the impact of this law on potential indicators of methamphetamine use. They
will present their results at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Medical Toxicology
(ACMT) in March 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Methamphetamine-related deaths in Oregon before and after the law was enacted were compared to those in
Washington, a state that does not require a pseudoephedrine prescription. The toxicologyresearchers found that
restricting pseudoephedrine availability to prescription-only was not associated with a decrease in
methamphetamine-related deaths, nor was there a significant effect on admission rates to rehabilitation centers
for methamphetamine abuse. The researchers also compared numbers of calls to the Oregon and Washington
poison centers. Only in recent years was a significant difference in call volume identified. According to Dr.
Hendrickson, “It is difficult to make solid conclusions as to the cause of this decrease. It may be related to the
pseudoephedrine prescription law, or there may be other variables affecting use and call volumes, such as drug
purity, price, or supply imported from other states.”
The researchers did find an association between prescription pseudoephedrine laws and reported
methamphetamine clandestine laboratory incidents. They looked at the number of laboratory incidents in
Oregon and Washington state reported by the DEA both before and after the 2006 Oregon law took effect. They
did the same for Mississippi, the only other state with a similar prescription pseudoephedrine law, and
compared results to five other states in the southeast. They found that the pseudoephedrine legislation was
associated with a significant reduction of methamphetamine laboratory incidents in both Oregon and
Mississippi when compared to neighboring states. Dr. Stephani comments “In the 2013 legislative session,
there were at least sixty-nine bills introduced in eighteen states that would require a prescription to obtain
pseudoephedrine. As more states consider similar legislation, it is important to understand the potential effect of
these laws on methamphetamine use. Taking these results together, it seems that decreasing access to
pseudoephedrine may limit local production of methamphetamine, but overall use may not be significantly
decreased because out-of-state suppliers step in to meet the demand.”
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
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The March 2014 issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology, the official journal of the
American College of Medical Toxicology, features articles and research abstracts on lipid
emulsion therapy and other new antidotes and treatments for human poisoning.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) February 27, 2014 -- The Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT) begins its 10th
year of publication with several new articles in the March issue (Volume 10, Issue 1) that reflect its
international reach and commitment to publishing cutting-edge work relevant to clinicians and researchers. An
important study in this new issue that will undoubtedly generate continued discussion and future work is
“Complications Following Antidotal Use of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Therapy (ILE).” This multi-center
effort is one of the first to examine potential complications associated with the antidote called “miracle fat” by
some clinicians. According to lead author Dr. Michael Levine, there is still “limited experience with antidotal
use of ILE” despite unconditional enthusiasm by some clinicians. Levine and co-authors suggest a “risk–benefit
analysis should be performed for each patient” being considered to receive this antidote. Additional cuttingedge
work examining the clinical role of ILE and other new antidotes can be found in the abstracts from
ACMT’s 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting, also published in this issue. Many of those abstracts offer an early
preview of future publications, some of which will ultimately prove to be standard-setting.
Several reports in the March issue also highlight technology and its evolving role in clinical practice. In a
commentary relevant to all 21st century healthcare providers, editorial board member Dr. Navneet Cheema
examines the role of Twitter and social media in clinical practice and public health. She writes, “We have only
begun to harness the power of social media as it pertains to toxicology. It is a vast, underutilized tool that has
the potential to transform, expand, and improve our field.” Further technology articles include a study by Dr.
Jeff Lapoint and colleagues who study the veracity and usefulness of electronic pharmacopeia available on
most smartphones, and important advice from Dr. Fred Fung who offers guidelines on introducing telemedicine
to centers that do not have a bedside medical toxicologist.
These articles, and many others published in the March issue of JMT, confirm editor-in-chief Leslie Dye’s
reflections that “ “the high quality and wide reach of the manuscripts in our Journal highlight the successes of
the past decade, and bespeak an even brighter future for the next 10 years!”
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will hold its Annual Scientific Meeting entitled
Technotox: The Intersection of Technology & Toxicology in Phoenix, AZ from March 28-30,
2014. The conference will explore how technological advances may be used to impact the care
of the poisoned patient.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) February 25, 2014 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will
hold its Annual Scientific Meetingin Phoenix, Arizona from March 28-30, 2014. The conference explores how
technology can be used to improve the care of poisoned patients while recognizing the unintended
consequences of technological advances. This three-day educational program is intended for physicians and
other health care providers wishing to update and expand their knowledge of advances in medical toxicology
including telemedicine, educational technologies, and tools used to promote medication safety and prevent
adverse drug effects. The conference will be held at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel.
Conference topics will include review of modern technological tools used for both direct and indirect aspects of
care for patients experiencing toxin-related adverse effects. Advancements in diagnosis and management of
drug-induced liver failure as well as availability of special toxicology testing to assess patients exposed to
emerging drugs of abusewill be discussed. Use of technology to assist in end-of-life decisions including
declaring brain death and determining suitability of organs for transplantation from the poisoned patient will be
examined.
Faculty will review some of the most useful medical applications available for computers and mobile devices
and how they have the potential to greatly streamline medical care. Other sessions will demonstrate how large
databases serve as powerful statistical tools that have the potential to identify pharmacoepidemiologic trends,
recognize population-level responses to interventions, and suggest areas for improvement in safe medication
use. Telemedicine, a burgeoning means to bring medical toxicology specialist-level care to poisoned patients in
remote, rural health care settings, will also be examined.
Topics in environmental toxicology to be considered include methods available to first responders to detect
hazardous substances in the environment and a unique exploration of the controversies regarding the toxicity of
aircraft breathing air. In addition, the use of expired antivenoms to treat snake envenomation and the use of
non-FDA approved antivenoms to treat bites by venomous exotic snakes, along with the costs associated with
these novel antidotes, will be examined.
The conference will feature a variety of educational formats, including lecture presentations, panel discussions,
and interactive workshops. Speakers include nationally recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of
human poisoning, telemedicine, and neurology. Original research will be highlighted, with scientists presenting
their work in both platform and poster formats. According to Louise Kao, MD, Chair of the conference
planning committee, “The ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting will be an exciting exploration of the intersection
of medical toxicology with emerging technology. Research presentations will range from studies of new
treatments for poisoned patients to the implications of technological advancements in public health
interventions designed to reduce methamphetamine and prescription opioid abuse.”
The Annual Scientific Meeting will follow the day-long Natural Toxins Academy on March 27, also sponsored
by ACMT. The Natural Toxins Academy is open to all healthcare providers and will provide in-depth education regarding identification and management of natural toxic products including herbal remedies, plants, and snake
venoms. Earth and Fire Erowid from the Erowid Centerwill be discussing use of current herbal products and
extracts as recreational drugs.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will sponsor the Natural Toxins Academy:
Clinical Applications of Cutting-Edge Research in Phoenix, Arizona on March 27, 2014. Topics
will include plant toxins, venoms and antivenoms, and economic concerns related to antidotal
therapy.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) January 21, 2014 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology will present the
Natural Toxins Academy: Clinical Applications of Cutting-Edge Research in Phoenix, Arizona on March 27,
2014. This educational conference will highlight the actions and clinical consequences of exposure to a variety
of natural toxins, including plants and herbal preparations, snake venoms, and insecticides.
Toxicity related to both the medicinal and recreational use of herbal products will be discussed. Invited
speakers include Fire and Earth Erowid, who will review current trends in the use of herbal products as
recreational drugs. Breakout sessions will provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion of the medical effects
of hallucinogens and the options available to health care providers for treating adverse effects related to the use
of emerging ‘natural’ drugs. Ram Subramanian, M.D. from Emory University will provide an update on the
mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of liver injury resulting from use of dietary supplements.
Christina Hernon, M.D., a member of the conference steering committee, explains: “We assembled a group of
expert faculty to offer state-of-the-art management strategies for human toxicity resulting from uncommon
plant poisonings, insecticide exposure, and snake and scorpion envenomation.” A panel discussion deliberating
the cost versus the benefit of antivenom to treat venomous bites and stings will conclude the course. According
to Lewis Nelson, MD, moderator of the panel, “Whether or not to treat a patient with antivenom is often a very
difficult decision for health care providers in the United States, especially when they consider the staggering
bill that the patient may ultimately receive. Our esteemed panelists will consider some of the complex issues
that affect decisions to use antivenom, and will examine the factors that lead to its high price tag.”
The day-long Natural Toxins Academy will take place a day before the start of ACMT’s Annual Scientific
Meeting, entitled Technotox: The Intersection of Technology and Toxicology. The Annual Scientific Meeting
will be held at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona from March 28th to 30th. All health care
providers wishing to expand and update their knowledge of natural toxins and the use of recent technological
advances to improve toxicology patient care are encouraged to register for these cutting-edge conferences.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will present ‘Chemical Agents of Opportunity for
Terrorism’ in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on February 5th and 6th, 2014. The workshop will
provide training to emergency personnel and planners regarding both common and unusual
industrial agents which may pose a threat as potential weapons of terror.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) January 08, 2014 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will
present an educational workshop titled ‘Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism’on February 5th and 6th
in Ottawa, Ontario. The course, which is sponsored by the Canadian Safety and Security Program of the
Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit of Health Canada, will provide training to emergency
personnel and planners. The course focuses largely on toxic industrial chemicals that are easily obtainable from
multiple sources in communities and which pose a serious threat to health if accidentally released or
intentionally disseminated.
Eight course modules will cover important chemical hazards including industrial gases, such as cyanide and
chlorine, and neurotoxins, such as tetramine. In addition delayed-onset toxicants, such as dioxin and ricin, will
be included. The psychological sequelae of mass exposures will be discussed. Potential delivery mechanisms of
chemical agents, such as through the food and water supplies, and post-event monitoring will be covered.
Presentations by a number of Canadian and U.S. experts will provide participants with 2 days of interactive
instruction and practice in preparing for, responding to and mitigating chemical and natural disasters.
According to Chuck McKay, MD, a medical toxicologistwith the University of Connecticut School of Medicine
and a member of the course faculty, “This course is an opportunity for individuals from a variety of
backgrounds to bring their expertise to bear on complex problems. The interdisciplinary interactions are very
rewarding.” The course will be based in Ottawa, with additional remote access by webinar. Emergency
physicians, poison center personnel, and others involved in emergency planning and response in Canada are
welcome to contact courses(at)riskscience(dot)com for additional information regarding this invitation-only
event.
ACMT first developed the Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism course 11 years ago under a contract
with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(ATSDR/CDC). ACMT has provided single-day training in chemical terrorism awareness and combined 2-day
chemical and radiation awareness training with the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site
(REAC/TS) more than 80 times to more than 10,000 participants in the United States and its territories.
Organizations may contact ACMTfor information on presenting this course to their members.
ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The December issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology focuses on the use of chelating drugs
for treatment of poisoning due to metals such as mercury and lead. Many of the articles are
adapted from presentations delivered at the conference ‘Use & Misuse of Metal Chelation
Therapy’ held at the CDC in Atlanta in 2012 and supported by the CDC’s Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Cooperative Agreement between ACMT and
ATSDR.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) December 03, 2013 -- The December issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology
(JMT), the official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), is a special issue featuring
the most up-to-date scientific information on chelation therapy for human poisoning from various metals,
including lead, mercury, and arsenic. According to Charles McKay, MD, the section chief for the Division of
Medical Toxicology at Hartford Hospital and the guest editor of the December issue, the articles will “provide
guidance to the public and clinicians considering the diagnosis and treatment of metal poisoning. These
documents provide support for the ‘Choosing Wisely’ recommendations from ACMT to avoid commonly used,
rarely necessary, and potentially harmful tests or procedures to avoid misdiagnosis and over-treatment of
patients unlikely to have metal poisoning. In addition, the principles developed from these documents can be
used to evaluate inappropriate medical practice.”
Many of the articles in this issue are adapted from presentations delivered by highly-regarded national experts
at the “Use & Misuse of Metal Chelation Therapy” conference held at the Centers for Disease Control in
Atlanta, GA in 2012. They review the importance of proper patient evaluation, historic and current use of
laboratory testing for metal toxicity, and important scientific information on the risks and benefits of using
metal chelators in the treatment of metal poisoning. Myths and misconceptions about the diagnosis of metal
poisoning and safe treatment are addressed in several of the papers. New data is presented on the potential risks
of administering succimer or other metal chelating agents to children who do not have elevated tissue lead
levels. This issue also includes an article concerning the clinical consequences of cobalt exposure in the setting
of prosthetic metal-on-metal hip implants and a series of case presentations featuring real patients. Front-line
medical providers evaluating patients with concerns about metal exposure will find these articles particularly
helpful.
ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology announces the release of the Medical Toxicology
Foundation 2013 Annual Report. The report highlights the foundation’s efforts to promote the
impact and value of medical toxicology in the provision of safe, high-quality care.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) November 26, 2013 -- The Medical Toxicology Foundation (MTF) has released its
2013 annual report, which summarizes the numerous awards available from and provided by the foundation in
order to promote the impact and value of medical toxicologyin the provision of safe, high quality care.
Highlighted this year is a greater emphasis on prescription drug abuse prevention. The reportdetails nearly
$60,000 provided in awards in recent years to fund research and educational activities within the specialty of
medical toxicology. The MTF is a non-profit charitable organization affiliated with the American College of
Medical Toxicology (ACMT). As part of its commitment to sustaining and improving the practice of medical
toxicology, the foundation funds medical toxicology education and research programs that are vital to the care
of patients suffering from the adverse effects of drug, chemical and natural toxin exposures.
The report also describes awards currently available for the promotion of research and career development in
medical toxicology. The newest MTF initiative, The Fund to Support Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention in
Memory of Ryan Donovan, supports outstanding research and educational initiatives that have the greatest
potential to reduce the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, particularly among young people. A major goal
is to support the development or analysis of innovative prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.
This award was endowed by Ward Donovan, M.D., a medical toxicologist who has dedicated his career to
toxicology research and education as well as the treatment of poisoned patients. Dr. Donovan is also a past
President of the ACMT.
Additional awards are available to fund innovative research and teaching projects, as well as travel for
emergency medicine residents and medical students to attend scientific toxicology meetings. Michael Levine,
M.D. is a former recipient of the MTF Michael P. Spadafora Travel Award, which allowed him to attend a
medical toxicology scientific meetingduring his emergency medicine residency. He states, “There are not a lot
of opportunities out there for funding in toxicology. The Medical Toxicology Foundation is certainly one
important source of this kind of funding that can provide money for research, foster interest in the field and
provide scholarships.”
