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Thoonen IMJ, Rietjens SJ, van Velzen AG, de Lange DW, Koppen A. Risk factors for deliberate self-poisoning among children and adolescents in The Netherlands. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2024; 62:39-45. [PMID: 38421361 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2024.2310153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the past decade, the number of deliberate self-poisonings involving young people has increased strongly worldwide. This study aimed to gain insight into risk factors associated with deliberate self-poisonings among children and adolescents reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center. METHODS A study was performed between 1 February 2022 and 31 January 2023 involving those aged 8-17 years of age with deliberate self-poisoning. Data were collected on patient characteristics (age, gender, body mass index and living situation) and exposure characteristics (type of toxicant, way of acquiring toxicant and day of exposure). RESULTS The Dutch Poisons Information Center was consulted about 1,424 deliberate self-poisonings among children and adolescents (10-17 years old). A high percentage of patients were female (85 percent), had a body mass index classified as overweight/obese (27 percent) and lived in a mental healthcare facility (13 percent). Patients mainly exposed themselves to pharmaceuticals, especially over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol (46 percent) and ibuprofen (15 percent). Young people living with parents/caregivers had higher odds of ingesting prescription pharmaceuticals or over-the-counter medication, while those living in a mental healthcare facility were more likely to ingest household products, personal care products or foreign bodies (predominantly batteries). DISCUSSION This study sheds light on the pervasive issue of deliberate self-poisoning among children and adolescents, advocating for poisoning prevention strategies and promoting mental health of youth. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data from patients and the absence of clinical outcome data. CONCLUSIONS Female gender, a high body mass index and living in a mental healthcare facility are associated with in increased risk of deliberate self-poisonings in children and adolescents (10-17 years old). Prevention of deliberate self-poisonings among youth could focus on restricting access to medication and other potentially hazardous non-pharmaceuticals, such as household products and batteries, as well as limiting the sales of over-the-counter medication, especially paracetamol, to this young population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilze M J Thoonen
- Dutch Poisons Information Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia J Rietjens
- Dutch Poisons Information Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes G van Velzen
- Dutch Poisons Information Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dylan W de Lange
- Dutch Poisons Information Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arjen Koppen
- Dutch Poisons Information Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Suekane A, Takayama W, Hashimoto R, Morishita K, Otomo Y. Risk factors for recurrence of suicide attempt via overdose: A prospective observational study. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 75:1-6. [PMID: 37890336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the prevalence of drug overdose has gradually increased worldwide, the risk factors associated with the recurrence of suicide attempts via drug overdose have not been well elucidated. In this study, we investigated the clinical course of patients with drug overdose and whether or not patients reattempted suicide via overdose, using telephone interviews, to evaluate the risk factors associated with overdose recurrence. METHODS This prospective observational study enrolled patients who attempted suicide by drug overdose and were transferred to a tertiary emergency hospital in Japan between January 1, 2015 and July 30, 2021. Recurrence of overdose within 1 year of admission for overdose was designated as the primary outcome. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent risk factors for the recurrence of overdose. Furthermore, we compared the difference in the recurrence interval between patients with and without cohabitants using the log-rank test. RESULTS A total of 94 patients were identified, and recurrence of overdose was observed in 28 patients (29.8%). The median recurrence interval was 6.0 months [IQR (interquartile range), 4.0-7.0 months]. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with a history of schizophrenia than that in patients without a history of schizophrenia (58.3% vs 25.6%, p = 0.048), and significantly lower in patients with cohabitants than that in patients without cohabitants (22.6% vs 43.8%, p = 0.015). The presence of a cohabitant was significantly associated with a longer recurrence interval (p = 0.049). The effect of psychiatric intervention during hospitalization and psychiatric visits after discharge could not be found in this study. CONCLUSIONS A history of schizophrenia was an independent risk factor for the recurrence of overdose, and the presence of a cohabitant was significantly associated with a lower risk of recurrence. Large-scale, long-term studies are required to confirm the results of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Suekane
- Trauma and Acute Critical Care Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Takayama
- Trauma and Acute Critical Care Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Acute Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Graduate School of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Rio Hashimoto
- Trauma and Acute Critical Care Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Morishita
- Trauma and Acute Critical Care Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Otomo
- Trauma and Acute Critical Care Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Acute Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Graduate School of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Lashin HI, Sharif AF. Evaluation of various scoring systems as predictors of the need for intensive care unit admission and other adverse outcomes among patients with acute clozapine poisoning. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:468-479. [PMID: 37397925 PMCID: PMC10311143 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute clozapine poisoning (ACP) is frequently reported worldwide. We evaluated the efficacy of the Poison Severity Score (PSS), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS), and Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) as predictors for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (MV), mortality, and length of hospital stay in patients with ACP. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using records of patients diagnosed with ACP from January 2017 to June 2022 and admitted to an Egyptian poison control center. Analyzing 156 records showed that all assessed scores were significant predictors of the studied outcomes. The PSS and APACHE II score showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) as ICU admission predictors with insignificant variations. The APACHE II score showed the best discriminatory power in predicting MV and mortality. Nevertheless, MEWS exhibited the highest odds ratio (OR) as an ICU predictor (OR = 2.39, and 95% confidence interval = 1.86-3.27) and as a mortality predictor (OR = 1.98, and 95% confidence interval = 1.16-4.41). REMS and MEWS were better predictors of length of hospital stay compared with the APACHE II score. The simpler, lab-independent nature and the comparable discrimination but higher odds ratio of MEWS compared with APACHE II score justify MEWS' superior utility as an outcome predictor in ACP. We recommend using either the APACHE II score or MEWS, depending on the availability of laboratory investigations, resources, and the case's urgency. Otherwise, the MEWS is a substantially feasible, economical, and bedside alternative outcome predictor in ACP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba I Lashin
