Neurological Sequels and Their Causes in Patients Hospitalized in the Toxicology Intensive Care Unit of Bahraloo Hospital, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: The occurrence of neurologic complications in the intensive care units (ICUs) is one of the major risks in management of patients. These sequels may be caused by structural or metabolic disorders. The same phenomenon can be seen in the toxicology ICUs, although the toxicological effects of drugs and poisons may also cause the neurological complications. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency of neurological sequels and their causes in patients hospitalized in the toxicology ICUs. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive study, the data of patients admitted in toxicology ICU of Baharloo Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were investigated during a 2-year period (2010 ‒ 2011) and the patients with neurological sequels, based on neurological examination or brain computed tomography (CT) scan findings, were included. Data recorded in questionnaires were analyzed by means of SPSS software, with a significance level at P < 0.05. Results: Out of 1571 patients admitted in toxicology ICU during this period, 56 patients (3.56%), with the mean ± SD age of 36 ± 13.01 years, were included. The most common finding in neurological examination was the Babinski sign (67.9%). Ischemic encephalopathy with brain edema was the most common finding on the brain CT scans of these patients (33.9%). The mortality rate was 58.9% (33 out of 56). Thirteen patients (23.2%) were discharged with vegetative state. The most common cause of neurological sequel, in this study, was hypoxia (64.3%) Conclusions: This study, for the first time in Iran, investigated the frequency and cause of neurological sequels in toxicology ICUs. The findings can improve the prophylaxis and diagnostic programs for the patients in this field.