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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A study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology finds that mobile apps that help health
care practitioners with prescribing the correct dose of medications may not adequately warn of
the dangers of some of these drugs.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) November 12, 2013 -- A new study published in the Journal of Medical
Toxicology (JMT), the official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), found that the
warnings offered by electronic medication reference programs used on smartphones vary significantly and
some may not adequately warn prescribersof dangers of medications. In the study, "Electronic Pharmacopeia: A
Missed Opportunity for Safe Opioid Prescribing Information?", seven such programs, which are widely used by
physicians when looking up the correct dose or other important information about a medication, were analyzed.
The researchers found that warnings about dangerous effects of certain medications were not prominently
displayed or not provided at all. The researchfocused on extended-release/long-acting opioids, a class of
medications that ranks among the most dangerous particularly when prescribed without great caution. “When
given to the wrong patient or at an incorrect dose the outcome of incorrect prescribing may be death,” says
study author Jeff Lapoint, DO, suggesting that understanding the safety issues around this class of drugs is
critical to prevent harm.
The seven programs were evaluated for their warnings regarding 6 medications. Only two programs contained a
warning placed in line with dosing information, requiring that it be viewed. Four offered a warning but placed
them in separate sections from the dosing information. One program made no mention of the boxed warning.
Boxed warnings, also known as ‘black box warnings’, are alerts that the US FDA may require on package
inserts for certain medications to indicate a significant risk of a serious or life-threatening adverse event.
The authors chose to study the opioid class of pain medications because it contains a boxed warning. “Given
the fact that FDA thought there were enough risks for a black box warning, it seems that this information
should be among the first items ones sees when looking up a drug in a reference, and certainly must be seen at
some point in the process,” says Lewis Nelson, MD another study author.
“There are no standards for how to display safety information in these apps, and there are concerns about overly
aggressive warnings, but it seems reasonable to expect some sort of warning,” said Dr. Lapoint. He goes on to
say that “while authorities disagree about the optimal use of warnings, there are few proven solutions to
preventing dangerous prescribing.”
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will present Consultation in the Civil & Criminal
Arenas as the newest course in its Seminars in Forensic Toxicology series. This course will be
offered on November 12-13, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) October 03, 2013 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will
offer a course entitled Consultation in the Civil & Criminal Arenas on November 12-13, 2013 in Baltimore,
Maryland. This course is the newest of the ACMT educational series ‘Seminars in Forensic Toxicology’ and
will take place at the Hilton Baltimore. The course will be of value and interest to medical and forensic
professionals who provide consultation to attorneys and others needing expert advice. The aim of this seminar
is to improve the quality and focus of the medical and forensic opinions offered, with a focus on the role of
medications and toxins in both civil and criminal cases to assure that all parties receive the best expert advice.
The course will also benefit providers who are planning to expand their career to include medical legal
consultation services, and is not limited to pharmacologists and toxicologists.
The course will enhance understanding of several topics and concepts important to the professional consultant
in a legal context. The various opinions requested in cases of drug and alcohol impairment, medical
malpractice, product liability, and other toxic torts will be reviewed. Specific topics will include the scientific
rationale for impairment thresholds, and the interpretation and extrapolation of drug and alcohol concentrations.
The concepts of causation and impairment will be highlighted as common and consequential issues in the
forensic arena. The course will detail the different expectations of expert witnesses in the criminal versus civil
context. Practical considerations such as optimizing case selection, improving report writing, and deposition
and trial testimony will also be covered. The course format will utilize lectures as well as case-based small
group and panel discussions to illustrate key concepts.
Consultation in the Civil and Criminal Arena is the fourth ‘Seminars in Forensic Toxicology’ course developed
by ACMT.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology and the American Academy of Clinical
Toxicology encourage physician and patient conversations about evidence-based medicine by
identifying five treatments or tests to question, highlighting the potentially unnecessary and
sometimes harmful care that can result.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) September 26, 2013 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) and
American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (AACT) jointly released a list of specific treatments, tests and
procedures that are commonly used, rarely necessary, and potentially harmful as part of the Choosing Wisely®
campaign, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation. The list identifies five targeted, evidence-based
recommendations that can support conversations between patients and physicians about what care is really
necessary.
The joint ACMT and AACT list identified the following five recommendations:
1. Don’t use homeopathic medications, non-vitamin dietary supplements or herbal supplements as treatments
for disease or preventive health measures.
2. Don’t administer a chelating agent prior to testing urine for metals, a practice referred to as‘provoked’ urine
testing.
3. Don’t order heavy metal screening tests to assess non-specific symptoms in the absence of excessive
exposure to metals.
4. Don’t recommend chelation except for documented metal intoxication which has been diagnosed using
validated tests in appropriate biological samples.
5. Don’t remove mercury-containing dental amalgams (fillings).
According to Suzanne White, MD, President of ACMT, “Through its quality educational programs and support
of board certification, ACMT has been a leader in promoting the highest standards of evidence-based care for
all patients. By joining the Choosing Wisely campaign, we hope to spark thoughtful conversations between
patients and their physicians about unnecessary tests or treatments. This is key to protecting the public from
practices that are harmful or inappropriate.” Robert S. Hoffman, MD, FAACT, FACMT, FRCP Edin, President
of AACT adds, “As Toxicologists, we strive to provide the best possible evaluation and treatment based on
existing scientific evidence and share in our responsibility to limit skyrocketing health care costs. We favor the
right care over more care and hope these five statements will allow patients to have more informed
conversations with all of their health care providers.”
The ACMT and AACT joint list was developed after careful consideration and review of the most current
evidence about diagnosis, management, and treatment options in toxicology care. List development was led by
a Choosing Wisely® Work Group, with members representing various practice settings within the field of
Medical and Clinical Toxicology, including ambulatory, acute, and population-based practice. The Work Group
solicited input from members of both societies, as well as from leaders within the field. All feedback was
reviewed and the final list determined based on a review of scientific evidence, relevance to the specialty, and
the greatest opportunity to improve care, reduce cost, and reduce harm to patients. The final list was approved
by the ACMT Board of Directors and the AACT Board of Trustees.
The release of this list kicks off the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology annual meeting, where
specialists in clinical toxicology and poisoning treatment will gather to review the latest scientific research and
developments in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human poisoning. The meeting will be held in Atlanta,
Georgia at the Hyatt Regency.
For more information on the ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely campaign, including lists from more than
30 medical specialty societies, visit www.choosingwisely.org.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities. AACT is a multidisciplinary organization uniting scientists and clinicians in the advancement of
research, education, prevention, and treatment of diseases caused by chemicals, drugs, and toxins.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will present an educational symposium entitled
“CSI Atlanta” on September 28th at the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology
annual meeting. The symposium will connect professionals involved with different aspects of
drug-related crime to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on medical aspects of poisoning
related to drug use.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) September 10, 2013 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology will host
“CSI Atlanta: Toxicology, Law Enforcement and Crime Scene Investigation” on September 28th in Atlanta at
the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology annual meeting. This educational symposium will
examine how the areas of analytical, forensic, and clinical toxicologyinterface with law enforcement in the
evaluation of patients with drug-related medical concerns. The evolving effects of drug-related activities on
special populations such as victims, prisoners, and young children will be included.
The influence of street drugs on the user and the impact of the agents on forensic scientists will be explored in
depth. Specific topics will include recent trends in adulteration of street drugs (adding substances to decrease
the purity), as well as the potential health risks of exposure to these adulterants. The agitation and confusion
that results from use of many common street drugs places law enforcement and emergency medical personnel at
risk of harm by those they are attempting to help. The use of physical restraints, electroshock control devices,
and other “non-lethal” means to manage agitated patients at the scene, and the potential health consequences of
these practices will be discussed. The controversies and scientific evidence regarding treatment of patients who
‘stuff’, or spontaneously ingest, illegal drugs when encountered by law enforcement will also be reviewed.
Experts will highlight the risks faced by drug-endangered children. These include the potential long-term
hazards of exposure to clandestine methamphetamine laboratories and the consequences of unintended
exposure to methadone and other opioid medications. Conference attendees will learn how to identify malicious
child poisoning and the syndrome of abuse known as Munchausen-by-proxy. Scientific updates on recent
epidemic poisoningsin prisoners such as botulism, which can lead to paralysis, and methanol toxicity, a cause
of blindness, will be provided. According to Nicole Bouchard, M.D., the conference organizer, “By connecting
circles of professionals who work on different aspects of the same problems, ACMT provides a true
multidisciplinary focus in order to advance the science and practice of both forensic investigation and patient
care.”
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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The September issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology features several articles examining
the use of new antidotes and new indications for some classic agents. Included in this issue are
studies of intravenous lipid as an antidotal therapy, a review of potential new uses for
methylene blue, and an article reviewing the use of sodium acetate as a substitute for the
commonly used antidote sodium bicarbonate during times of drug shortage.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) August 27, 2013 -- Intravenous lipid emulsion, a cutting-edge novel antidote also
known as “therapeutic fat,” is featured in three different studies in the September issue of the Journal of
Medical Toxicology (JMT), the official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT).
Stephanie Carreiro and colleagues from Brown University add to the growing body of scientific literature
regarding the effect of lipid on blood pressure in their study “Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Alters the
Hemodynamic Response to Epinephrine in a Rat Model.” According to Michael Christian and his co-authors of
“Lipid Rescue 911,” data from laboratory studies such as Carreiro’s and the apparent success of lipid therapy in
several cases of human poisoningare reasons why most U.S. poison centers now routinely recommend this
antidote for poisoned patients who are critically ill. However, in a related study from San Diego, Michael
Darracq and colleagues found that poison center recommendations for use of therapeutic lipids and other
cutting-edge antidotes are not consistently followed. The authors suggest that better education is needed for
bedside clinicians regarding the use of these potentially life-saving interventions.
In addition to providing information regarding new antidotes, the September issue of JMT reports on emerging
trends and challenges with the use of older antidotes. Methylene blue, an antidote traditionally used to treat
patients who appear “blue” as a result of the blood disorder methemoglobinemia, may hold promise as a
treatment for patients who are in shock and do not respond to other therapies. David Jang and colleagues review
potential emerging indications for use of methylene blue. Another review addresses the recent U.S.
pharmaceutical shortage of sodium bicarbonate, an antidote commonly used in the treatment of poisoning by
antidepressant and over-the-counter pain medications. Mark Neavyn and co-authors examine the usefulness of
sodium acetate as a replacement for sodium bicarbonate in times of shortage, and advise readers of appropriate
use of this agent as an antidote.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will recognize physician experts in the diagnosis
and management of human poisoning who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, research,
public service, and clinical care.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) August 13, 2013 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will
grant prestigious Fellow status to eighteen physician specialists in medical toxicologyat the upcoming annual
toxicology meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on the 28th of September. Fellow status within ACMT (FACMT)
recognizes board-certified medical toxicologists who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, research,
public service, and clinical care to patients. According to Suzanne White, M.D., president of ACMT, “FACMT
status is an outward sign of an inner commitment to standards, achieving excellence, and protecting the public.”
Poisoningis a growing public health concern in the United States. According to the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality, injury and poisoning is now the leading cause for pediatric emergency department visits,
and poisoning resulting from opioid abuse and misuse has reached epidemic proportions. There are currently
approximately 500 board certified medical toxicology specialists in practice. This leaves a shortage of specialty
trained physicians that are available to care for patients and to provide consultations regarding the optimal
management of patients exposed to a variety of poisons and medications. According to Howard Greller, M.D., a
member of the ACMT Board of Directors, “The College receives frequent inquiries from the public asking for
referrals to out-patient medical toxicology practices. Unfortunately, many regions do not have these services
and patients must travel long distances to consult with a medical toxicologist.” Most practicing medical
toxicologists are associated with academic health centers and emergency departments, particularly in
metropolitan areas.
In order to advance quality care of poisoned patients and public health, ACMT promotes the expansion of the
specialty through education, grants, research opportunities, and awards to physicians in medical education
training programs. Lewis Nelson, M.D., past-president of ACMT, reports “it is the vision of ACMT that every
potentially poisoned patient or population will have direct access to the expertise of a board-certified medical
toxicologist.”
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology has released on its website a Guidance
Document: Management Priorities in Salicylate Toxicity. This is a guideline for healthcare
providers who manage patients with salicylate poisoning, which may result from aspirin
overdose or exposure to other salicylate-containing medications.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) June 25, 2013 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology has released a
guidance document entitled Management Priorities in Salicylate Toxicity. Salicylate toxicity, or poisoning, is
responsible for tens of thousands of cases of drug-related illness each year, some of which are fatal. Salicylate
toxicity is a serious condition that results from taking too much aspirin, as may occur with an intentional
overdose, or may happen unintentionally when treating pain chronically with aspirin. Poisoningmay also occur
following excessive topical use of salicylate-containing ointments or creams used to treat aching muscles. Due
to the wide availability of aspirin for both heart disease and pain, children are often exposed when tablets are
left accessible. Children and adults who are exposed to a toxic amount of salicylate develop vomiting and rapid
breathing. As they become more ill, they may develop sweating, have a rapid heart rate, and become confused.
This may progress to seizures and even death. Elderly people who take aspirin regularly to treat pain are at
particular risk of toxicity. They often do not develop typical symptoms and present to medical care with
confusion, which can have a multitude of causes, making determination of the correct diagnosis, and
subsequent management, difficult.
The guideline was developed by ACMT to assist healthcare practitioners who may care for patients with either
acute or chronic salicylate poisoning. According to Charles McKay, M.D., a participant in the guideline
development, “Our guideline reviews the major challenges faced by clinicians, and highlights that these patients
may become seriously ill quickly without appropriate management.” The importance of many factors, including
the patient’s clinical condition, co-existing medical conditions, and laboratory findings are discussed, as they
are all critical in determining the best treatment for the patient. Treatment options, including use of sodium
bicarbonate or hemodialysis to increase elimination of salicylate from the body, are also discussed. The
guideline additionally addresses controversial issues in the management of salicylate poisoning, including
airway protection and gastrointestinal decontamination.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology has launched a national registry of patients with
snakebite, with the goals of advancing our understanding of how venoms affect the human body
and improving our ability to manage the effects of envenomation.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) June 11, 2013 -- ACMT has launched the North American Snakebite Registry in
order to create opportunities for collaborative research and education among physicians with expertise in the
diagnosis and management of snake envenomation. Bites by venomous snakes affect up to 10,000 people in the
United States each year. The snakes responsible for the vast majority of envenomations are the pit vipers, which
include copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes typically cause the most severe illness.
