Author: Ryan Circh, MD

Educational Pearls:

• Chronic salicylate (ASA) toxicity can present in elderly patients as altered mental status
• Consider chronic toxicity in patients with an unexplained anion gap acidosis
• Treatment for chronic ingestion typically includes IV fluids and urine alkalinization

References:

O'Malley GF. Emergency department management of the salicylate-poisoned patient. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2007 May;25(2):333-46; abstract viii. Review. PubMed PMID: 17482023.

Durnas C, Cusack BJ. Salicylate intoxication in the elderly. Recognition and recommendations on how to prevent it. Drugs Aging. 1992 Jan-Feb;2(1):20-34. Review. PubMed PMID: 1554971.

Summarized by Will Dewsipelaere, MS3 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD