Question Of The Day

What is coturnism?   Coturnism is a rare cause of rhabdomyolysis after consumption of the European migratory quail. It is believed that a diet of hemlock seeds by the quail is the cause. (Korkmaz I et al. Quail consumption can be harmful. J Emerg Med…

Methylene blue has been suggested as a treatment for refractory vasodilatory shock by limiting nitric oxide-mediate vasodilation. A recent porcine model compared the efficacy of norepinephrine versus methylene blue on mortality. Was methylene blue associated with decreased mortality?   In a recent porcine model, LeRoy…

The peptides from the venom of this snake were isolated to develop the first ACEI, captopril.   Borhtrops jararaca, a South American viper, has peptides known to cause hypotension in its prey by inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme. (https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/news/from-snake-venom-to-ace-inhibitor-the-discovery-and-rise-of-captopril/10884359.fullarticle?firstPass=false (Accessed 3 June 2020)) *The Envenomations…

Elevated bilirubin concentrations may result in a false elevation of this laboratory test?   High bilirubin concentrations have resulted in falsely elevated acetaminophen levels when the acetaminophen level is performed utilizing an enzymatic assay. (Beuhler M et al. False Positive Acetaminophen Levels Associated with Hyperbilirubinemia….

Naproxen’s metabolite can cause a false elevation in this common laboratory test?   Naproxen’s metabolite can cause falsely elevated bilirubin when measured by Jendrassik and Grof method. (Dasgupta A et al. Naproxen metabolites interfere with certain bilirubin assays: elimination of interference by using a roche…

This substance was added to the World Doping Agency (WADA) list of banned substances in 2016. It inhibits the carnitine transport type 2 and reduces l-carnitine biosynthesis. It may improve energy metabolism during hypoxia.   Meldonium inhibits the carnitine transporter type 2 and is now…

The pitohui bird contains this toxin?   The feathers of the pitohui bird bird of New Guinea contains batrachotoxin. It is thought that the birds don’t synthesize this poison but rather get it from their food supply. Melyrid beetles are thought to be the source…

This vital sign abnormality was present in nearly 60% of patients with bupropion overdose?   Offerman et al. report 437 patients with bupropion overdose and tachycardia was present in 56.5% of patients and 50.6% of patients had sustained tachycardia. Among patients with tachycardia on arrival,…

There has been much discussion currently about the use of hydroxychloroquine in the management of SARS-COV-2 infection. What was the main cardiac toxicity seen in a subset of patients treated with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin?   In 84 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, 30% of…

What is a new dietary ingredient (NDI)? What is aegeline?   Per the 1994 Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA) and amendments since a NDI is any dietary ingredient not marketed in the US before 15 Oct. 1994. Conversely, any product marketed as a…