Though fewer than ten deaths from snakebite are reported annually in the US, hundreds of people are
hospitalized and experience prolonged disability as a result of their bites. Factors that may influence the
severity and outcome of a patient with an envenomation, such as co-existing illness, medications, and specific
treatments administered are poorly understood.
The ultimate goal of the Registry is to improve the care of envenomed patients. The Registry provides
clinicians the opportunity to contribute appropriate details of snakebite cases allowing the national community
of medical toxicologyspecialists to identify patterns of envenomation that predict severity, response to
antivenom treatment, and long-term complications. According to Dr. Paul Wax, the executive director of
ACMT, “Snakebite is relatively rare and remains a poorly understood condition. This registry will allow
clinicians who treat patients with snakebite to learn from their shared experience and will ultimately advance
our ability to treat patients.”
The Snakebite Registry is a project of the Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC), which was created in
2009 by ACMT to advance the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge of medical aspects of human
poisoning. Data that is collected includes the clinical syndromes associated with various poisons and venoms
and the treatments used to care for poisoned and envenomed patients. The ToxICRegistry, the database that
houses the particulars of the cases, has since grown dramatically and now provides a valuable reservoir of
information on a wide variety of poisonings. The data held in the Registry is secure, and is de-identified so that
no link can be made back to individual patients.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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Media in Medicine in the June Issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology
The Journal of Medical Toxicology, the official journal of the American College of Medical
Toxicology, highlights the dangers of designer drugs, risks of drugs used to treat insomnia, and
the power of social media in medicine in the June issue.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) May 29, 2013 -- In a report from Minnesota, a wave of bad outcomes associated
with the 2C class of designer drugs is described in “2C or Not 2C: Phenethylamine Designer Drug Review.”
Since many health providers are not familiar with 2C drugs and the drugs are not easily identified using
standard hospital-based toxicology tests, diagnosis of poisoning can be challenging. According to lead author
Be Vang Dean: “Understanding the pharmacology and toxicology of these agents is essential in order to
provide the best medical care for these patients.”
Sameir Alhadi and co-authors from California contribute to the growing body of literature on the synthetic
cannabinoids and their associated complications with the report “High Times, Low Sats: Diffuse Pulmonary
Infiltrates Associated with Chronic Synthetic Cannabinoid Use.” The authors point out that synthetic
cannabinoids have been reported to adversely affect the heart and brain, and caution physicians to be aware of
their significant respiratory effects.
According to lead investigator Alex Manini in the study “Opioid Receptor Polymorphism A118G Associated
with Clinical Severity in a Drug Overdose Population,” an inherited vulnerability might be one explanation for
the recent increase in U.S. mortality from prescription opioids. Using an emergency department cohort
population, they found that a particular genetic mutation is associated with increased vulnerability to overdose
with these drugs.
Naren Gunja, a physician toxicologist from Australia details the adverse events associated with the popular “Zdrugs”
prescribed for insomnia in his article “In the Zzz Zone: The Effects of Z-Drugs on Human Performance
and Driving.” This class of medications includes agents such as zolpidem (Ambien™), zopiclone (Lunesta™),
and zaleplon (Sonata™). In addition to a growing number of cases of amnesia, hallucinations, and suicidality in
users of the “Z-drugs”, Gunja warns prescribers of these agents “the increased risk of falls and motor vehicle
collisions is notably significant for elderly insomniacs.”
Michael Chary and co-authors from New York propose a new model for characterizing new drug use patterns
in an article entitled “Leveraging Social Networks for Toxicovigilance.” The authors suggest popular social
network platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can be powerful tools for clinicians. “Toxicovigilance via
social networks will help prepare frontline clinicians to better recognize the appearance [of new drugs of abuse]
and attend to the needs of their communities.” Chary recognizes the potential benefit of real-time updates in
social media, as “insights from these methods … may be of assistance in tailoring interventions and campaigns
for prevention.”
These articles, and many others that advance the science and practice of medical toxicology, can be found in the
June issue of the Journal of Medial Toxicology (JMT), the official journal of the American College of Medical
Toxicology (ACMT).
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in
medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology
through a variety of activities.
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Medical toxicologists in Colorado, in response to the legalization of marijuana, have
successfully campaigned for the use of child-resistant packaging for marijuana-infused
products.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) May 16, 2013 -- Legislation enacted on May 8, 2013 by the Colorado State Legislature
will require child-resistant packaging for all cannabis products legally sold to the general public. The
proliferation of marijuana dispensaries in states such as Colorado where marijuana has been made legal for
medical use has lead to increased availability of foods that are infused with the active ingredient present in
marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. These so-called cannabis ‘edibles’, which may
include candies, cookies, and brownies, are particularly attractive to and can cause serious harm when
accidentally ingested by children. Recent data from the Rocky Mountain Poisonand Drug Center (RMPDC) in
Denver has shown a significant rise in unintentional pediatric marijuana exposures. Children who ingest
marijuana-containing products can have difficulty breathing or become comatose, necessitating hospital
admission and intensive medical interventions.
Medical toxicologists in Denver, Colorado actively campaigned for the mandatory use of child-resistant
packaging for all marijuana-containing foods after identifying a rise in the number of children with unintended
ingestion of marijuana. Dr. George Sam Wang and Dr. Michael Kosnett, both members of the American
College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), recently launched an educational campaign to promote awareness of
the risks of marijuana exposure to young children and the utility of child-resistant packaging in preventing
exposures. As a result of their efforts, the Colorado legislature enacted legislation requiring child-resistant
packaging as part of the myriad of regulations that will implement Amendment 64, the November 2012 state
constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults. According to Dr. Wang “Our goal
has been to raise awareness among health care providers, public health advocacy groups, and local media that
marijuana-containing foods are drugs capable of producing serious illness in children, and deserve the same
precautionary measures that are used to prevent accidental exposures to other drugs”.
Dr. Kennon Heard, a medical toxicologist involved with the project, and his colleagues at the RMPDC,
presented research at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting this month revealing a rise in the number of
unintentional pediatric marijuana exposures reported nationally since 2005. As more states legalize marijuana
for medical or recreational use, the number of pediatric exposures is likely to increase. The American College
of Medical Toxicology commends their members for their successful campaign and fully supports measures to
educate the public regarding the risks of accidental pediatric ingestion of cannabis edibles.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology launches ‘Ask A Toxicologist’ on its website. This
is a public forum for dissemination of rational, evidence-based answers to questions related to
human poisoning.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) April 30, 2013 -- There is increasing public concern regarding exposure to the
innumerable potential poisonsand toxic substances that exist and the risk for the adverse health effects they may
pose. Media sources often provide conflicting or incorrect information regarding the adverse health effects of
toxins, and this leads to uncertainty and unnecessary fear. The Internet, often the first source of information for
answer-seekers everywhere, is a field strewn with misinformation and falsehood. In order to provide a reliable
source for information regarding human health effects of environmental and natural toxins, medications, illicit
drugs, and other potential causes of human poisoning, The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT)
has created a venue on its website called “Ask A Toxicologist”, where people can submit their questions related
to human poisoning and receive answers in clear language from physician experts in medical toxicology.
ACMT is a leader in the education of health practitioners regarding issues related to human poisoning. The
“Ask A Toxicologist” program is part of a growing effort by the College to improve public awareness and
education regarding the toxicity of medication interactions, occupational chemicals, new drugs of abuse,
venoms and plant toxins. The goal of the program is to provide rational, evidence-based answers to common
medical toxicologyquestions – clearly and concisely. Members of the public are encouraged to submit questions
through the ACMT website for review by a panel of experts in human poisoning, who will post a consensus
opinion written by one expert in the field. There is no charge for this service. Questions relating to an
individual’s health concerns cannot be answered, as the program cannot create or replace a doctor-patient
relationship. Questions and answers should be of a general nature, and of interest to a wide population. Not all
questions will be able to be addressed.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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Emergence of designer drugs, including ‘bath salts’, ‘2Cs’, and ‘spice’, has lead to devastating
health effects in some users. The dangers associated with these new drugs of abuse are
discussed in recent articles published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) April 17, 2013 -- In recent years, numerous ‘designer’ drugs of abuse have
emerged. These include synthetic cathinones, commonly referred to as ‘bath salts’; psychedelic amphetaminelike
drugs called ‘2Cs’; and ‘spice’, which is a mixture of synthetic cannabinoids (marijuana-like chemicals)
and various herbal products. These drugs were designed to evade existing drug laws and allow users to obtain a
“legal” high. Over time legislation changed to make illegal specific drugs in each category, only to have them
replaced by new drugs that fall outside the current laws in what amounts to a ‘cat and mouse’ game. The false
assumption that because something is legal, it is not harmful, leads to serious health consequences.
Several articles recently published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT), the official journal of the
American College of Medical Toxicology(ACMT), focus on designer drugs of abuse and the catastrophic
health effects that can result from their use. A review of the 2C class of amphetamine derivatives clearly
demonstrates that these drugs carry all of the health risks associated with amphetamine itself. While promoted
as hallucinogens, the drugs also produce stimulant effects, which may include high heart rate and blood
pressure, as well as seizures. As the review points out, a number of deaths have now been associated with use
of 2Cs. Deaths appear to result from a syndrome known as ‘excited delirium,’ which is characterized by severe
agitation, violent behavior, and high body temperature. According to the authors this syndrome “…often results
in a sudden and unexpected cardiopulmonary arrest.”
Excited delirium may also occur after use of ‘bath salts’. In a study of patients with ‘bath salt’ intoxication
reported to the Carolinas Poison Center, several patients who died had extreme agitation, markedly abnormal
vital signs, and elevated body temperature prior to death. The similarities in chemical structure of the drugs
classified as ‘bath salts’ to the 2C agents accounts for the similar clinical effects that occur with their use.
Surprisingly, use of ‘spice’ has also been associated with agitation, seizures, and other symptoms similar to
those that occur with use of ‘bath salts’ and 2C drugs. The synthetic cannabinoids found in ‘spice’ products are
chemically related to the active ingredient in marijuana, but severe and unexpected health effects resulting from
use of ‘spice’ continue to be reported. A case report in JMT now describes severe respiratory illness in a
previously healthy young person who smoked synthetic cannabinoids over a four-month time period.
According to Dr. Michelle Ruha, a medical toxicologist with the Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology
Education and Research at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, “It is important to be aware that use
of any designer drug places your health and life at risk.” ACMT strongly discourages use of ‘bath salts’,
‘spice’, or 2C drugs regardless of the legal status of the particular agent.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology has launched an international registry of
poisoned patients cared for by medical toxicologists in an effort to advance collaboration,
education, and research among physicians specializing in the management of human poisoning
globally.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) March 26, 2013 -- The Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) was created
in 2009 by ACMT as a group to advance the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge of medical aspects
of human poisoning. Data that is collected includes the clinical syndromes associated with various poisons and
venoms and the treatments used to care for poisoned and envenomed patients. The ToxIC Registry, the database
that houses the particulars of the cases, has since grown dramatically and now provides a valuable reservoir of
information on a wide variety of poisonings. Many exposures not reported prior to initiation of the registry,
such as psychosis from “bath salts” and coma from ingestion of laundry detergent pods, are included in the
Registry so that more can be learned about the presentations and outcomes of these emerging toxins. Equally
valuable is the opportunity to join clinicians across the country and pool their experience to enhance
opportunities for research and greater understanding of less common poisonings as well as new and emerging
antidotal treatments. The data held in the Registry is secure, and is de-identified so that no link can be made
back to individual patients.
ACMT has now launched an International Case Registry aimed at creating opportunities for collaborative
research and education among physician experts in the diagnosis and management of human poisoning, with
the ultimate goal of improving the care of poisoned patients. The Registry provides the opportunity to
contribute appropriate details of their case experiences so that the global community of medical toxicology
specialists can identify patterns of disease, important toxins, and effective treatments for human poisoning.
According to Dr. Rais Vohra, a coordinator of the International Registry “This new effort creates a worldwide
network of physicians interested in the management of human poisoning and will allow collaboration that will
certainly benefit the care of patients in each and every country.”
Physicians representing hospitals in Europe, Australia, Canada, Russia, Thailand, Israel, India, Sri Lanka, and
Iran have joined, or are planning to join, the ToxIC Registries. Medical toxicologists from all nations who
directly care for poisoned patients are welcome to participate.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology has released a position statement, Antidote
Shortages: Impact and Response, with recommendations for policy change and creation of
uniform guidelines to improve access to life-saving antidotes and anti-venoms.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) March 12, 2013 -- The American College of Medical Toxicologyhas released a position
statement warning against dwindling supplies of antidotes and medications that healthcare providers use to treat
a wide variety of poisoningsand medical conditions. Antidotes are often used to treat toxic exposures such as
lead poisoning, drug overdoses, and bites by venomous snakes. Although this is a long standing problem
already recognized by the medical toxicology and emergency medicine communities, recent national trends
reveal that the situation is worsening.
According to the College, one of the reasons for the low supplies of antidotes is the infrequent use of these
important medications leading to limited financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies to produce them.
The FDA’s Orphan Drug program provides resources to support production of these medications, but this often
means that only a single company will assume responsibility for manufacturing a specific antidote. This single
producer may have difficulty meeting national demands.
Another issue contributing to antidote shortages is that medications may not be used past their expiration date.
Expiration dates are issued in accordance with federal regulations, but these dates may not represent a time at
which the drug has truly “expired.” Many medications are stable over time and remain safe to use far past their
labeled expiration dates, although they may not be as strong as they were at the time of production. It is
considered illegal in many states to administer expired medications. In the case of potentially life-saving
antidotes where the existing supply has expired, as is the case with some snake anti-venoms, discarding
“expired” stock may lead to a dangerous situation for the snakebite victim.
ACMT points out that Poison Centers have collaborated to address the antidote shortage in several ways. An
Anti-venom Index has been established to help locate scarce anti-venoms. For some other agents - particularly
medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and public health emergencies -
cooperation between the Department of Defense, the Food and Drug Administration, and pharmaceutical
companies has resulted in programs to extend the shelf-life of existing supplies.
In the conclusion of the position statement, the ACMT experts encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers and
governmental agencies such as Health and Human Services and the FDA to immediately evaluate and address
access to critical antidotes and anti-venoms. The experts hope that the newly granted authority and mandates of
the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012 will facilitate a fresh approach to the
ongoing, worsening problem of drug shortages.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The Journal of Medical Toxicology, the official journal of the American College of Medical
Toxicology, publishes a study evaluating the effectiveness of an unproven topical treatment for
autism in its March issue.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) February 26, 2013 -- The lead article in the March issue of the Journal of Medical
Toxicology (JMT) is a study that examines the absorption of a product, TD-DMPS, after application to the skin.