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Asmaa F Sharif
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Koppen A, Thoonen IMJ, Hunault CC, van Velzen AG, de Lange DW, Rietjens SJ. Significant Increase in Deliberate Self-Poisonings Among Adolescents During the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Adolesc Health 2023:S1054-139X(23)00151-9. [PMID: 37140519 PMCID: PMC10154158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a decline in mental health of adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the rate of deliberate self-poisonings (DSPs) among adolescents reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A retrospective study from 2016 until 2021 was performed to characterize DSPs among adolescents, and to analyze trends in the number of DSPs. All DSPs among adolescents with the age of 13 up to and including 17 years were included. DSP characteristics included: age, gender, bodyweight, used substance, dose, and treatment advice. Trends in the number of DSPs were analyzed using time series decomposition and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average models. RESULTS Six thousand nine hundred fifteen DSPs in adolescents were recorded from January first 2016 until December 31st 2021. Females were involved in 84% of adolescent DSPs. A strong increase in the number of DSPs was observed in 2021 (45% increase compared to 2020), which deviated from the predicted trend based on previous years. This increase was most prominent in 13-, 14-, and 15-year-old female adolescents. Commonly involved drugs were paracetamol, ibuprofen, methylphenidate, fluoxetine, and quetiapine. The contribution of paracetamol rose from 33% in 2019 to 40% in 2021. DISCUSSION The strong increase in the number of DSPs during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that long-term containment measures such as quarantines, lockdowns, and school closures may enhance self-harm behavior among adolescents, especially among younger females (13-15 years of age), with a preference for paracetamol as DSP substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjen Koppen
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Ilze M J Thoonen
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Claudine C Hunault
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Agnes G van Velzen
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dylan W de Lange
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia J Rietjens
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Predescu E, Calugar I, Bibu-Monus C, Sipos R. Trends and Prevalence of Hospital Admissions Related to Deliberate Self-Poisoning and Used Substances in Romanian Adolescents between 2016 and 2022. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050790. [PMID: 37238338 DOI: 10.3390/children10050790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Rates of self-poisoning are increasing substantially all around the world, with self-poisoning being the most common form of self-harm leading to hospitalization in children and adolescents. This study aims to investigate the trends in the number of deliberate self-poisoning admissions in Romanian adolescents during the period of 2016-2022, as well as the most frequently used substances and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions due to self-poisoning and substance use in relation to these episodes. The sample included 178 patients admitted to the Clinic of Pediatric Psychiatry in Cluj-Napoca from 2016 to 2022 due to an episode of self-poisoning. Data were collected on patients' sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial characteristics, and medical histories. We report a slight overall increase in the self-poisoning admission rate during the studied period. There was a decrease during the initial period of the pandemic, with significantly increasing rates in the second year of the pandemic. The mean prevalence rate of hospital admissions due to self-poisoning episodes during the study period was 3.14% (95% CI 2.72, 3.63). Adolescent girls were identified as the most vulnerable group, with the female-to-male ratio increasing dramatically. In terms of substance use, benzodiazepines; over-the-counter analgesics, including paracetamol; and antidepressants were the most frequently used substances. We emphasize the importance of careful consideration in prescribing psychotropic drugs, as well as the need for regulation of over-the-counter drug dispensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Predescu
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Pediatric Psychiatry, "IuliuHatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400489 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iulia Calugar
- Clinic of Pediatric Psychiatry and Addiction, Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 400489 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Bibu-Monus
- 1st Surgical Clinic, Emergency Clinical County Hospital Cluj, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Roxana Sipos
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Pediatric Psychiatry, "IuliuHatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400489 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Andersen CU, Hansen S, Dalhoff KP, Nielsen LP, Møller JM, Olesen AE. Clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with paracetamol poisoning before and after restrictions of over-the-counter sale of paracetamol. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2023; 61:228-233. [PMID: 36919499 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2023.2181104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Paracetamol poisoning is a frequent cause of hospitalization in Denmark. On 30 September 2013, the Danish authorities restricted packages available without a prescription in pharmacy outlets to contain a maximum of 10 g of paracetamol. We aimed to investigate the effects of this regulation. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of two groups of patients admitted consecutively to a Danish University Hospital due to poisoning with paracetamol in 365 days in 2012-13 before 30 September 2013, and a corresponding 365-day period in 2017-18. Data were extracted from patient records. RESULTS In 2012-2013 and 2017-18, 156 and 92 admissions in 127 and 78 unique patients, respectively, were identified. Ingestion of more than 20 g paracetamol occurred in a significantly higher proportion of cases in 2012-13 compared to 2017-18 (29% vs 13%, P < 0.01). In accordance, there were no cases of international normalized ratio >1.5 or alanine aminotransferase activity >1000 U/L in the post-legislation period, and seven and five cases in the pre-legislation period, respectively. Females accounted for 80% and 78% of patients in the two periods, respectively, and were considerably younger than males (median [interquartile range]: 22 [17-40] vs. 47 [30-56], P < 0.01 in 2012-13, and 23 [18-46] vs. 43 [27-49] years, P = 0.02 in 2017-18). Furthermore, in 2012-13, intentional poisonings occurred in a higher proportion of females than males 2012-13 (97% vs 85%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated a lower number of paracetamol poisonings, a decreased proportion of poisonings involving ingestion of more than 20 g of paracetamol, and a lower occurrence of hepatotoxicity after the regulation. However, circumstances other than pack size restrictions, such as increased public awareness of the danger of paracetamol poisonings, may affect these associations. Furthermore, the study showed that females and males constitute two distinct groups in terms of age and intentional poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Uggerhøj Andersen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
- Deartment of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Steffen Hansen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Kim Peder Dalhoff
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark
- Acute and Trauma Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Lars Peter Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Anne Estrup Olesen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
- Deartment of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
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Arbaeen A, Noghrehchi F, Wheate NJ, Cairns R. Hospitalised poisonings in Australian children: a 10-year retrospective study. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2023; 61:153-161. [PMID: 36892513 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2022.2147538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Paediatric poisoning is a major cause of childhood injury, and most poisonings are preventable. We aimed to describe hospitalisations resulting from poisoning and envenomation in Australian children, including demographics, cause of the exposure, hospital length of stay, rates of intensive care unit admission and in-hospital deaths. We also aimed to describe risk factors for increased length of stay and intensive care unit admission. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of hospitalised poisoning and envenomation cases of children (<15 years) in Australia from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2019. A nationwide hospital admissions database was used for this study. RESULTS During the 10-year study period 33,438 children were admitted to hospital due to a pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical poisoning/envenomation; an average of 74.8 cases per 100,000 population per year. Approximately 10 children were admitted to hospital each day for poisoning. Over 70% of these cases were due to pharmaceuticals (n = 23,628), most frequently non-opioid analgesics, anti-pyretics and anti-rheumatics (n = 8759, 37.1% of pharmaceutical exposures). The most common non-pharmaceutical exposure was contact with venomous animals and toxic plants (n = 4578, 46.7% of non-pharmaceuticals). Intentional self-harm occurred in 7833 (23.4%) of cases. Intensive care unit admission was required in 519 cases (2.5% of the 20,739 cases where this information was available), while 200 (0.96% of 20,739) needed ventilator support. Ten children (0.03%) died. Older age, female sex, poisoning with pharmaceuticals and metropolitan hospital location were associated with increased length of stay. Older age and poisoning with pharmaceuticals were also associated with intensive care unit admission. CONCLUSION Approximately 10 children were admitted to hospital with poisoning every day in Australia. Most poisonings were due to pharmaceuticals, particularly simple analgesics that are found in most Australian homes. Severe outcomes (intensive care unit admissions and deaths) were rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Arbaeen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Firouzeh Noghrehchi
- Discipline of Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nial J Wheate
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rose Cairns
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Children's Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales Poisons Information Centre, NSW, Australia
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Vázquez López P, Armero Pedreira P, Martínez-Sánchez L, García Cruz JM, Bonetde Luna C, Notario Herrero F, Sánchez Vázquez AR, Rodríguez Hernández PJ, Díez Suárez A. Self-injury and suicidal behavior in children and youth population: Learning from the pandemic. An Pediatr (Barc) 2023; 98:204-212. [PMID: 36842881 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suicidal behaviour and self-harm are increasing in children and adolescents. Non-suicidal self-harm are a dysfunctional method of emotional regulation, and it must be distinguished from suicidal behaviours. METHODS Narrative review of the current situation on suicide and self-harm in Spain. Descriptive study of suicidal behaviours in paediatric emergencies. RESULTS Mental health consultations were analysed (March-2019 to March-2020 and March-2020 to March-2021) in a multicentric study of the SEUP (Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies), finding a 122 % increase of the diagnosis of "non-accidental drug intoxication" and 56 % of "suicide/suicide attempt/suicidal ideation". In another prospective analysis, 281 attempts were recorded, with the patient profile being: female (90.1 %), 14.8 years old, 34.9 % without previous psychiatric diagnosis; 57.7% with previous suicidal behaviour. The presence of psychiatric disorders, especially depression, and previous attempts, are the best-known risk factors for suicidal behaviour, although other factors are involved (family, personal or social). Pediatricians should be trained to deal with questions about suicide and acquire the skills to conduct an interview with a supportive and empathetic attitude. In Spain, suicide prevention plans are heterogeneous among communities, and there is not a unified national suicide prevention plan. CONCLUSIONS Primary, hospital and mental health care resources for paediatric population should be strengthened to prevent suicidal behaviours. Specific training for school staff, and child and adolescent psychiatry training for paediatricians and nurses are crucial in the prevention of suicide in children and adolescent population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Félix Notario Herrero
- Unidad de Pediatría-Adolescencia, Clínica HLA Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Albacete, Spain
| | | | - Pedro Javier Rodríguez Hernández
- Hospital de Día Infantil y Juvenil «Diego Matías Guigou y Costa», Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario Ntra. Sra. de Candelaria y Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Azucena Díez Suárez
- Unidad de Psiquiatría Infantil y Adolescente, Departamento de Psiquiatría y Psicología Médica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
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Vázquez López P, Armero Pedreira P, Martínez-Sánchez L, García Cruz JM, Bonet de Luna C, Notario Herrero F, Sánchez Vázquez AR, Rodríguez Hernández PJ, Díez Suárez A. Autolesiones y conducta suicida en niños y adolescentes. Lo que la pandemia nos ha desvelado. An Pediatr (Barc) 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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10
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McCabe DJ, Egan HM, Theiler CA. The incidence of self-harm ingestions in adolescents and young adults at a tertiary care center. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 63:50-54. [PMID: 36327749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been an increasing incidence of self-harm attempts in recent years in the United States. Particularly concerning, there has been a growing trend of self-harm in the adolescent and young adult population. In order to inform initiatives to address this trend, risk factors and substances used for self-harm need to be clarified. METHODS This is a descriptive retrospective observational study on all cases of self-harm poisoning in patients between the ages of 12 and 25 years reported at the state's only tertiary care center from January 2019 through March 2022. RESULTS There was an increased incidence of 69% for self-harm poisonings for all ages and a 90% increase in ages 12-17 years between the years 2019 and 2021. Fifty percent of all cases occurred in patients aged 14-17 years, 69% were female, and 22% required an intensive care unit. The top three most common substances used are available without a prescription. DISCUSSION There was a persistent increase in self-harm attempts via poisoning throughout the study period with a particularly vulnerable period in the adolescent age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J McCabe
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America; Iowa Poison Control Center, Sioux City, IA, United States of America.
| | - Haley M Egan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Carly A Theiler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
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Thumtecho S, Sriworasuwat P, Wainipitapong S. Suicidal attempts and self‐poisoning: 1‐year retrospective cohort study from the quaternary hospital in Thai metropolitan area. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e941. [DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Suthimon Thumtecho
- Division of Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society Bangkok Thailand
| | - Pannavach Sriworasuwat
- Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society Bangkok Thailand
| | - Sorawit Wainipitapong
- Department of Psychiatry and Center of Excellence in Transgender Health (CETH), Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society Bangkok Thailand
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12
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Chitty KM, Raubenheimer J, Cairns R, Kirby KA, Buckley NA. Deliberate self-poisoning in Australian adolescents is increased on school days. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 148:103-109. [PMID: 35123321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) in adolescents is increasing dramatically. Life at school is one of the most important life influences for this age group. This study aimed to investigate whether the frequency of DSP is higher during school term compared to holidays and whether this difference has become greater over time. This is an ecological study using Poisons Information Centre (PIC) data for all DSPs in 10-19 year olds from New South Wales, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory that occurred between 2005 and 2018. For each call, the date of the poisoning was assigned as 'term' or 'holiday'. To control for population growth, calls were expressed as per 100,000 of the population per day. Multivariable Poisson regression was performed to investigate the combined impact of various predictors (state, sex, year, holiday/term, day of week, age) on call number. 26,432 calls were included in the analysis (73.6% female, 24.1% male and 2.3% unknown). Poisson regression showed significant effects for all predictors, with an increased likelihood of DSP during the school term compared with holidays and on Monday-Thursday compared with Saturday but only during the school term. DSP doubled between 2012 and 2017 and the disparity between DSP that occurs during term vs. holiday increased over that time frame. We conclude that some of the increase in DSP is likely due to school-specific stressors, hence the school environment is the ideal setting for self-harm prevention initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Chitty
- Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology (TACT) Research Group, Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - J Raubenheimer
- Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology (TACT) Research Group, Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - R Cairns
- Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology (TACT) Research Group, Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia; New South Wales Poisons Information Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - K A Kirby
- Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology (TACT) Research Group, Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - N A Buckley
- Translational Australian Clinical Toxicology (TACT) Research Group, Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; New South Wales Poisons Information Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
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13
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Darracq MA, Thornton SL. A different challenge with Benadryl: adolescent diphenhydramine ingestions reported to National Poison Database System, 2007-2020. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2022; 60:851-859. [PMID: 35297707 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2022.2051536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US Food and Drug Administration released a warning related to potential adverse effects related to intentional misuse or abuse ingestions of diphenhydramine in September 2020. We sought to evaluate adolescent-aged (13-19 y) diphenhydramine ingestions reported to US poison control centers to characterize these exposures, adverse effects, outcomes, and trends in outcomes and reasons for ingestion. METHODS The US National Poison Database System was queried for all exposures to diphenhydramine between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2020. RESULTS 47,644 ingestions were included for analysis. An increase in the number of ingestions, percentage of cases due to an intentional reason for ingestion and suspected suicide was observed. More serious outcomes, cardiac complications, seizures, and deaths were more common following intentional ingestions and specifically suspected suicide over misuse or abuse. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent ingestions of diphenhydramine increased between 2007 and 2020. More serious outcomes, intentional reasons, and suspected suicide also increased over the study interval. Suspected suicide was associated with cardiac complications, seizures, coma, and death at higher rates than misuse or abuse. While misuse and abuse remain a concern, public health interventions focusing on the risk that diphenhydramine pose as an agent of suicide attempt may be of higher impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Darracq
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Fresno Medical Education Program, University of California, San Francisco, USA.,Division of Medical Toxicology, Fresno Medical Education Program, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Stephen L Thornton
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas Poison Control System, Kansas City, USA
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14
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Toce MS, Hudgins JD, Yuskaitis CJ, Monuteaux MC, Bourgeois FT. National assessment of anti-epileptic drug exposures among pre-teens and adolescents, 2000-2020. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2022; 60:681-687. [PMID: 35025708 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2021.2023747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are increasingly used to treat psychiatric conditions, exposing many children to potentially harmful medications. This includes adolescents, who are at higher risk for self-harm. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of pediatric AED poisonings and assess which AEDs are associated with more severe clinical outcomes. METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional analysis examined single-substance AED exposure cases in pre-teens (10-14 years) and adolescents (15-19 years) reported to the National Poison Database System (NPDS) between 2000 and 2020 (cases through 2019 were included for trend analysis due to incomplete population data). We described characteristics of ingestions by age group, including AEDs implicated. RESULTS There were 74,818 AED exposure cases reported to the NPDS, including 25,928 (34.7%) in pre-teens and 48,890 (65.3%) in adolescents. Among adolescents, 35,570 (72.8%) exposure cases were intentional, with 27,655 (56.6%) specifically related to a suspected suicide attempt. The most common AEDs implicated in poisonings were clonazepam (19.8%), valproic acid (15.3%), and lamotrigine (13.8%). The odds of hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.0 [95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-2.1]), intubation (aOR 2.1 [95% CI, 1.8-2.4]), seizure (aOR 1.6 [95% CI, 1.4-1.9]), and serious outcome (aOR 1.8 [95% CI, 1.7-1.9]) were higher in the adolescent group compared to the pre-teen group. Intentional ingestions increased by a yearly rate of 2.8% (95% CI, 2.3-3.2). Intentional tiagabine exposure was associated with the greatest increased odds of serious outcome (aOR 4.7 [95% CI, 3.6-6.3]). DISCUSSION In this cross-sectional analysis of pediatric AED exposure cases reported to the NPDS, AED poisonings among pre-teens and adolescents increased significantly between 2000 and 2019. Of particular concern is the large increase in intentional exposure cases related to AEDs. With the population-adjusted rate of epilepsy diagnoses remaining relatively unchanged, these results may indicate that the rise in AED exposure cases may be related to increased prescribing of AEDs for psychiatric indications as opposed to epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric AED poisonings reported to the NPDS are increasing, especially among adolescents engaging in intentional ingestions. These findings provide additional information for consideration in risk-benefit assessments when selecting medications for the treatment of psychiatric conditions in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Toce
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical Toxicology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joel D Hudgins
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher J Yuskaitis
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael C Monuteaux
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Florence T Bourgeois
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Pediatric Therapeutics and Regulatory Science Initiative, Computational Health Informatics Program (CHIP), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Gong J, Ma L, Li M, Ma L, Chen C, Zhao S, Zhou Y, Cui Y. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs associated acute kidney injury in hospitalized children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2021; 31:117-127. [PMID: 34757665 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are regarded as nephrotoxins. Children commonly use NSAIDs and are susceptible to nephropathy, but the relationship between acute kidney injury (AKI) and use of NSAIDs is not well examined yet. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between AKI and use of NSAIDs in hospitalized pediatric patients who are susceptible to nephropathy. METHODS We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies by searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database for articles published up to June 1, 2020. Reports included involved children (age < 18 years) who used NSAIDs for various reasons and were admitted in the hospital. The main outcome measure was whether AKI occurred, and pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using generic inverse variance methods. RESULTS Seven studies reporting risk of AKI in the hospitalized pediatric patients receiving NSAIDs were included applying a random-effects model. In the hospitalized pediatric population, the pooled OR of AKI for present NSAID exposure was 1.55 (95%CI 1.26-1.92). CONCLUSIONS NSAID exposure was associated with an approximate 1.6-fold rise in the odds of developing AKI in hospitalized pediatric patients. Avoidance, cautious use of NSAIDs and further evidence are needed. This study was registered with PROSPERO (identifier: CRD42021219779).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyue Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengya Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyun Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoyang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Simiao Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimin Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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16
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Lui SNS, Chan CK. Pediatric poisoning pattern: A comparison of preadolescent and adolescent groups in Hong Kong over 3 years. HONG KONG J EMERG ME 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/10249079211051193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To compare local poisoning patterns of preadolescents and adolescents. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Data collected through the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) Poisoning Information and Clinical Management System (PICMS). Patients aged 10 to 17 years old from January 2016 to December 2018 were included and divided into preadolescent (10–12 years old) and adolescent (13–17 years old) groups. Statistical analysis for categorical variables was performed using chi-square test of independence, p < 0.05. Strength of association examined with Cramer’s V. Rate ratios with 95% confidence interval were used to determine nature of association, using preadolescents as comparison group. Results: A total of 703 cases were analyzed. There were 107 cases in the preadolescent group and 596 cases in the adolescent group. Three variables showed moderate association: intentional exposure (rate ratio: 2.91, 2.13–3.98), exposure in school (rate ratio: 0.30, 0.21–0.44), and the use of pharmaceuticals (rate ratio: 1.95, 1.57–2.44). The most common substance of exposure were analgesics (n = 213, 24.94%) and fumes, gases, and vapors (n = 19, 15.08%) in adolescents and preadolescents, respectively. Conclusion: Epidemiological difference still exists between preadolescents and adolescents. The association of adolescents with intentional poisoning, and the use of pharmaceuticals was highlighted. The study acts as a recent update of pediatric poisoning patterns and hopes to act as a reference for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiyyah Nok Sze Lui
- SB1, Department of Accident & Emergency, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Keung Chan
- Hong Kong Poison Information Centre, Department of Clinical Toxicology, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
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17
