Intravenous Lipid Emulsion as an Adjuvant Therapy of Acute Antipsychotic Poisoning: A randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Antipsychotics toxicity is one of the top five substances most frequently included in human poisoning. Various case reports documented successful use of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) in the management of acute antipsychotics poisoning. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ILE as adjuvant therapy for acute antipsychotic poisoning. Patients and methods: Forty patients presented with moderate to severe acute antipsychotic poisoning were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The control group was given the standard treatment only while the intervention group was given the standard treatment plus ILE infusion. For all patients, history, clinical examination, ECG, and laboratory investigations were done. The safety and efficacy outcomes were evaluated. Results: results revealed that the median Glasgow Coma Scale assessed at 6 and 12 hours after admission was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. Both corrected QT intervals measured 12 hours after admission and period of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the intervention group compared to the control group. During follow-up of the intervention group, there were no significant differences between serum triglycerides levels, liver enzymes and, platelet count measured at admission and 12 hours later. Conclusion: It was concluded that ILE was a safe and effective therapy for acute antipsychotic poisoning.