DMPS is a metal-binding agent that is not approved for use by the US FDA. TD-DMPS is advertised as a
topical treatment for autism. The oral and intravenous forms of DMPS are approved in some countries for the
removal of metals from the body when patients are poisoned, but the transdermal (TD) form has not been
shown to be effective for the treatment of any condition, including autism.
In the study, the researchers were unable to detect any DMPS in the blood following its application,
demonstrating that the product is not absorbed through the skin. Without absorption, TD-DMPS cannot exert its
purported effects of removing heavy metals from the body. The study confirmed this by demonstrating that the
urinary elimination of mercury, a metal known to be removed from the body when DMPS is given by mouth or
the intravenous route, did not increase after application of the product.
According to an accompanying editorial by Charles McKay MD, Medical Director of the Department of
Occupational Health Services and Section Chief of the Division of Medical Toxicologyat Hartford Hospital in
Connecticut, “Despite the absence of data, and in the face of such concerns about absorption and dose, many
advocates of a heavy metal toxic etiology for autism (in particular mercury) have incorporated ‘TD-DMPS’ into
their non-traditional practice. We should recognize, however, the frustration and despair that leads members of
the public to embrace homeopathy, ‘detoxifying regimens’, and the like.”
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The Journal of Medical Toxicology, the official print journal of the American College of
Medical Toxicology, celebrates its first year of delivering scientific journal content in a
humorous and enjoyable audio podcast, available on iTunes.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) February 14, 2013 -- The Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT), the official print
journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), celebrates a successful first year of
delivering entertaining synopses of each print issue of the journal in the form of a fast-paced and humorous
audio podcast. Available on iTunes and the ACMT website, the JMT podcast is hosted by Dr. Howard Greller,
a medical toxicologist at North Shore University Hospital and co-host of The Emergency Medicine Show on
Sirius XM Doctor Radio, and Dr. Dan Rusyniak, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Indiana
University School of Medicine. According to the Editor-in-Chief of JMT, Dr. Leslie Dye, “Howard and Dan are
the ‘Click and Clack’ of Medical Toxicology”.
Each edition of the JMT Podcast begins with the “Cast Call”, an in depth discussion of the top article selected
by each of the hosts. They then feature a discussion and review of the various scientific studies, as well as
commentary on the interesting case reports, editorials, and visual items included in the month’s issue. Topics
covered are diverse and range from poisoning due to common exposures such as pesticides, bath salts, and
alcohol, to unusual causes of toxicity, including pine nuts, cream of tartar, and bark scorpion stings. Important
public health topics including the adverse effects related to opioid abuse and misuse, emerging designer drugs
of abuse, and the toxicities related to newly approved medications such as anticoagulants are common topics
covered by the journal issues and the corresponding podcast.
In addition to the quarterly JMT Podcast, Drs. Greller and Rusyniak produce supplemental 'Author in the
Room' (AIR) episodes to provide an up-close and personal interview with leaders in the field of Medical
Toxicology. Dr. Edward Boyer, Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University Of Massachusetts School
Of Medicine, was the first to be highlighted in 2012. An upcoming AIR Podcast will feature an interview with
Drs. Lewis Nelson and Jeanmarie Perrone, who were the guest editors for the December 2012 JMT issue
devoted to opioid use and misuse.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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ACMT
American College of Medical Toxicology
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will join with the Israeli Society of Toxicology to
present the 2013 Joint American – Israeli Medical Toxicology Conference in Haifa, Israel on
April 23-25, 2013.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) January 29, 2013 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) in
conjunction with the Israeli Society of Toxicology is pleased to announce the second joint American – Israeli
Medical Toxicology Conferenceto be held at the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Israel on April 23-25,
2013. The conference faculty will include leading experts in medical toxicology representing the United States,
Israel, Canada and Europe. This educational event follows a similar successful collaboration by the two
societies in 2010. “We hope this conference will be as great a success as the first in bringing together
colleagues to discuss vexing issues in the management of poisoned patients,” says Paul Wax, M.D., an
organizer of the conference and executive director of ACMT.
Medical toxicologistsare physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of human poisoning and
envenomation. Exposure to drugs, environmental toxins, venomous creatures, and agents of opportunity
(biological, chemical and radiologic exposures for terrorism) creates an international health burden, although
the specifics differ by country and region. Yedidia Bentur, M.D., a conference organizer based in Haifa,
believes “This international exchange of ideas is critical to advancing the science and practice of medical
toxicology.” While some toxins are a more important cause of human illness in certain countries compared to
others, increased globalization challenges physicians with patients poisoned by an agent that is typically not
found locally. Similarly, as zoos and collectors continue to expand the trade of exotic animals, the medical
management of envenomations by non-native species around the world becomes more challenging.
Israel, a recognized leader in the preparation for chemical terrorism, has long faced the sobering reality that
virtually all nations must now consider. Recognizing the importance of medical personnel in the delivery of
healthcare following such an event, the final day of the conference will consist of a toxicological multi-casualty
drill at one of the area hospitals, organized by the Israeli Ministry of Health. All conference attendees, local and
international, have been invited to participate.
The diversity of legal and illegal substances and the reality of modern information technology highlight the
need for medical toxicologists and other health care providers to communicate with their international peers and
share expertise regarding poisoningsyndromes of both local and international concern. To this end, the Joint
American-Israeli Medical Toxicology Conference aims to educate healthcare providers and strengthen
relationships among international organizations, with the ultimate goal of reducing the global health burden of
human poisoning.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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Contact Information
ACMT
American College of Medical Toxicology
http://www.acmt.net
623-533-6340
Online Web 2.0 Version
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will hold its Annual Scientific Meeting entitled
The Changing Faces of Antidotes in San Juan, Puerto Rico from March 14-17, 2013.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) January 15, 2013 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology will hold its
Annual Scientific Meeting and satellite symposium in San Juan, Puerto Rico from March 14-17, 2013. The
theme of the main conference is The Changing Faces of Antidotes. This three-day educational program is
intended for physicians and other health care providers wishing to update and expand their knowledge of both
traditional and cutting-edge antidotal therapies for poisoning. The conference will take place at the San Juan
Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.
Antidotes are commonly used by emergency medical service providers as well as healthcare practitioners in
emergency departments and a variety of hospital settings, to reverse the effects of a wide variety of medication
overdosesand poisons. Topics to be reviewed at the Annual Scientific Meeting will include emerging
indications for older antidotes, such as methylene blue, and the most recent scientific evidence regarding newer
antidotes, such as lipid emulsion. Controversies and advanced treatment strategies with use of antidotes such as
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for acetaminophen overdose, fomepizole for ethylene glycol poisoning, and high-dose
insulin for toxicity resulting from cardiac medications will be discussed.
The conference will feature a variety of educational formats, including lecture presentations, moderated poster
sessions, and interactive workshops. Speakers will include nationally recognized experts in the diagnosis and
treatment of human poisoning. Original research will be highlighted, with scientists presenting their work in
both platform and poster formats. Russ Kerns, MD, the course organizer, adds “There will also be a strong
focus on professional development for young clinicians, toxicologists, and researchers, with sessions on drug
shortages, homeland security from terrorism, and the future of telemedicine for toxicology.”
The main conference will follow the day-long Alcohol Abuse Academy on March 14, also sponsored by
ACMT. The Alcohol Abuse Academy is open to all healthcare providers and will provide in-depth education
regarding identification and management of alcohol-related impairment, dependence, and withdrawal. “Given
that alcohol is a leading cause of addiction, trauma, and death, healthcare providers can play a critical role in
detecting and treating at-risk patients” said Timothy Wiegand, M.D., the organizer of the symposium.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will sponsor the Alcohol Abuse Academy:
Current Perspectives on Impairment, Dependence, and Withdrawal in San Juan, Puerto Rico on March 14, 2013.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) December 19, 2012 -- Alcohol use disorders, such as acute intoxication,
withdrawal, or addiction affect more than 20% of the United States population. The effects of alcohol on the
brain and body are both varied and complicated. Our understanding of how the body responds to long-term
exposure to alcohol and to its discontinuation is limited but research into the optimal way to treat patients with
alcohol-related disorders is progressing.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) will present the Alcohol Abuse Academy: Current
Perspectives on Impairment, Dependence and Withdrawal in San Juan, Puerto Rico on March 14, 2013. This
educational course will update health care providers who encounter patients with poisoningrelated to alcohol
use or other alcohol-related disorders with the most current information regarding acute intoxication, addiction,
and withdrawal syndromes.
Course faculty will include expert clinicians from a variety of medical specialties, including medical
toxicology, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and addiction medicine. Topics presented will include specialized
testing for alcohol exposure, the pathophysiology of alcohol withdrawal, evidence-based treatment of delirium
tremens, treatment of the agitated intoxicated patient, legal concerns in managing intoxicated patients, and the
relationship between alcohol and suicidality. An expert panel discussion of unique management strategies for
alcohol withdrawal will conclude the course.
The day-long Alcohol Abuse Academy will take place the day prior to the start of ACMT’s Annual Scientific
Meeting, entitled The Changing Faces of Antidotes. The Annual Scientific Meeting will be held at the San Juan
Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino from March 15th through 17th. All health care providers wishing to expand
and update their knowledge of alcohol use disorders and antidotal therapies are encouraged to registerfor these
conferences.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology has released a position statement that provides
recommendations to institutions that house venomous animals for prevention and planning for
human envenomations.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) November 27, 2012 -- All institutions that are involved in the storage, handling or
transportation of venomous animals should have an action plan in place for handling bites, stings, or other
venomous exposures to humans. The American College of Medical Toxicology(ACMT) has published a
position statement providing recommendations for prevention of human envenomation exposures and for
obtaining rapid treatment should an exposure occur.
Most physicians in the United States are unfamiliar with the management of envenomationsby snakes,
scorpions, and other venomous creatures, especially if the species responsible are non-native, or ‘exotic.’
Antivenoms for the treatment of envenomations by exotic venomous animals are not routinely stored in hospital
pharmacies, yet bites by non-native venomous snakes are reported to poison control centers each year. As a
result, timely treatment of these patients is often delayed as health care providers search nationally for a specific
antivenom that, when located, must be transported to the victim. This delay may result in a worse outcome for
the patient. Advance planning for envenomations would facilitate rapid treatment and be expected to improve
patient outcomes.
Institutions that house venomous animals must assure that the likelihood of human exposure is minimized and
should make sure that there is a written response plan for an envenomation. Preparation includes obtaining the
appropriate antivenom for the species being housed and handled. Antivenom for non-native species may be
particularly difficult to acquire and if manufactured abroad may require special clearances for use. Protocols
should be in place for storage of antivenom at the institution or at the facility that will receive patients. Policies
and procedures for providing first aid and ongoing management of victims should be developed in consultation
with medical toxicologists, who have expertise in the management of envenomations and poisonings. Written
agreements and guidelines, as appropriate, with consulting medical toxicologists, regional poison centers,
emergency medical transport agencies, and receiving healthcare facilities should be developed so that first aid,
transport, and management may be rapidly implemented.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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Press Release
New York / Heidelberg
13 November 2012
Metal-binding agent applied to the skin is not absorbed and is therefore ineffective
Metal-binding agents rubbed into the skin, prescribed by some alternative practitioners for the treatment of autism, are not absorbed and therefore are unlikely to be effective at helping the body excrete excess mercury. The study by Jennifer Cohen and Michelle Ruha from Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in the US, and their colleagues, provides evidence against the use of these treatments in children with autism. Their work is published online in Springer's Journal of Medical Toxicology.
Metal-binding agents such as DMPS* have received significant attention in recent decades amid the controversy over the link between mercury and autism. Even though no causal relationship between mercury in vaccines and autism has been proven, some practitioners treat their patients with mercury-binding agents in an effort to help the body eliminate mercury and treat the autism. One of these agents is a formulation of DMPS which is applied to the skin, also known as topical application. DMPS is approved in Europe for the treatment of heavy metal toxicity, but is not approved by the US FDA for use in the USA.
For the first time, Cohen and team looked at whether topically applied DMPS is absorbed into the body by measuring levels in the blood 30, 60, 90, 120, and 240 minutes after application. They also measured whether DMPS applied to the skin leads to increased excretion of mercury in the urine 12 and 24 hours after application. The study comprised eight healthy adult volunteers and one control subject who ingested oral DMPS, which is proven to increase mercury excretion.
None of the urine samples collected from the healthy subjects contained detectable DMPS at any time point. DMPS was also not detected in 40 of 41 blood samples, with a single sample found to have a small amount of DMPS, considered by the authors to be contamination of the sample. The control subject given oral DMPS had increased levels of DMPS in the blood at every time point and also detectable DMPS in the urine. In addition, topical application of DMPS did not lead to increased mercury excretion, whereas oral intake led to a six-fold increase.
Michelle Ruha concludes: "This is the first study of an expensive, non-FDA approved medication that is advertised on the internet and used on children to treat autism. Our results show that the drug is not absorbed and does not work as a metal-binding agent, when applied to the skin."
*2,3-Dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate
Reference
Cohen JP, Ruha AM et al (2012). Plasma and urine dimercaptopropanesulfonate concerntrations after dermal application of transdermal DMPS (TD-DMPS). Journal of Medical Toxicology; DOI 10.1007/s13181-012-0272-9
The full-text article is available to journalists on request.
Contact: Joan Robinson, Springer, tel.: +49-6221-487-8130, joan.robinson@springer.com
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Dr. Donald Barceloux, a member of the American College of Medical Toxicology, has
published a comprehensive reference book entitled 'Medical Toxicology of Drug Abuse:
Synthesized Chemicals and Psychoactive Plants'. This textbook provides detailed information
on common and emerging substances of abuse, and is a critical resource to healthcare
providers.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) November 13, 2012 -- 'Medical Toxicology of Drug Abuse: Synthesized Chemicals
and Psychoactive Plants' is the second book in a series by a member of the American College of Medical
Toxicology (ACMT), Donald G. Barceloux, M.D. This reference work follows his first textbook, which
focused on the use and harm from natural substances such as poison mushrooms and snakes. Dr. Barceloux’s
current work is a comprehensive and evidence-based resource that provides the reader with clinical, analytical,
and forensic information on current drugs of abuse including cathinones (found in “bath salts”) and synthetic
cannabinoids (found in incense and “Spice”).