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Richards GC, Sitkowski K, Heneghan C, Aronson JK. The Oxford Catalogue of Opioids: A systematic synthesis of opioid drug names and their pharmacology. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:3790-3812. [PMID: 33608948 PMCID: PMC8518704 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The growing demand for analgesia, coupled with an increasing need to treat opioid dependence and overdose, has escalated the development of novel opioids. We aimed to quantify the number of opioid drugs developed and to catalogue them based on their pharmacology. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of seven sources in November 2020, including the WHO's Anatomical Therapeutic Classification index, the British National Formulary, the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology, the International Narcotics Control Board Index of Names of Narcotic Drugs, the WHO's International Nonproprietary Names MedNet service, Martindale's Extra Pharmacopoeia and the Merck Index, to include opioid drugs that targeted or had an effect or coeffect at one or more opioid receptors. We extracted chemical and nonproprietary names, drug stems, molecular formulas, molecular weights, receptor targets, actions at opioid receptors and classes based on their origins. We used descriptive statistics and calculated medians and interquartile ranges where appropriate. RESULTS We identified 233 opioid drugs and created an online resource (https://www.catalogueofopioids.net/). There were 10 unique drug stems, and "-fentanil" accounted for one-fifth (20%) of all opioids. Most of the drugs (n = 133) targeted mu-opioid receptors and the majority (n = 191) were agonists at one or more receptors. Most (82%) were synthetic opioids, followed by semisynthetic opioids (16%) and alkaloids (3%). CONCLUSION This catalogue centralizes and disseminates information that could assist researchers, prescribers and the public to improve the safe use of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia C. Richards
- Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health SciencesUniversity of OxfordRadcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock RoadOxfordOX2 6GGUK
| | - Konrad Sitkowski
- Oxford Medical School, John Radcliffe HospitalUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX3 9DUUK
| | - Carl Heneghan
- Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health SciencesUniversity of OxfordRadcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock RoadOxfordOX2 6GGUK
| | - Jeffrey K. Aronson
- Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health SciencesUniversity of OxfordRadcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock RoadOxfordOX2 6GGUK
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18
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Downes MA, Lovett CJ, Isbister GK. Paediatric poisoning presentations reported to a regional toxicology service in Australia. J Paediatr Child Health 2021; 57:1049-1053. [PMID: 33586836 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology and health-care utilisation of paediatric emergency department (ED) presentations due to poisoning. METHODS A retrospective review of all ED presentations of paediatric poisoning cases (<18 years) reported to a tertiary toxicology service from 2015 to 2016 was conducted. Cases were classified into three age groups: pre-school (0-6 years), primary school (7-11 years) and adolescent (12-17 years). Outcomes included patient transfer, length of ED stay (LOS) and proportion admitted to a medical ward, mental health unit or intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS From 764 consultations over a 2-year period, 87 were excluded as non-ED presentations. From these, there were 194 (29%; 47% female) pre-school aged, 34 (5%; 41% female) primary school aged and 449 (66%; 77% female) adolescent presentations. Deliberate self-poisoning was most common in 394 of 449 (88%) adolescents. Accidental exposures accounted for 159 (82%) of pre-school presentations and natural toxins occurred in all three age groups. Paracetamol, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics and ibuprofen were the most common toxins. Discharge from ED occurred in 147 of 194 (76%) pre-school, 24 of 34 (71%) primary school and 223 of 449 (50%) adolescent presentations. Of the 449 adolescents, 137 (31%) were admitted medically (median LOS 19.9 h), 19 were admitted to ICU (median LOS 71 h) and 70 (16%) admitted to mental health (median LOS 122 h). Five pre-school aged children were admitted to ICU. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent deliberate self-poisoning has a significant impact on hospital resources, with mental health problems requiring extended length of stay. There were fewer pre-school accidental poisoning consultations, which were mainly discharged from ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Downes
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caitlyn J Lovett
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Emergency Department, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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19
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Birchall E, Perry IJ, Corcoran P, Daly C, Griffin E. The impact of guidance on the supply of codeine-containing products on their use in intentional drug overdose. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:853-858. [PMID: 34041521 PMCID: PMC8514187 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Concerns about the misuse of codeine led to the introduction of guidance restricting the supply of over-the-counter (OTC) codeine-containing products in Ireland in 2010. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of this guidance on the national rate of hospital-presenting self-harm involving codeine-related intentional drug overdose (IDO). Methods Presentations involving IDO to Irish general hospitals between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2013, as recorded by the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland, were analyzed. Event-based rates per 100 000 were calculated using national population data. Poisson regression models were used to assess rate changes between pre- and post-guidance periods and to calculate excess presentations. Results Between January 2007 and December 2013, a total of 57 759 IDOs were recorded, with 4789 (8.3%) involving a codeine-containing product. The rate of codeine-related IDOs was 20% lower in the period following implementation of the guidance (incidence rate ratio: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.75 to 0.85), representing a total of 509 (95% CI: −624, −387) fewer codeine-related IDOs in that period. Reductions were observed across all ages and were more pronounced for females (0.76, 0.71 to 0.82) than males (0.87, 0.79 to 0.97). The rate of IDOs involving other drugs decreased by 3% in the same period (0.97, 0.95 to 0.98). Conclusion Our findings indicate that the rate of codeine-related IDOs was significantly lower in the period following the implementation of the guidance. There is a large body of evidence supporting the restriction of potentially harmful medication as an effective strategy in suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Birchall
- School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ivan J Perry
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul Corcoran
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Eve Griffin
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
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20
