Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
high

Incidence depends on magnitude and duration of ingestion.

High probability in patients with salicylate levels of 75 mg/dL or higher, or with lower levels if ingestion is subacute or chronic.[1]

ARDS in the setting of salicylate poisoning is an indication for urgent hemodialysis.[13][Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Chest x-ray image of bilateral infiltrates in a patient with ARDSFrom the personal collection of Dr Lorraine Ware; used with permission [Citation ends].com.bmj.content.model.Caption@5a76660e

short term
high

High probability in patients with prolonged corrected QT interval, particularly when combined with bradycardia or extremes of pH.

short term
high

High probability of seizures in patients with salicylate levels of 75 mg/dL or higher.[1]​ Seizures can be terminated by giving benzodiazepines, though minute ventilation should be monitored closely. Anticonvulsants are not usually indicated, as the seizures resolve with the resolution of toxicity.

short term
low

May affect a few patients. Usually resolves with resolution of toxicity.

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