The variety of substances to which patients intentionally expose themselves in order to get high continues to
increase. Health care providers may find it difficult to keep up with current trends in drug abuse and with the
symptoms and complications that may result from using newer agents. 'Medical Toxicology of Drug Abuse'
provides detailed information on various natural, synthetic, and semisynthetic abused substances. The text
discusses the chemical properties of these substances, how they are used and absorbed into the body, the signs
and symptoms that occur following their use, how to test for these substances, and current management
recommendations when treating patients who have become ill following use or overdose. The book includes
information on various stimulant agents, popular club drugs, and supplements such as anabolic steroids,
clenbuterol, erythropoietin and HCG.
One section focuses on psychoactive plants and includes discussion of plants that are used for both recreational
and medicinal purposes, such as kratom and marijuana. There is information on drugs of abuse that are derived
from plants, such as cocaine. Caffeine and nicotine are also discussed in this section, as are the potentially toxic
components of betel quid, areca nut, and khat. Information on the hallucinogenic substance found in
mushrooms and in the peyote cactus completes the section.
Overall, the text is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more information about the wide variety
of psychoactive substances that may be used and abused.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) has released a position statement
regarding interpretation of urine analysis for the presence of cocaine metabolites. The College
emphasizes that a positive cocaine result on a urine test indicates exposure, but cannot be used
to determine clinical impairment.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) October 30, 2012 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT)
supports the ideal of a workforce unimpaired by substance abuse. Cocaine remains one of the more widely
abused substances in the world, and abuse results in health problems that may carry over to the work
environment, including heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and traumatic injuries. Use of cocaine may
lead to missed days of work due to hospitalization or may even result in death. Workplace urine drug testing
programs have had many positive effects, including a decline in absenteeism, workplace theft, and on-the-job
accidents. However, ACMT recognizes that positive urine drug tests for cocaine are sometimes misinterpreted
as representing evidence of being under the influence of cocaine at the time of the test. In a position statement
available on their website, the College emphasizes that a positive urine drug screen does not indicate acute
cocaine intoxication, but rather reflects recent exposure to cocaine.
Testing for cocaine can be fraught with interpretive errors common to other tests. While the urine test for
presence of cocaine is very accurate, interpretation of the results in the context of a problem in the workplace
requires particular skill. The test for cocaine detects breakdown products of the drug for a window of up to five
days since last use. Thus, a positive test on a particular day does not mean that the patient used cocaine that day.
The bottom line, medical toxicology experts caution, is that a positive urine cocaine test alone does not mean
that an individual is currently impaired, or “high on the job”. The entire clinical picture, including the patient’s
vital signs and behavior should be considered before determining if a person is under the influence of cocaine at
a particular point in time.
The ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical
toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will present a webinar on the treatment of opioid
dependent patients. The webinar, which is available to health care providers, health
administrators, and epidemiologists, will take place on October 15, 2012.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) October 15, 2012 -- Epidemic increases in prescription drug abuse, primarily
involving the abuse of opioid analgesics, have fueled dramatic increases in opioid addiction and dependence.
Chronic pain has reached epidemic levels and the use of long-term, high-dose opioid therapy has increased
concomitantly. Although it was previously believed that patients given short-term opioids for relief of acute
pain, such as following surgery, were at very low risk of addiction, more recent data suggests that this is not
correct. Several studies have documented that 3-7% of patients who received opioid analgesic prescriptions
following minor operative procedures were still using these potent medications weeks or months later. In
addition, a recent report of 2011 data from the American College of Medical Toxicology’s (ACMT) Toxicology
Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) Registry, published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology, also found that
opioid pain relievers were among the most common medications accounting for poisoning cases managed by
medical toxicologists, and were the most common cause of death reported in the registry.
Local and state medical societies as well as state medical boards have called for increased education related to
the prevention and treatment of addictive disorders, in particular from opioid analgesics. Education is one part
of a four-pronged approach described in “Epidemic: Responding to America's Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis”,
released in 2011 by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. As part of a continued effort to
educate health care professionals about treatment options for opioid dependence, ACMT will host an
educational webinar entitled “Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid-Dependent Patients –Getting Started
as a Provider.” This 75 minute interactive webinar will be presented by Dr. Norm Wetterau, President of the
New York Society of Addiction Medicine and Dr. Timothy Wiegand, Director of Toxicology at the University
of Rochester Medical Center and Medical Director of Huther-Doyle Chemical Dependency Program in
Rochester, New York.
The webinar will describe how to establish a medication assisted treatment (MAT) program for opioid
dependent patients as well as review the role of the opioid agonist buprenorphine (SuboxoneTM). Dr. Wetterau
and Dr. Wiegand will describe the certification process for obtaining the special DEA X license, which is
required for the prescription of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence, and review medication
assisted treatment options including alternatives to opioid agonists. Monitoring and referral requirements as
well as resources and support for office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) providers will also be covered and a
description of different models including office-based and chemical dependency (or ‘detoxification’) programs
for the outpatient treatment of opioid dependence will be provided.
The ACMT has no role in the certification of buprenorphine providers and no relationship, financial or
otherwise, with the sponsor of the medication. The ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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The Journal of Medical Toxicology, the official journal of the American College of Medical
Toxicology, reports in its September issue on a variety of poisonings that represent public
health concerns on an international level.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) September 30, 2012 -- Poisoning is a public health issue throughout the world,
though the specific poisons that hold the greatest impact vary by country or region. In certain international
communities natural toxins abound, in others man-made toxins are prevalent in the environment, while in some
drugs available for recreational abuse may be the leading problem. The Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT),
the official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), provides an international
perspective on poisoning in the September issue, with articles that describe poisonings in countries including
the United States, Iran, and those of the Asia Pacific region, including Thailand.
A U.S. study looking at the influence of drug use on heat stroke found 28% of patients with life-threatening
hyperthermia in whom a urine drug screen was performed to have cocaine or methamphetamine detected in the
urine. Another study described poisonings in infants and toddlers reported to the Toxicology Investigators
Consortium (ToxIC) registry, a database of patients cared for by medical toxicologists in the U.S. While cardiac
and psychiatric medications used by adults accounted for the majority of exposures resulting in hospitalization
in this group, recreational and controlled opioid medications accounted for nearly 10% of exposures.
The journal issue devotes three articles to the topic of substance abuse in the Asia Pacific region. Though
opioids and cannibis remain commonly abused substances in this region, the use of amphetamine-type
stimulants and ketamine are increasing in some parts of Asia. Ketamine, a drug similar to but tamer than
phencyclidine, or PCP, as well as the nonprescription cough suppressant dextromethorphan, are commonly
abused among Thai youth in particular. A separate U.S. case report of psychosis that developed in an adult man
after the use of “bath salts” highlights the potential dangers of this newer class of amphetamine-like stimulant
drugs. The drugs found in bath salts, such as MDPV or mephedrone, have been easily available in the US and
Europe, although regulations to remove them from sale in head shops and retail outlets are rapidly expanding.
Intentional ingestion of poisons for the purpose of self-harm is a world-wide public health problem, and the
agents that are most commonly used are highly reflective of the specific country. A study from Iran investigates
potential mechanisms of toxicity of aluminum phosphide, a pesticide that is readily available there despite
controls and widely associated suicide attempts. The fatality rate following such exposure remains high even
with excellent care. Pesticide poisoning remains the major public health concern of most developing and
agricultural nations. Organophosphorus pesticides lead the list of concerning agents worldwide and many
countries are looking at ways to limit their availability or concentration to reduce the human harm associated
with these important chemicals.
The Journal of Medical Toxicology is an international journal that publishes peer-reviewed scientific literature
online first, with print issues published quarterly. It is the official journal of the ACMT, a professional,
nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated
to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of activities.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology has released a position statement recommending
the participation of a medical toxicologist in the medical care of patients with alcohol
withdrawal syndrome.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) September 20, 2012 -- Alcohol withdrawal is a common and potentially lifethreatening
condition that is encountered daily by physicians in a variety of healthcare settings. The
management of a patient with alcohol withdrawal syndrome may vary depending on the individual patient’s
clinical findings, the presence of acute or chronic co-existing medical, surgical, or psychiatric illness, and use of
prescribed medications or other recreational substances. The large variation in symptoms and in the severity of
the syndrome contributes to difficulties in managing patients with this condition. Medical toxicologists have
education, training, and clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of alcohol withdrawal and other
withdrawal syndromes. Thus, early involvement of a medical toxicologist may be of significant benefit in the
care of patients with alcohol withdrawal. The American College of Medical Toxicology has released a position
statement recommending participation of a medical toxicologist in the direct or indirect care of patients with
suspected or confirmed alcohol withdrawal.
All persons who drink alcohol on a daily or near-daily basis are at risk for development of alcohol withdrawal
syndrome following a sudden decrease or cessation of alcohol intake. Patients may voluntarily stop drinking
alcohol due to lack of funds or a desire to become sober, or they may stop drinking if alcohol becomes
unavailable for a variety of reasons, including hospitalization or incarceration. Often patients are hospitalized
for illness or surgery unrelated to alcohol use and unexpectedly develop alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Alcohol
withdrawal syndrome itself is also a common diagnosis leading to hospitalization.
Data reported to the ToxIC registry, to be published in the December issue of the Journal of Medical
Toxicology, reveals alcohol abuse and withdrawal to be a common problem encountered by medical
toxicologists in hospital settings. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may range from simple anxiety and
tremulousness to disturbing hallucinations or seizures. The most dangerous constellation of symptoms is known
as delirium tremens. Often referred to simply as ‘DTs’, delirium tremens is characterized by agitation and
confusion, and may be accompanied by dangerously elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.
Failure to recognize and rapidly treat mild or moderate alcohol withdrawal may result in escalation to delirium
tremens, and result in irreversible central nervous system damage, other organ systems injury, or persistent
psychosis.
While the mortality of alcohol withdrawal has decreased with improvements in intensive care, a significant
minority of these patients will die or experience prolonged or permanent illness either from the effects of
withdrawal itself or from its complications. The best way to avoid such complications is to achieve rapid
control of the patient’s abnormal clinical effects. Medical toxicologistsare specially trained in the management
of this syndrome. The ACMT maintains a list of medical toxicology admitting and consulting serviceson its
website.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology will present a webinar on the assessment and
management of potential health effects from pesticide residues in the indoor environment. The
webinar, which is available to health care providers, health administrators, and
epidemiologists, will take place on August 29, 2012.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) August 28, 2012 -- The residential use of pesticides and potential health effects
that may result from exposure to pesticides are frequent topics of concern presented to health care providersby
patients. Most physicians receive little to no training in medical school or residency in the diagnosis,
management, and prevention of poisoning due to pesticides. Physician knowledge of human effects of exposure
to different classes of pesticides in a residential environment is important, especially given the emergence of
bedbugs and other important pests that can be difficult to control.
To educate health care professionals about the potential health effects of pesticides used in residences, the
American College of Medical Toxicologywill be presenting an educational webinar entitled “Pesticide Residues
in the Indoor Environment: Assessment and Health Effects.” The webinar was prepared with support from a
cooperative agreement between the ACMT and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry.
The 90-minute webinar will be presented by Daniel Sudakin, MD, MPH, Associate Professor in the Department
of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology at Oregon State University. Dr. Sudakin is a Co-Investigator at the
National Pesticide Information Center, a web and phone-based service supported by the U.S. EPA, which
provides and collects information about pesticides to inquirers from throughout the United States.
Dr. Sudakin will describe the chemical properties of various pesticides, their toxicological mechanisms, and the
clinical effects that can occur from overexposure. Real-world examples of adverse health effects associated
with the use of insecticides, including organophosphates and other cholinesterase inhibitors will be presented.
Use of pyrethroid insecticides and some of the changing trends in human exposure incidents as a result of the
regulatory phase-out of organophosphates from residential uses will also be reviewed. Scenarios that have
resulted in adverse health effects from residential misapplications, as well as adverse health effects resulting
from use of illegally imported pesticide products will be presented.
The webinarwill conclude with discussion of emerging issues and challenges in pesticide toxicology, including
the interpretation of biomonitoring studies, the concept of endocrine disruption, and epidemiological studies on
cancer. The appropriate regulatory and public health authorities for reporting of misapplication incidents and
human exposures will be identified. According to Dr. Sudakin “There is clearly a broad interest in the topic of
pesticides used in residences, and I’m confident that this presentation will be informative and useful to health
care providers, epidemiologists, and administrators.”
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology
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Medical toxicologists are physicians with specialized training in the identification and
treatment of a vast array of human poisoning syndromes. There are currently only 500 board
certified medical toxicology specialists nationally. The American College of Medical
Toxicology will provide a biennial board review course to aid physicians preparing to take this
certifying examination.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) August 09, 2012 -- In order to prepare recently trained medical toxicologistsfor the
board certification examination, as well as to provide continuing education and to update medical toxicologists
who must take a re-certification examination every 10 years, the American College of Medical Toxicology will
hold the 5th Biennial Medical Toxicology Board Review Courseon September 8-10th in New Orleans, LA, in
the Astor Crown Plaza Hotel. The course, featuring lectures from experts in various areas of medical
toxicology, is specifically designed to aid in studying for the medical toxicology subspecialty certifying and recertifying
examinations and features a stimulus room with clinical images and case-based modules. The course
is conveniently scheduled to optimize knowledge retention for the November examination date.
Poisoning can happen in many different ways, and the consequences can range from nearly instant collapse to
an increased risk of disease decades later. Often poisoning is easy to recognize, as when a person becomes ill
after using illicit drugs, or becomes unconscious after overdosing on a medication. But for many people, the
term ‘poisoning’ conjures up thoughts of metals such as arsenic or mercury, gases such as carbon monoxide or
cyanide, or pesticides used in agriculture or to prevent transmission of West Nile virus. However, exposure to a
chemical does not indicate actual poisoning by that chemical, and diagnosis of true poisoning is often more
complex than simple recognition of an exposure.
Medical Toxicology is a medical subspecialty that focuses on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of
poisoning and other adverse health effects due to medications, occupational and environmental toxins, and
biological agents. The field of Medical Toxicology is one of the newest to be recognized by the American
Board of Medical Specialties and as a result is still small, consisting of only about 500 board certified
specialists in Medical Toxicology. Many states currently do not have practicing medical toxicologists and
patients seeking expertise regarding potential poisoning may have to travel outside of their own region to
consult with a medical toxicologist. The American College of Medical Toxicology recognizes this void and
places a priority on promoting education within the field and on educating the public and other medical
professionals on the services provided by its members. A list of in-patient and out-patient medical toxicology
services provided by board-certified specialists is available on the ACMT website.
