Acute phencyclidine intoxication: incidence of clinical findings in 1,000 cases.

In 1,000 cases of phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication evaluated at the time of first examination in an emergency department, the incidence of "typical" findings was found to be lower than has been reported previously. Nystagmus and hypertension occurred in only 57% of our cases; some patients had only one of these findings and many had neither. The incidence of violence was 35%; bizarre behavior, 29%; and agitation, 34%. Changes in sensorium consisted of coma, lethargy/stupor, and acute brain syndrome; however, 46% of patients were alert and oriented. Motor signs included grand mal seizures, generalized rigidity, localized dystonias, catalepsy, and athetosis. Profuse diaphoresis, hypersalivation, bronchospasm, and urinary retention occurred in less than 5%. A small percentage had severe disturbances in vital signs, including three cases (0.3%) of cardiac arrest and 28 cases (2.8%) of apnea. Hypoglycemia and elevated serum CPK, uric acid, and SGOT/SPGT were common. Urine PCP levels did not correlate with the severity of the clinical findings.