Fatal multiorgan failure in baclofen overdose: An autopsy case report

Abstract

Baclofen is a synthetic derivative of GABA and is used as a muscle relaxant or antispasmodic agent. It is used in the management of various muscle spasticity resulting from conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and stroke. The reported potential adverse effects following overdose are marked impairment in consciousness, acute kidney injury, seizures, coma, and respiratory failure. Since there is no specific antidote available to treat baclofen toxicity, the mainstay of management remains supportive treatment. Herein we describe a case of baclofen overdose in a 62-years-old male who consumed 15 tablets of 25 mg tablets of baclofen (375 mg) and died due to multiorgan failure after 5 days of poisoning. Although many reports in the published medical literature describe the clinical manifestations and the management of baclofen toxicity, only a few reports presented the fatality in baclofen overdose. Furthermore, no report documented the death following lethal multiorgan failure resulting from baclofen overdose, and from India to the best of our knowledge.