It is the vision of the ACMT that every potentially poisoned patient or population will have direct access to the
expertise of a board-certified medical toxicologist. If an exposure occurs patients are advised to contact their
regular healthcare providers, who may consider providing a referral to a specialist in medical toxicology.
Medical toxicologists may also be located through regional poison control centers.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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Medications and surgical procedures used in the pursuit of vanity and eternal youth may
produce dangerous side effects, complications and sometimes death. To educate physicians on
the growing array of potentially hazardous products that consumers are exposed to, the
American College of Medical Toxicology will present an educational symposium entitled
“Vanity and Vice: Toxicology in the Sin City.” on October 1st in Las Vegas at the North
American Congress of Clinical Toxicology.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) July 31, 2012 -- The pursuit of elevated energy, eternal youth, and an ideal of
beauty has lead to increased demand for products that may help individuals achieve these goals. In response to
demand, the number and variety of medications, procedures, and other products available to consumers
continues to increase, with many of these untested or of unproven efficacy. In order to provide health care
professionals with the latest information on toxicological risks posed by many of these products, the American
College of Medical Toxicology will host “Vanity and Vice: Toxicology in the Sin City” on October 1st in Las
Vegas at the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology. This educational symposium will examine a
myriad of health hazards associated with medications and procedures used to enhance physical appearance and
athletic and sexual performance. Scientific review of illness associated with breast implants, risks of high-dose
anesthetics used during surgical procedures, potential for harm following the use of botulinum toxin, and the
dangers of anabolic steroid use are some of the topics that will be covered. Leaders in the specialty of medical
toxicology will discuss the potential complications and adverse effects as well as describe the treatment
approaches when undesired health effects occur.
The session will explore in depth the history and toxicology of celebrity drug overdoses, opioid addiction,
adolescent drug detoxification units, and the neurochemistry behind addictions. Evolving treatment options for
substance abuse will be examined. The day will conclude with a panel discussion on potential methods of harm
reduction in opioid overdose including dispensing naloxone to non-medical personnel and Good Samaritan
legislation.
Michele Burns, M.D., the chair of the ACMT Education Committee, states “Medical toxicologists around the
world often care for people suffering severe consequences from misguided attempts to maintain or regain a
youthful appearance and energy level.“ According to Lewis Nelson, MD, President of ACMT and a member of
the Opioid Overdose Prevention Panel featured during this symposium, “Intensive education is needed to raise
both public and professional awareness of the potential harms that may result from questionably safe health
practices, particularly when provided outside of traditional health care settings.”
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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The Journal of Medical Toxicology Reviews Dangerous Diet Agents
The recent approval of lorcaserin by the FDA for the treatment of obesity, should serve as a
reminder that nearly all weight loss agents are associated with adverse effects. A recent review
of weight loss agents in the June issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology highlights that
there are certain weight loss agents with the potential to produce serious harm or even death.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) July 05, 2012 -- The Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT), the official journal of
the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), highlights a review of dieting agentsthat can be
dangerous and even deadly. According to the article, by Drs. May Yen and Michelle Burns-Ewald from
Children’s Hospital Boston, “In 2010 it is estimated that 75 million U.S. dieters spent nearly 61 billion dollars
on weight loss products. Surveys have shown that 37% of children in grades 3-6 have already tried to lose
weight with 6.9% having demonstrated dieting to the extreme.” Several dangerous agents are reviewed in the
article, including caffeine, ipecac, laxatives, and thyroid hormone.
“While we all know the epidemic of obesity is being fought every day, many don’t realize the potential
dangerous and even deadly effects of substances used for weight loss. And many can easily be ordered on the
Internet,” said Editor-in-Chief, Leslie R. Dye, MD.
For example, fenfluramine, one component of the infamous “fen-phen” combination, was removed from the
market in 1997 after its association with significant cardiac valvular disease in its users. According to Lewis
Nelson, M.D., the president of ACMTand one of the FDA panelists who recently debated the safety of the new
weight loss agent lorcaserin (Belviq), “The mechanism of action of lorcaserin is similar to fenfluramine raising
safety concerns as this newly approved medication becomes widely prescribed.”
Other topics discussed in this review include stimulants like ephedrine and caffeine, and metabolic agents such
as thyroid hormone and dinitrophenol. These agents are particularly dangerous in obese patients who often
suffer from multiple underlying medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. These and other fad diets
are often unstudied for either their efficacy or safety, and serious adverse effects may be missed or
misinterpreted without systematic evaluation.
Medical toxicologists, who are physicians with expertise in the diagnosis and management of adverse effects of
medications, strongly warn against the use of unproven therapies. This is particularly true of those therapies that
have a poor safety history or are similar in action to these medications.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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A review of ToxIC registry data to be published in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Medical
Toxicology reveals that intoxication with “bath salts” is being reported by medical
toxicologists nearly as frequently as intoxication with other common stimulant drugs. Bath salt
intoxication produces life-threatening illness similar to that resulting from cocaine and
methamphetamine poisoning. ACMT supports the new FDA Safety and Innovation Act that
strictly regulates sale and use of such products.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) June 30, 2012 -- Data from the American College of Medical Toxicology’s Toxicology
Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) registry reveals that bath salt intoxication frequently leads to hospitalization
and severe illness. Medical toxicologists reported that over the past two years they treated nearly as many
patients with severe illness resulting from abuse of bath salts as they did patients with cocaine or
methamphetamine intoxication. Bath salts are products that contain synthetic chemicals related to amphetamine
that are sold in various outlets to users seeking a stimulant high. These drugs received national media attention
recently when two separate incidents occurred where individuals were bitten in the face by people initially
suspected to be intoxicated with bath salts. The bizarre behavior produced by use of bath salts is a common
feature of poisoning by many stimulant drugs.
An extensive review of bath salts, published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology, describes the most common
effect of intoxication as agitation, which may range from mild to severe, and may be accompanied by
psychosis, elevated body temperature, and dehydration. The majority of cases of stimulant intoxication reported
to the ToxIC registry were due to cocaine toxicity, with patients experiencing agitation, hyperthermia, seizures,
and cardiovascular toxicity. The illicit drug methamphetamine, as well as bath salts and other amphetamine-like
drugs (such as Ecstasy), were also responsible for producing severe agitation and cardiac effects necessitating
admission to emergency departments and critical care units. Other effects reported in the registry that were
associated with use of bath salts, as well as with cocaine and various amphetamine derivatives, included
psychosis with hallucinations, severe muscle damage, kidney injury, and stroke.
Bath salts, sold under various names including Ivory Wave, EightBallz, and Magic, are generally labeled as
‘not for human consumption’. Unlike bath salts used to enhance the bathing experience, these products are sold
in small volume, are not fragrant, and carry names and graphics suggesting their actual intent. Bath salts are
named and labeled to promote their abuse potential while skirting laws prohibiting sale and use of products for
such intent. In addition, the specific chemicals contained in bath salts are frequently changed, as current
products are identified and made illegal. According to Dr. Michelle Ruha of Banner Good Samaritan Medical
Center in Phoenix, Arizona “Initially all of our patients admitted with bath salt toxicity tested positive for
mephedrone or methylenedioxypyrovalerone, often referred to as MDPV, but within a year we began to detect
different, but closely related, products instead, including pyrovalerone and alpha-PVP”.
Many street drugs are designed and marketed to evade current laws prohibiting use. New national legislation
prohibiting the sale of chemical compounds sold as bath salts, incense, and synthetic marijuana is included as
part of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act just passed by Congress. The ACMT strongly supports this
legislation and reminds potential abusers of any amphetamine-like drug or cocaine that such use can lead to
severe, life-threatening effects.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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The use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) by clinicians helps identify
aberrant opioid use patterns in patients. Researchers from the American College of Medical
Toxicology discussed barriers to full utilization of these programs at a nationwide meeting of
PDMP administrators.
Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 19, 2012 -- Misuse of prescription opioids, such as oxycodone (in Percocet)
and hydrocodone (in Vicodin), is associated with epidemic levels of addiction, harm, and death in the US. Since
these drugs are typically acquired through prescribing by healthcare providers, prescription drug monitoring
programs have been developed to help prescribers identify patients who may be misusing, abusing, or diverting
prescription opioid medications for other uses.
Prescription drug monitoring programs are state-based data collection systems that track prescribing and
dispensing of certain federally scheduled medications, including opioids as well as sedatives like alprazolam
(found in Xanax). Most states allow prescribers to access the system prior to prescribing a controlled
medication and review the patient’s prescription history for signs of aberrancy, as this is often a sign of misuse.
Nearly every state (49/50) has or is planning to have such a system, although they vary widely in functionality
and ease of use.
Researchers from the American College of Medical Toxicology, who recently investigated factors that prevent
wider use of these programs, presented their insights gleaned from prescribers’ concerns at the Harold Rogers
Prescription Drug Monitoring ProgramNational Meeting in Washington, DC on June 6, 2012. According to one
of the presenters, Jeanmarie Perrone, M.D., an emergency physician and medical toxicologist from the
University of Pennsylvania, “the group was incredibly interested in the user feedback we provided, and were
eager to discuss improvements in the programs to help promote safe opioid prescribing.”
The major limitation highlighted was the time to use these programs. Coauthor Lewis Nelson, M.D., also an
emergency physician and medical toxicologistfrom New York University, dramatized the typical frustrations of
a busy emergency physician attempting to check the prescription drug monitoring program in a prototypical
patient. According to Dr. Nelson, “the amount of time and effort along with the disappointing results with some
of these systems creates a major barrier to efficiency,” and increases the reluctance to the regular use of these
very important programs.
Although the authors acknowledged that there are limitations, the potential upside of these programs is great,
and they remain optimistic that with enhancement, prescription drug monitoring programs may help to diminish
the magnitude of the prescription drug epidemic.
The same researchers recently published a Perspectives article in the New England Journal of Medicine
highlighting additional aspects of rational opioid prescribing.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology to improve the care of poisoned patients.
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BY NEIL OSTERWEIL
Elsevier Global Medical News
http://www.imng.com>
Breaking News
BOSTON (EGMN) – Alcohol and illicit drugs account for about one in eight accidental drug poisonings of
infants and toddlers in the United States, according to prospective registry data from 31 U.S. toxicology
centers.
A review of confirmed poisoning cases from these centers showed that cardiac drugs accounted for 16% of
poisonings of children under 2 years of age, followed by psychotropic drugs (15%), and recreational drugs
and alcohol (13%), reported Dr. Yaron Finkelstein, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at the
University of Toronto.
“Infant and toddler poisonings pose a unique public health concern. They involve among the most helpless
and vulnerable populations in our society, partly because of their inability to protect themselves from
environmental hazards, or communicate the circumstances of their injury,” Dr. Finkelstein said.
Emergency department visits by children aged 5 years and under for poisoning in the United States rose
30% from 2001 to 2008, suggesting that better prevention methods and better data on the extent of the
problem are needed, he said at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies.
However, the National Poison Data System (NPDS), run by the American Association of Poison Control
Centers, relies largely on voluntary information, and reported poisonings are not verified.
“The NPDS system probably underestimates the true magnitude of the problems, since less than 20% of
poisoned children who actually present to the emergency department have contacted the regional poison
control center,” he said.
To get a clearer picture of accidental poisonings in children under 2 years, Dr. Finkelstein and his
colleagues reviewed data from the Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) Case Registry of the
American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), a prospective, nationwide toxicology database with 31
U.S. registry sites.
They identified a total of 6,810 poisoning cases from April 2010 through June 2011, 248 (3.6%) of which
involved children under age 2 years. The cases were all confirmed by a certified medical toxicologist at
bedside.
Of these children, 51% were boys, and 63% were symptomatic at the time of consultation. Slightly more
than half of the consultations (54%) occurred when the child was being admitted to the hospital, 42%
occurred in the emergency department, and 4% took place in an outpatient setting.
The top seven exposures according to the ToxIC registry were to cardiac drugs , psychotropic agents,
street drugs/alcohol, analgesics (9%), cleaning products (6.5%), scorpion stings (4.5%), and toxic alkaloids
(3.9%).
In contrast, NPDS data for the same categories implicate, in descending order from most to least frequent,
analgesics, cleaning products, psychotropics, alkaloids, cardiac drugs, street drugs, and scorpion stings,
Dr. Finkelstein said.
He noted that because the ToxIC registry is a sentinel system based primarily in academic tertiary care
centers, it may not be representative of the experience in community or primary care practice settings, but
the ToxIC and NPDS registry data complement each other to provide effective realtime
surveillance of
poisonings in the United States.
The finding that one in eight children presenting with poisoning had been exposed to alcohol or illicit drugs
“highlights again the issues of unsafe environment, child neglect, or maltreatment. Additionally, malicious
intent should be considered, especially in firstyearoflife
exposures,” he concluded.
The study was supported by the Toxicology Investigators Consortium. Dr. Finkelstein reported having no
relevant financial disclosures.
Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Global Medical News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yaron Finkelstein
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Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs are tools that assist healthcare providers in
identifying aberrant opioid use patterns in patients. Researchers from the American College of
Medical Toxicology identified barriers to full utilization of these programs by clinicians. They
provide a glimpse into prescribers’ concerns in a recent New England Journal of Medicine
Perspective article.
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) May 30, 2012 -- Prescription opioid misuse has reached epidemic levels in the US
and is associated with thousands of deaths each year. Since the vast majority of these drugs, which include
oxycodone (in Percocet) and hydrocodone (in Vicodin), are obtained through prescribing by healthcare
providers, tools must be available that provide reliable information to identify patients who are misusing,
overusing or diverting prescription opioid medications. Prescription drug monitoring programs can help to
identify aberrant practices among patients and in turn provide insight to clinicians prior to prescribing these
potentially dangerous medications. Currently such programs are of variable functionality and simple
enhancements could help to optimize their benefit.
Prescription drug monitoring programs are state-based data collection systems that track prescribing and
dispensing of certain federally scheduled medications, including opioids as well as sedatives like alprazolam
(found in Xanax). Most states allow prescribers to access the system prior to prescribing a controlled
medication and review the patient’s prescription history for signs of aberrancy, as this is often a sign of misuse.
Nearly every state (48/50) has such a system, although they vary widely in functionality and ease of use.