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Paracetamol-related intentional drug overdose among young people: a national registry study of characteristics, incidence and trends, 2007-2018. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2021; 56:773-781. [PMID: 33146859 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-020-01981-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Incidence rates of hospital-presenting self-harm are highest in people under 25 years and are reportedly increasing in some countries. Intentional drug overdose (IDO) is the most common self-harm method among young people, with paracetamol the drug most frequently used. This study aimed to describe the characteristics, incidence, and temporal trends in paracetamol-related IDO among young people. METHODS Data from the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland on hospital-presenting self-harm by individuals aged 1024 years during 2007-2018 were examined. Annual IDO rates per 100,000 were calculated by age and gender. Joinpoint regression analyses and incidence rate ratios were used to examine trends in the incidence of paracetamol-related IDO. RESULTS During the study, 10,985 paracetamol-related IDOs were recorded. The incidence of paracetamol-related IDO among young people increased by 9% between 2007 and 2018 (IRR 1.09 95% CI 1.00-1.19), with the highest annual percentage change (APC) in females aged 18-24 years (APC 1.2%). Conversely, rates of paracetamol-related IDO among males aged 18-24 years decreased significantly (APC 1.6%). Between 2013 and 2018, excesses of 386 and 151 paracetamol-related IDOs were observed in females aged 10-17 and 18-24 years, respectively, and 42 excess presentations were observed for males aged 10-17 years. There were 107 fewer presentations than expected for males aged 18-24 years. CONCLUSION The increase in paracetamol-related IDO among specific groups of young people, particularly young females is an issue of growing concern. Interventions targeting IDO among young people are needed, incorporating measures to address the availability of paracetamol and aftercare following IDO.
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21
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Ly J, Brown JA, Buckley NA, Cairns R. Paediatric poisoning exposures in schools: reports to Australia's largest poisons centre. Arch Dis Child 2020; 106:archdischild-2020-319919. [PMID: 33139351 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-319919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe poisoning exposures occurring at school in a large sample of Australian children. DESIGN A population-based retrospective cohort study. SETTING Cases reported to the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSWPIC), Australia's largest poisons information centre, taking 50% of the nation's poisoning calls. PATIENTS Poisoning exposures occurring in children and adolescents while at school were included, over a 4.5-year period (January 2014 to June 2018). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Time trends in poisonings, demographics, exposure characteristics, substances involved, disposition. RESULTS There were 1751 calls relating to exposures at school made to NSWPIC. Most calls concerned accidental exposures (60.8%, n=1064), followed by deliberate self-poisonings (self-harm, 12.3%, n=216). Over a quarter of cases were hospitalised (n=468), where the call originated from hospital or patients referred to hospital by NSWPIC. Disposition varied by exposure type, and hospitalisation was highest with deliberate self-poisonings (92.6%, n=200), recreational exposures (57.1%, n=12) and other intentional exposures (32.6%, n=45). The median age was 12 (IQR 8-15 years), and 54.7% were male (n=958). The most common pharmaceutical exposures were to paracetamol (n=100), methylphenidate (n=78) and ibuprofen (n=53), with the majority being deliberate self-poisonings. Copper sulfate was responsible for 55 science class cases, 45% of which were hospitalised. Cases may be increasing, with 81.3 (±8.2) calls per quarter, 2014-2016, and 129.3 (±24.3) calls per quarter, 2017-2018. CONCLUSIONS Poisoning exposures occurring at school are common, with disposition and substances involved varying considerably by exposure reason. The relatively high number of referrals to hospital highlights the need for investigation into preventative measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ly
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- New South Wales Poisons Information Centre, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jared A Brown
- New South Wales Poisons Information Centre, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Buckley
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- New South Wales Poisons Information Centre, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rose Cairns
- New South Wales Poisons Information Centre, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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22
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Tracey M, Finkelstein Y, Schachter R, Cleverley K, Monga S, Barwick M, Szatmari P, Moretti ME, Willan A, Henderson J, Korczak DJ. Recruitment of adolescents with suicidal ideation in the emergency department: lessons from a randomized controlled pilot trial of a youth suicide prevention intervention. BMC Med Res Methodol 2020; 20:231. [PMID: 32928140 PMCID: PMC7490899 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-01117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency Departments (EDs) are a first point-of-contact for many youth with mental health and suicidality concerns and can serve as an effective recruitment source for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mental health interventions. However, recruitment in acute care settings is impeded by several challenges. This pilot RCT of a youth suicide prevention intervention recruited adolescents aged 12 to 17 years presenting to a pediatric hospital ED with suicide related behaviors. METHODS Recruitment barriers were identified during the initial study recruitment period and included: the time of day of ED presentations, challenges inherent to study presentation, engagement and participation during an acute presentation, challenges approaching and enrolling acutely suicidal patients and families, ED environmental factors, and youth and parental concerns regarding the study. We calculated the average recruitment productivity for published trials of adolescent suicide prevention strategies which included the ED as a recruitment site in order to compare our recruitment productivity. RESULTS In response to identified barriers, an enhanced ED-centered recruitment strategy was developed to address low recruitment rate, specifically (i) engaging a wider network of ED and outpatient psychiatry staff (ii) dissemination of study pamphlets across multiple areas of the ED and relevant outpatient clinics. Following implementation of the enhanced recruitment strategy, the pre-post recruitment productivity, a ratio of patients screened to patients randomized, was computed. A total of 120 patients were approached for participation, 89 (74.2%) were screened and 45 (37.5%) were consented for the study from March 2018 to April 2019. The screening to randomization ratio for the study period prior to the introduction of the enhanced recruitment strategies was 3:1, which decreased to 1.8:1 following the implementation of enhanced recruitment strategies. The ratio for the total recruitment period was 2.1:1. This was lower than the average ratio of 3.2:1 for published trials. CONCLUSIONS EDs are feasible sites for participant recruitment in RCTs examining new interventions for acute mental health problems, including suicidality. Engaging multi-disciplinary ED staff to support recruitment for such studies, proactively addressing anticipated concerns, and creating a robust recruitment pathway that includes approach at outpatient appointments can optimize recruitment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03488602 , retrospectively registered April 4, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tracey
