Acute cyanide intoxication is rare but dramatic and lethal. Rapid removal from the source, attention to the principles of critical care and timely administration of an antidote in selected cases provides the best opportunity for survival.
References
- Baud FJ, Barriot P, Toffis V, Riou B, Vicaut E, Lecarpentier Y, Bourdon R, Astier A, Bismuth C. Elevated blood cyanide levels in victims of smoke inhalation. N Engl J Med 1991; 325:1761-1766.
- Braitberg G. Vanderpyl MMJ. Treatment of cyanide poisoning in Australasia. Emergency Medicine 2000; 12(3): 232-240.
- Hall A, Saiers J, Baud F. Which cyanide antidote? Critical Reviews in Toxicology 2009; 39(7):541-552.
- IPCS/CEC evaluation of antidotes series. Volume 2. Antidotes for poisoning by cyanide. Meredith TJ, Jacobsen D, Haines JA and Berger J-C. Cambridge University Press 1993. [Reference]
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