Two researchers from the American College of Medical Toxicology recently examined the opioid prescribing
practices of College members to help determine factors that were considered to be benefits or limitations to
their use of prescription drug monitoring programs. The results were presented at the ACMT national meeting
in March. A glimpse into the prescriber’s concerns is provided in a recent Perspectives article in the New
England Journal of Medicine by the researchers, Jeanmarie Perrone, M.D., from the University of
Pennsylvania, and Lewis Nelson, M.D., from New York University.
They describe the characteristics of the prescription drug monitoring programs that can be frustrating to
clinicians and prevent optimal use of the programs and they recommend ways to create an “ideal” program. The
prescribers studied noted that the major limitation was simply the time to use these programs. According to Dr.
Nelson, “even if it takes only 3 minutes per patient, in a busy emergency department or office practice, having
to do this multiple times daily amounts to a substantial time investment.” As time was the major barrier, several
time-consuming aspects of access were emphasized including navigating to the correct web portal for the
program and recalling and resetting the password. Many clinicians found that once they gained access, timely
information for each patient was not available.
The authors acknowledged that despite these limitations the potential upside of these programs is great, and that
attention is needed toward increasing “user friendliness.” With enhancement, prescription drug monitoring
programs may help to diminish the magnitude of the prescription drug epidemic.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology to improve the care of poisoned patients.
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Contact Information
ACMT
American College of Medical Toxicology
http://www.acmt.net>
623-533-6340
Online Web 2.0 Version
You can read the online version of this press release here.
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The American College of Medical Toxicology recognizes the potential for dosing errors with
both intravenous acetaminophen as well as with N-acetylcysteine, the antidote to
acetaminophen poisoning. Leading clinicians and governmental agencies participated in a
webinar to discuss the current concerns and potential solutions.
New York, New York (PRWEB) May 08, 2012 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology joined with
leading clinicians and scientists to discuss the potential for overdose of intravenous acetaminophen, particularly
in children, as well as concerns over the complicated dosing regimen for N-acetylcysteine, the currently used
therapy for acetaminophen overdose.
Medical toxicologists, who specialize in the diagnosis and management of human poisoning, have long been
involved with the management of patients with acetaminophen poisoning. Acetaminophen has been available
for decades in oral form, and was recently introduced in the United States in an intravenous formulation for use
in medical facilities. The antidote for oral or intravenous acetaminophen poisoning, N-acetylcysteine, is also
prone to inaccurate dosing due to its complicated administration regimen.
A recent webinar hosted by the American College of Medical Toxicology examined the root causes of these
errorsand discussed mechanisms to prevent them in the future. The conference included experts from the
Institute for Safe Medication Practices, Food and Drug Administration, and Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, as well as many thought leaders in the specialty of medical toxicology.
Intravenous acetaminophen is available in a single dose formulation of one gram that is appropriate for a typical
patient, but is excessive for small adults and children if not properly scaled for their weight. Acetaminophen
overdose can cause liver injury, although if recognized and treated early this can be prevented with
administration of N-acetylcysteine. A recommended solution to reduce the risk of intravenous acetaminophen
overdose in children is creating a pediatric formulation containing a dose appropriate for a small child.
The antidote to acetaminophen poisoning, N-acetylcysteine, is highly effective as noted above. However the
current dosing instructions approved by the FDA require three different weight-based doses to be administered
over different time frames over a 20 hour time period. Although the manufacturer provides clear dosing
instructions on their website, the webinar participants recommended that this complicated dosing regimen
should be clarified, or simplified, without any expected loss of efficacy.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology to improve the care of poisoned patients.
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Contact Information
ACMT
American College of Medical Toxicology
http://www.acmt.net>
623-533-6340
Online Web 2.0 Version
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The American College of Medical Toxicology announces the beginning of so-called snakebite
season, having noted a recent rise in the number of patients treated for snake envenomation.
Thousands of people are bitten by venomous snakes in the US annually. Medical toxicologists
have specialized training in managing these envenomed patients.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) April 24, 2012 -- The American College of Medical Toxicology reports a recent
seasonal increase in the number of patients cared for by medical toxicologists as a result of a snakebite.
According to data from the ToxIC registry, a national database of patients treated by medical toxicologists for
poisonings and envenomations, snakebites resulting in hospitalization tripled in early April compared to the
entire previous month. These numbers are expected to continue to rise as the weather warms and the snakes
emerge from their winter dormancy.
Thousands of people are bitten by venomous snakesin the United States each year, resulting in hundreds of
hospitalizations and nearly a dozen fatalities. Medical toxicologists are specially trained in management of
snakebite, which can be complex due to effects of snake venom on various organ systems. Treatment often
involves careful monitoring of blood tests and tissue effects, as well as use of antivenom, an expensive drug
that acts by binding to snake venom proteins and facilitating their elimination from the body. Even after
treatment with antivenom and release from the hospital, many patients require close follow up with a physician
for weeks after the bite.
Research by internationally recognized experts in medical toxicology has lead to advances in the treatment of
snake envenomation. Fasciotomy, a procedure where the affected limb is cut open, is now recognized as
unnecessary following nearly all snakebites. Refinement in North American rattlesnake antivenom has also
resulted in far fewer adverse reactions than once occurred.
The ACMT advises the public to use extra caution in the coming months in outdoor areas where snakes may be
present. Awareness of one’s surroundings and protective footwear can help avoid dangerous bites. If bitten by a
snake, victims should focus on getting medical attention as quickly as possible. Many first aid treatments such
as cutting the wound, attempts to suction out the venom, tourniquets, or compression bandages may delay time
to definitive care and in some cases produce harm. A position paper recommending against use of pressure
immobilization bandages for treatment of North American snakebite, endorsed by the ACMT with five other
national and international organizations, has been published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology.
Medical toxicologists also warn against handling dead or decapitated rattlesnakes, since these may still produce
a serious envenomation. Identification of a specific native rattlesnake species is not necessary for physicians to
determine treatment, so victims and bystanders should never put themselves or others at risk in an attempt to
identify the snake.
Medical toxicologists may be consulted directly or through regional poison centers.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians
with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice
of medical toxicology.
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American College of Medical Toxicology
http://www.acmt.net>
623-533-6340
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The Journal of Medical Toxicology, the official journal of the American College of Medical
Toxicology, focuses on Emerging Drugs of Abuse in its March issue, including bath salts and
synthetic marijuana.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) April 11, 2012 -- The Journal of Medical Toxicology(JMT), the official journal of
the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), starts its eighth year in print with an issue dedicated to
new street drugs producing serious effects, even death.
“It is now estimated that 100 persons die of drug overdose daily in the US, a threefold increase in overdose
deaths in less than 20 years,” states an editorial by Mark Mycyk, M.D., the associate editor of JMT.
Synthetic marijuana products (e.g., Spice, K2) and bath salts (e.g., ivory wave) contain new street drugs that
can cause severe toxicity in users. Labeling bath salts as “not for human consumption,” allows the sale of illicit
amphetamine-like cathionine substances. Synthetic cannabinoids are sprayed on plant products and marketed as
synthetic marijuana. Fatal cases from bath salts in a 40 year old male and a 24 year old female are reported, in
addition to severe effects related to marijuana use. Other drugs of abuse are reviewed, including Kratom and
Salvia.
“As soon as street drugs are outlawed, abusers come up with new formulations to attempt to achieve a legal
high. As medical toxicologists, we are on the front line and see what new adverse effects these drugs cause.
Unfortunately, many users don’t realize how dangerous these chemicals are until people start getting sick or
dying,” said Editor-in-Chief, Leslie R. Dye, M.D.
The March issue of JMT also highlights a new study (the iHeal Project) in which skin sensors are used to help
recovering addicts identify the onset of cravings and to provide early relapse prevention.
ACMT is a professional, nonprofit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of
activities.
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American College of Medical Toxicology
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Click here for a .pdf of this press release PRWeb ebooks - Another online visibility tool from PRWeb Experts from the American College of Medical Toxicology, the Centers for Disease Control, the Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) March 30, 2012 -- Medical toxicologists and scientific experts speaking at a recent Chelating agents are medications that may be given to patients to increase elimination of metals from the body. It has been estimated that nearly 200,000 people may be treated with chelating agents each year in the United There is no credible scientific evidence to support the use of chelation in the majority of individuals with
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This event will educate healthcare providers on the challenges of managing chronic pain and
dangerous complications related to opioid use. Hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl are
widely used pain medications associated with a national epidemic of prescription opioid abuse,
misuse, and death. The ACMT will present strategies for identifying and managing prescription
opioid misuse in order to reduce the burden of this epidemic on individuals, families, and the
public health.
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 28, 2012 -- This event will educate healthcare providers on the challenges
of managing chronic pain and dangerous complications related to opioid use. Hydrocodone, oxycodone, and
fentanyl are widely used pain medications associated with a national epidemic of prescription opioid abuse,
misuse, and death. The ACMT will present strategies for identifying and managing prescription opioid misuse
in order to reduce the burden of this epidemic on individuals, families, and the public health.
In many parts of the United States, adults are more likely to die of a prescription opioid overdose than a car
crash. Medical toxicologists, who specialize in the diagnosis and management of human poisoning, directly
witness the devastating human effects of this epidemic. “Healthcare providers often feel pressured to prescribe
opioids due to patient satisfaction requirements and regulatory mandates. Their training in pain management,
opioid misuse, and alternative therapies may be limited, and the full spectrum of repercussions of opioid
prescribing may not be evident to them” says Kavita Babu, M.D., the course director.
A variety of opioid-related problems can lead to hospitalization, and in some cases death, including accidental
overdose, adverse side effects, and withdrawal syndromes. Experts in medical toxicology, addiction medicine,
and pain management, among others, will address public health concerns associated with prescription opioid
misuse, and describe strategies for identifying and managing patients with opioid addiction. The challenges of
managing chronic non-cancer pain and alternatives to opioid therapy will be discussed. A particularly
vulnerable population affected is young children, who may ingest opioids that have been prescribed to a family
member. The Prescription Opioid Misuse Academy will address pediatric concerns as well as opioid toxicity in
other special populations.
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Contact Information
Anne-Michelle Ruha, MD
American College of Medical Toxicology
http://acmt.net/>
623 533 6340
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New York / Heidelberg, 8 February 2012
New iHeal project aims to detect drug cravings and intervene to stop drug use
Imagine a device combining sensors to measure physiological changes. Then imagine a smartphone with software applications designed to respond to your bodily changes in an attempt to change your behavior. That is the vision behind "iHeal," currently being developed¹ by Edward Boyer from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the US, and his colleagues. The multimedia device is an innovative combination of 'enabling technologies' which can detect developing drug cravings and intervene as the cravings develop to prevent drug use. Boyer and team's preliminary data and key findings² to date are published online in Springer's Journal of Medical Toxicology.³
So called 'enabling technologies' artificial intelligence, continuous
physiological monitoring, wireless connectivity, and smartphone computation exist to make behavioral interventions more effective outside the clinic or office environments. In everyday, natural environments, they can detect changes in an individual's biological and affective states, which could well be trigger points for risky health behaviors, such as substance use.iHeal is different from existing mobile health applications, because it incorporates biosensors. Individuals with a history of substance abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder wear a sensor band around their wrist that measures the electrical activity of the skin, body motion, skin temperature and heart rate all indicators of arousal or stress. The band wirelessly transmits information to a smartphone, where software applications monitor and process the user's physiological data. When the software detects an increased stress or arousal level, it asks the user to annotate events by inputting information about their perceived level of stress, drug cravings, and current activities. iHeal's ultimate goal is to identify, in realtime, drug cravings and deliver personalized, multimedia drug prevention interventions precisely at the moment of greatest need. Boyer and team's paper examines iHeal's development process to date i.e. system architecture, as well as preliminary feedback from potential users to identify potential limitations and key attributes from a userperspective. Their analyses suggest a number of technical issues related to data security, as well as the need for a more robust and less stigmatizing version before the device could be worn in public. This could be a sensor band that has the appearance and functionality of a wristwatch, or a sensor that can be worn on the ankle. The authors conclude: "Our findings demonstrate that conducting clinical trials using enabling technologies in natural environments will require a deeper understanding of user preferences. Study designers should rely on recipients rather than 'experts' to create intervention content. A focus on preventing identification of research participants to avoid subsequent stigmatization is also key." References 1. The research is funded by a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health 2. Boyer EW et al (2012). Preliminary efforts directed toward the detection of craving of illicit substances: the iHeal Project. Journal of Medical Toxicology. DOI 10.1007/s1318101102004 3. The article is part of a special issue in the Journal of Medical Toxicology on Emerging Drugs of Abuse to be published in March 2012. The fulltext article is available to journalists on request. FURTHER INFORMATION: Journal of Medical Toxicology, Article on Springer Link CONTACT: Joan Robinson |
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The American College of Medical Toxicology Addresses Use of Chelation for Metal Toxicity
ACMT, an organization of physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of poisoned
patients, recognizes a national trend toward use of chelation for a vast array of disorders and
physical complaints. leading clinicians and scientists will meet at the CDC in Atlanta on Feb 29,
2012 to discuss the appropriate use of chelation therapy.
Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) January 26, 2012 -- Medical toxicologists, who specialize in the diagnosis
and management of human poisoning, have noted a growing trend toward inappropriate diagnosis and
treatment of metal toxicity. An upcoming scientific conference will examine the evidence for use of
chelation therapy, addressing accepted uses for treatment of acute and chronic metal poisoning and
off-label uses to treat disorders such as autism and vascular disease. For more information about
the American College of Medical Toxicology and the conference, Use & Misuse of Metal Chelation
Therapy, visit: http://acmt.net.>
Chelators are medications used to assist in the removal of metals from the body. Chelators- which
include DMPS, DMSA, and EDTA-can be helpful in the treatment of persons who experience a large
exposure to a metal that may result in illness. The diagnosis of "metal poisoning" is frequently
made without specific symptoms or on the basis of incorrectly performed or interpreted laboratory
testing. Long courses of chelation are then prescribed, resulting in high cost to patients and the
potential for serious side effects as a result of the treatment.
The diagnosis of metal poisoning is complex. Not all potentially toxic metals are problematic at
even moderately elevated concentrations in blood, urine, or other tissue. Everyone is exposed daily
to metals in the environment, but typical low level exposures to most metals (including arsenic and
mercury) are not dangerous.The simple detection of a metal in the body at concentrations outside of
a reference range provided by a laboratory is not adequate to diagnose poisoning. Because many of
the signs and symptoms associated with metal poisoning are vague and nonspecific, many patients
attribute their illness to metal poisoning and undergo potentially dangerous and expensive
treatment that has little to no chance of success.
