A Review of Acute Salicylate Poisoning

Abstract

A five-year review of patients admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with Salicylate overdose is presented. Despite a significant increase in the total patients admitted, those with Salicylate overdose show a steady decrease in number. There appears to be a linear relationship between dosage consumed and blood level two hours after ingestion. In addition signs and symptoms relate to blood Salicylate level. The effects of Salicylates on physiological systems is discussed. The current principles of treatment for Salicylate overdose are presented.