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Position Papers: Gastrointestinal Decontamination
American Academy of Clinical Toxicology*
European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists**
In 1993, the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology (ACCT) and
the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT) agreed
to collaborate on Position Statements regarding Gastrointestinal Decontamination.
These Statements were systematically developed clinical guidelines intended for the
in-hospital treatment of the poisoned patient. The societies also developed a review
mechanism to ensure that these Statements remained clinically relevant and up-to-date.
During the past year, the Position Statements have undergone review and revision
by members (drawn from more than sixty countries) of the two societies. Over the
coming months, the updated Position Statements will be published in Journal of Toxicology—Clinical
Toxicology .
In preparing the original Position Statement and the update, all
relevant scientific literature was identified and reviewed by acknowledged experts
using agreed upon criteria. Well-conducted clinical and experimental studies were
given precedence over anecdotal case reports. A draft Position Statement was then
produced and subjected to detailed peer review by an international group of clinical
toxicologists chosen by the AACT and the EAPCCT. The Position Statements went through
multiple drafts before being approved by the boards of the two societies.
It has been decided by the two societies that the "Position
Statements" would now be designated "Position Papers."
The Position Papers are based only on evidence published in the
English medical literature. Expert opinion was not a basis for the recommendations
as expert opinion is so divergent. It is hoped that these Papers will clarify available
science and offer direction for further research while simultaneously providing a
sound basis for patient care.
The AACT and EAPCCT gratefully acknowledge the time and contribution
of the members of the Position Paper updates:
| Nicholas Bateman |
Philippe Lheureux |
Jan Meulenbelt |
| Edward Krenzelok |
Anthony Manoguerra |
Donna Seger |
| Kenneth Kulig |
Michael McGuigan |
Allister Vale |
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Expert Review was provided by Milton Tenenbein
Donna Seger, MD, President, AACT
Jan Meulenbelt, MD , President, EAPCCT
*Correspondence: Donna Seger, M.D., F.A.A.C.T., F.A.C.E.P., A.B.M.T., Medical
Director, Middle TN Poison Center, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Emergency
Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 501 Oxford
House, VUMC Nashville, TN 37232-4632, USA; E-mail: donna.seger@vanderbilt.edu.
**Correspondence: Jan Muelenbelt, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Intensive Care and Clinical
Toxicology, (B00.118), University Medical Center, Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA,
Utrecht, The Netherlands; Fax: +31-30-2541511; E-mail: j.muelenbelt@azu.nl.
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