###
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Journal of Medical Toxicology joins biomedical publishing portfolio
Heidelberg / New York, 24 November 2009
Springer and the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) have signed an agreement to
collaborate on the publication of the Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT), the official journal of the
ACMT, beginning in March 2010. It was previously published by the University of Pennsylvania Press.
The Journal of Medical Toxicology, an international, peer-reviewed journal, is dedicated to advancing
the science and practice of medical toxicology. The quarterly journal focuses on the diagnosis,
management, and prevention of poisoning, toxicity and other adverse health effects resulting from
medications, chemicals, occupational and environmental substances, and biological hazards. JMT
publishes original articles, illustrative cases, review articles and other special features. Christian A.
Tomaszewski of the University of California San Diego Medical Center is Editor-in-Chief.
Leslie R. Dye, Managing Editor and Associate Editor of JMT and a Board Member of the American
College of Medical Toxicology, said, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Springer,
one of the giants in medical and academic publishing. One of the most significant advantages is
Springer’s ability to disseminate JMT to libraries throughout the world through its many national and
international consortia agreements. JMT’s greater availability in libraries through SpringerLink will
significantly increase its readership, as well as its impact factors, with the goal of securing more highquality
submissions.”
Michael D. Weston, Senior Editor of Biomedical Engineering at Springer, said, “”We are pleased the
American College of Medical Toxicology chose Springer to publish the Journal of Medical Toxicology.
The leadership of ACMT and the journal editor, managing editor, editorial board members and authors
have created a well-respected journal in just a few years. Springer’s global presence and expertise in
the electronic marketplace will aid the College’s mission of advancing the care of poisoned patients
worldwide. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with ACMT to further develop the journal as the
primary source for trusted research in medical toxicology.”
The American College of Medical Toxicology (www.acmt.net) was organized in 1993 as the primary
organization to serve physicians who specialize in the care of poisoned patients. This practice
includes the caring for patients with drug overdose, acute drug abuse problems, chemical exposures
and envenomations.
Springer (www.springer.com) is a leading global scientific publisher of books and journals, delivering
quality content through innovative information products and services. It publishes close to 500
academic and professional society journals. Springer is part of the publishing group Springer
Science+Business Media. In the science, technology and medicine (STM) sector, the group publishes
around 2,000 journals and more than 6,500 new books a year, as well as the largest STM eBook
Collection worldwide. Springer serves the global scientific and research community and has
operations in about 20 countries in Europe, the USA, and Asia, and more than 5,000 employees.
Journal of Medical Toxicology
ISSN: 1556-9039 (print version), ISSN: 1937-6995 (electronic version)
Contact:
Joan Robinson, Springer, tel +49-6221-487-8130, joan.robinson@springer.com
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PHOENIX, Ariz. – August 12, 2009 – The American College of Medical
Toxicology (ACMT) announces its cutting-edge symposium, “Toxicology and the
Media.” The program will be held in San Antonio at the Grand Hyatt on
September 22, 2009 prior to the annual meeting of the North American Congress
of Clinical Toxicology.
ACMT is the leading group of physician toxicologists in the United States.
Glenda Wolin, Assistant City Editor of the San Antonio Express News is the
keynote speaker and will address the media’s coverage of the Michael Jackson
death and the possible contribution of drug abuse. Experts from around the
country will discuss recent media sensations from melamine to Polonium.
Media Understanding of Medical Toxicology
The goal of this conference is to explore how recent events and media coverage
have shaped this medical specialty, influenced the layperson’s opinion of
medicine, and altered public perceptions.
At the end of the pre-symposium, participants should be able to:
1. Critically evaluate media coverage of recent toxicology-related subjects for
content, accuracy and truth.
2. Review recent literature and the current body of knowledge associated
with toxicology subjects recently covered by the media. 3. Recognize toxic mechanisms and symptoms related to toxins recently
covered by the news media.
4. Integrate newly learned concepts and ideas into the daily practice of
medical toxicology.
“Recent coverage of the death of Michael Jackson has highlighted the media’s
approach to toxicology, particularly drug abuse,” according to Dr. Leslie R. Dye, a
member of the board of directors of ACMT and chair of its education committee.
“Often journalists go to the most available physician, rather than seeking a true
toxicology expert. We need to find ways to connect reporters with medical
toxicologists who can provide the most accurate perspective.”
Schedule
Keynote Speaker: Through the looking glass: The media’s perception
of medicine and toxicology
Speaker: Glenda Wolin
Associate City Editor for the San Antonio Express News
Media Down Under
Speaker: Naren Gunja, MD, MBBS, FACEM
Deputy Medical Director & Toxicologist, New South Wales
Poisons Information Centre and The Children's Hospital at
Westmead
Military Toxicology in the Media
Speaker: Dave Barry, MD, FACMT
Program Director, Emergency Medicine Residency, Naval
Medical Center Portsmouth
The Toxicology of Imports: Worldwide Toxicology in the Media
Speaker: Chuck McKay, MD, FACMT
Director of Medical Toxicology and Associate Professor of
Emergency Medicine, Hartford Hospital; University of
Connecticut School of Medicine and the Connecticut Poison
Control Center
Alternative Medical Therapies in the Media
Speaker: Asim Tarabar, MD, FACMT
Assistant Professor, Yale University Don’t Cry Over Toxic Spills: a critical look at accepted evidence and
media coverage
Speaker: Patrick Daubert, MD
Assistant Professor and Assistant Medical Director,
Sacramento Division, California Poison Control System
Program Director, Medical Toxicology
Director of Clinical and Medical Toxicology Education
Department of Emergency Medicine
University of California, Davis
The Newest Craze: The Media’s Fascination with Weight Loss
Speaker: Trevonne Thompson, MD
Associate Director, Division of Medical Toxicology
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Department of Emergency Medicine
University of Illinois at Chicago
From Mercury to Polonium: Occupational/Environmental Toxicology in
the Media
Speaker: Michael Holland, MD, FACMT
Clinical Asst. Professor, Dept of Emergency Medicine
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Medical Toxicologist, Upstate NY Poison Center
Media representatives are invited to attend the event. For more information on
this topic or to schedule an interview, please contact Tricia Steffy at 623-533-
6340.
About the American College of Medical Toxicology
The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) is a professional, nonprofit
association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology.
Medical Toxicology is a medical subspecialty focusing on the diagnosis,
management and prevention of poisoning and other adverse health effects due
to medications, occupational and environmental toxins, and biological agents.
Medical Toxicology is officially recognized as a medical subspecialty by the
American Board of Medical Specialties.
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Like
many
other
drugs,
propofol
can
make
you
high
but
also
has
important
therapeutic
indications
and
is
an
indispensable
medication.
Tighter
control
as
well
as
education
is
critically
important
to
ensure
appropriate
and
safe
use
of
this
drug.
Phoenix,
AZ
July
28
2009.
Propofol
is
not
a
typical
drug
of
abuse.
It
doesn’t
come
as
a
pill
or
a
powder;
it
is
only
available
for
intravenous
administration.
It
is
not
scheduled
by
the
DEA,
suggesting
its
abuse
potential
is
very
low.
It
is
primarily
used
by
trained
physicians
and
nurse
anesthetists
to
induce
a
coma‐
like
state
in
a
patient
so
he/she
is
not
awake
and
not
aware
of
discomfort.
Its
use
is
normally
confined
to
the
operating
room,
intensive
care
unit,
or
emergency
department.
Unfortunately,
like
many
psychoactive
agents,
propofol
can
be
abused.
In
the
last
few
years
a
number
of
medical
publications
have
attested
to
this
growing
problem.
(See
references).
At
a
low
dose,
before
the
patient
is
fully
unconscious,
propofol
may
induce
a
sense
of
euphoria
similar
to
that
which
is
experienced
with
other
sedative
agents
(such
as
benzodiazepines
and
opioids).
Sexual
hallucinations
and
disinhibition
have
also
been
described.
This
“high”
may
be
an
experience
that
the
user
finds
pleasurable
and
seeks
again.
Repetitive
use
of
propofol
may
result
in
intense
drug
cravings
and
drug
dependence
similar
to
other
drug
addictions.
Deaths
have
occurred
from
self‐administered
use.
The
major
danger
with
many
drugs,
including
propofol,
is
that
people
vary
in
their
response
to
a
given
dose,
and
this
sensitivity
is
unpredictable.
A
dose
that
causes
a
“high”
in
one
person
may
be
the
same
dose
that
causes
respiratory
depression
leading
to
death
in
another
person.
(See
references).
And
with
propofol
in
particular,
the
window
between
safe
and
potentially
deadly
in
an
unmonitored
patient
is
very
small.
In
one
survey
study
of
anesthesiology
residents,
25
cases
of
individuals
abusing
propofol
were
reported
including
7
who
died
from
propofol
abuse.
Propofol,
even
when
used
properly,
can
cause
respiratory
depression.
Used
by
trained
personnel
in
monitored
settings,
propofol
is
very
safe
and
highly
effective.
However,
It
is
dangerous
to
use
in
an
unmonitored
setting.
For
someone
who
is
already
on
a
mechanical
ventilator
(such
as
in
the
operating
room
or
intensive
care
unit)
propofol‐induced
respiratory
depression
is
not
a
concern,
and
even
at
times
desirable,
because
the
ventilator
will
continue
to
breath
for
the
patient.
As
medical
toxicologists,
members
of
the
American
College
of
Medical
Toxicology
(ACMT)
[www.acmt.net]
routinely
administer
propofol
to
treat
severely
agitated
patients
suffering
from
the
effects
of
certain
drug
overdose
or
withdrawal.
We
are
also
called
to
consult
on,
and
treat,
patients
who
have
received
excesses
doses
of
medications
and
consequently
suffer
from
their
toxic
effects,
including
respiratory
depression.
Because
of
the
potential
life‐threatening
toxicity
of
propofol
its
use
outside
a
monitored
setting
is
strictly
contraindicated.
Because
of
its
potential
for
abuse
and
toxicity,
ACMT
strongly
encourages
tighter
control
of
its
distribution.
Ongoing
education
about
the
lethal
risks
of
propofol
is
necessary
to
hopefully
prevent
senseless
deaths
from
propofol
in
the
future.
REFERENCES
Bonnet U, Harkener J, Scherbaum N. A case report of propofol dependence in a physician. J Psychoactive Drugs.
2008 Jun;40(2):215-7.
Iwersen-Bergmann S, Rösner P, Kühnau HC, Junge M, Schmoldt A. Death after excessive propofol abuse. Int J
Legal Med 2001; 114:248–251.
Kirby RR, Colaw JM, Douglas MM. Death from propofol: accident, suicide, or murder? Anesth Analg. 2009
Apr;108(4):1182-4.
Klausz G, Róna K, Kristóf I, Töro K. Evaluation of a fatal propofol intoxication due to self administration. J
Forensic Leg Med. 2009 Jul;16(5):287-9. Epub 2009 Jan 23.
Riezzo I, Centini F, Neri M, Rossi G, Spanoudaki E, Turillazzi E, Fineschi V. Brugada-like EKG pattern and
myocardial effects in a chronic propofol abuser. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2009 Apr;47(4):358-63.
Roussin A, Montastruc JL, Lapeyre-Mestre M. Pharmacological and clinical evidences on the potential for abuse
and dependence of propofol: a review of the literature. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2007; 21:459–466.
Wischmeyer PE, Johnson BR, Wilson JE, Dingmann C, Bachman HM, Roller E, Tran ZV, Henthorn TK. A survey
of propofol abuse in academic anesthesia programs. Anesth Analg. 2007 Oct;105(4):1066-71,
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Click here for a .pdf of this press release.
Phoenix, AZ July 14, 2009 An emerging epidemic of prescription drug abuse in the United States has
become a major public health emergency, outpacing in the amount of harm and deaths other current
threats such as the H1N1 virus, terrorism, and heroin and cocaine abuse. This epidemic is far from
limited to well publicized cases such as the tragic deaths of Michael Jackson and Heath Ledger. Affecting
children even more than adults, recent research has shown that the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine,
methamphetamine, and marijuana has given way to prescription drugs, with 1 in 5 teenagers having
abused a prescription pain killer to get high, potentially with fatal results.1
These drugs are easily obtained and are often abused with the belief that as medications they are safer
than illicit drugs. The most commonly abused drugs are pain killers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and
stimulants, such as those intended to treat ADHD such as Ritalin and amphetamine ---- addicting drugs
that can cause serious physical harm, or death, when abused, mixed with each other, or with alcohol.
Data from the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention2
indicate that poisoning, including those
from prescription drug abuse, is now the second leading cause of injury death in the US, having doubled
from 1976 to 2006, and has increased 13% from 2005 to 2006, while motor vehicle accidents and other
some other causes of traumatic death have declined.
According to Paul Wax, MD, Executive Director of the American College of Medical Toxicology
(www.acmt.net) the organization representing board certified physicians in the United States
subspecialty certified in this medical discipline: “The use of powerful drugs such as opioid analgesics
such as Demerol or oxycodone, or sedating drugs such as sleeping pills or tranquilizers – when used
inappropriately – will continue to cause senseless deaths unless further regulations are initiated that
monitor and control the use of these drugs. Deaths from these drugs when used inappropriately are
expected given their pharmacologic and toxicologic properties. Medical toxicologists are called to treat
and review these tragic cases far too often.”
The American College of Medical Toxicology, urges that the following steps be implemented to quell this
epidemic.
1. All states should institute a monitoring program of the filling of prescriptions for scheduled
substances by individuals. This information should be available to all prescribing physicians and
health care facilities.
1
Research done by the Partnership for a Drug Free America
2
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports 58 (24); 674, June 26,2009 2. Licensing boards should institute requirements for training about prescription drug abuse for
physicians and other individuals with prescription writing powers. Such an effort was shown to
be very successful over forty years ago in the United Kingdom, where the CURB program
resulted in a dramatic change in prescribing practices.
3. Licensing boards and the US government should take strong measures to stop the practice of
prescription writing over the internet by physicians who have no established physician-patient
relationship.
4. Licensing boards and the US drug Enforcement Agency should aggressively discipline Physicians
and other health care providers who indulge in the practice of writing non-medically indicated
prescriptions.
5. The US Food and Drug Administration should encourage pharmaceutical companies to produce
medications in a form where they are less likely to be abused, for example, by having matrices
that cannot be made to liberate medications that give an acute effect from sustained release
preparations.
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