Unrecognized pregnancy in the overdosed or poisoned patient

Am J Emerg Med. 1997 Sep;15(5):538-41. doi: 10.1016/s0735-6757(97)90205-9.

Abstract

A 22-year-old woman was found in bed unresponsive and hypotensive after an apparent overdose. Subsequent workup in the emergency department identified a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and extensive hemoperitoneum. A significant delay occurred when emergency physicians excluded the possibility of pregnancy because of the patient's normal menstrual history. A qualitative serum or urine pregnancy test is recommended in all women of child-bearing age who present with poisoning or drug overdose.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Drug Overdose / diagnosis
  • Drug Overdose / therapy
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Hemoperitoneum / etiology
  • Humans
  • Poisoning* / diagnosis
  • Poisoning* / therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Tests*
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnosis*