Sebastien Pugnale

Dr. Sebastien Pugnale

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 November 2025 in Clinical Case Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SPSebastien Pugnale
Sebastien Pugnale
LSLéa Schilter
Léa Schilter
LGLudovic Galofaro
Ludovic Galofaro
For centuries, turmeric has been utilized for its therapeutic properties; however, it is now being more frequently associated with the development of drug‐induced liver injury (DILI). The popularity of dietary supplements (DS) is rising, yet patients frequently omit disclosing their use to healthcare providers, as they do not perceive them as drugs. This dynamic will expose doctors to more patients suffering from the adverse effects of DS consumption. We present the case of a 61‐year‐old white European male, presenting with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, initially managed with antibiotic therapy based on radiological evidence of acute cholecystitis. The clinical course was complicated by progressive jaundice and severe hepatitis, necessitating hospital admission for comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Despite an exhaustive assessment, a definitive etiology was elusive until the patient revealed self‐administration of a DS comprising turmeric and black pepper over the preceding year as adjunctive treatment for depressive symptoms. This disclosure led to the diagnosis of DILI, and complete normalization of hepatic function was observed within 2 months following discontinuation of the DS. This case underscores the potential for turmeric‐containing DS, particularly those combined with bioavailability enhancers such as black pepper, to trigger DILI in patients at risk. Healthcare professionals should proactively inquire about their patients' DS consumption and remain vigilant for their potential adverse effects.

24 May 2025 in Clinical Case Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ADAzad Durussel
Azad Durussel
SPSebastien Pugnale
Sebastien Pugnale
LGLudovic Galofaro
Ludovic Galofaro
JMJean‐Luc Magnin
Jean‐Luc Magnin
YGYoucef Guechi
Youcef Guechi
VRVincent Ribordy
Vincent Ribordy
A 31‐year‐old Cameroonian man presented to the emergency department (ED) with a productive cough, exertional dyspnoea, and asthenia for a few days. The initial evaluation was limited due to cultural barriers, lack of known medical history, and the patient's migration journey through Libya, Tunisia, and Germany over the past 5 years before recently arriving in Switzerland. Clinical examination revealed no red flags. Blood counts were normal, C‐reactive protein (CRP) was elevated at 91 mg/L, and a chest X‐ray was unremarkable. A diagnosis of influenza‐like syndrome was made. The patient returned the following day with increased fatigue and fever. A rapid malaria test was negative, a blood smear was ordered, and CRP levels rose to 148 mg/L. During an influenza epidemic, PCR confirmed Influenza A. The patient was reassured and prescribed ibuprofen and paracetamol. Subsequently, the laboratory detected not malaria but filariae, and a diagnosis of Loiasis ( Loa loa ) was established. The patient was referred for specialist consultation. Treatment with albendazole was initiated, leading to gradual improvement.

29 November 2025 in Toxics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PBPatrick Bless
Patrick Bless
DBDiane Blaser
Diane Blaser
TCThomas Castelain
Thomas Castelain
SPSebastien Pugnale
Sebastien Pugnale
VRVincent Ribordy
Vincent Ribordy
GYguechi youcef
guechi youcef
Acute intoxications related to recreational drug use represent an increasing challenge for emergency departments (EDs). Worldwide, more than 600,000 deaths are attributable each year to illicit drug consumption, and in Switzerland approximately 190 deaths related to recreational drug use were reported in 2023. Most patients present after the use of recreational drugs such as stimulants (cocaine and amphetamines), opioids, cannabis or hallucinogens, with stimulants representing the majority of acute presentations in European emergency departments. In recent years, a sharp progression of amphetamine-like substance consumption derived from khat has been observed. Clinical presentations range from agitation, psychosis, seizures, and hyperthermia to respiratory depression, multi-organ failure and cardiac arrest. Emergency physicians are frequently the first to provide care, yet management is often complicated by the coexistence of multiple substances, the emergence of new psychoactive compounds, and the limited availability of toxicological testing in the acute setting. This narrative review summarises the current evidence and recommendations relevant for clinical practice. It is based on a literature search conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, but also grey literature such as MonAM, Infodrog and Tox Info Suisse regarding the specific Swiss context. The review highlights the recognition of typical toxidromes: stimulants causing sympathomimetic effects; opioids with mainly respiratory depression; hallucinogens and dissociatives; also, this review presents common pitfalls with drugs commonly encountered. Management emphasises oxygen administration, benzodiazepine sedation for agitation, and specific interventions like naloxone for opioids. Given rising trends in cocaine and novel psychoactive substance use, enhanced understanding of pharmacological profiles and standardised emergency protocols are critical for improving patient outcomes. Although specific treatment may be lacking for most drugs, novel psychoactive drugs pose new challenges due to lack of robust data preventing us from presenting a typical clinical picture and providing standardised care. This synthesis aims to support emergency physicians in the structured and evidence-based management of acute recreational drug intoxications.