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Yaron Finkelstein
- Divisions of Paediatric Emergency Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, 525 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2L3, Canada
| | - Reva Schachter
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Kristin Cleverley
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 130-155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5P 1T8, Canada
| | - Suneeta Monga
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College St, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Melanie Barwick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College St, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.,Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College St, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Myla E Moretti
- Clinical Trial Unit, Ontario Child Health Support Unit, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Andrew Willan
- Clinical Trial Unit, Ontario Child Health Support Unit, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Joanna Henderson
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 5226-88 Workman Way, Toronto, ON, M5J 1H4, Canada
| | - Daphne J Korczak
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
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Daly C, Griffin E, McMahon E, Corcoran P, Webb RT, Witt K, Ashcroft DM, Arensman E. Repeat Self-Harm Following Hospital-Presenting Intentional Drug Overdose among Young People-A National Registry Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176159. [PMID: 32854234 PMCID: PMC7504369 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: The incidence of hospital-presenting self-harm peaks among young people, who most often engage in intentional drug overdose (IDO). The risk of self-harm repetition is high among young people and switching methods between self-harm episodes is common. However, little is known about their patterns of repetition and switching following IDO. This study aimed to investigate repeat self-harm and method-switching following hospital-presenting IDO among young people. Methods: Data from the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland on hospital-presenting self-harm by individuals aged 10–24 years during 2009–2018 were examined. Cox proportional hazards regression models with associated hazard ratios (HRs), survival curves and Poisson regression models with risk ratios (RRs), were used to examine risk factors for repetition and method-switching. Results: During 2009–2018, 16,800 young people presented following IDO. Within 12 months, 2136 young people repeated self-harm. Factors associated with repetition included being male (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.24), aged 10–17 years (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18–1.41), consuming ≥ 50 tablets (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.07–1.49) and taking benzodiazepines (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.40–1.98) or antidepressants (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18–1.56). The cumulative risk for switching method was 2.4% (95% CI: 2.2–2.7). Method-switching was most likely to occur for males (RR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.09–1.69) and for those who took illegal drugs (RR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.19–2.25). Conclusion: Young males are at increased risk of repeat self-harm and method-switching following IDO and the type and quantity of drugs taken are further indicators of risk. Interventions targeting IDO among young people are needed that ensure that mental health assessments are undertaken and which address access to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Daly
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork 021, Ireland; (E.G.); (E.M.); (P.C.); (E.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-21-420-5551
| | - Eve Griffin
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork 021, Ireland; (E.G.); (E.M.); (P.C.); (E.A.)
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork 021, Ireland
| | - Elaine McMahon
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork 021, Ireland; (E.G.); (E.M.); (P.C.); (E.A.)
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork 021, Ireland
| | - Paul Corcoran
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork 021, Ireland; (E.G.); (E.M.); (P.C.); (E.A.)
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork 021, Ireland
| | - Roger T. Webb
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester M13, UK; (R.T.W.); (D.M.A.)
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester M13, UK
| | - Katrina Witt
- Orygen, Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia;
| | - Darren M. Ashcroft
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester M13, UK; (R.T.W.); (D.M.A.)
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester M13, UK
| | - Ella Arensman
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork 021, Ireland; (E.G.); (E.M.); (P.C.); (E.A.)
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork 021, Ireland
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Queensland 4122, Australia
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Stocks of paracetamol products stored in urban New Zealand households: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233806. [PMID: 32479539 PMCID: PMC7263603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intentional self-harm is a common cause of hospital presentations in New Zealand and across the world, and self-poisoning is the most common method of self-harm. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is frequently used in impulsive intentional overdoses, where ease of access may determine the choice of substance. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study aimed to determine how much paracetamol is present and therefore accessible in urban New Zealand households, and sources from where it has been obtained. This information is not currently available through any other means, but could inform New Zealand drug policy on access to paracetamol. METHODS Random cluster-sampling of households was performed in major urban areas of two cities in New Zealand, and the paracetamol-containing products, quantities, and sources were recorded. Population estimates of proportions of various types of paracetamol products were calculated. RESULTS A total of 174 of the 201 study households (86.6%) had at least one paracetamol product. Study households had mostly prescription products (78.2% of total mass), and a median of 24.0 g paracetamol present per household (inter-quartile range 6.0-54.0 g). Prescribed paracetamol was the main source of large stock. Based on the study findings, 53% of New Zealand households had 30 g or more paracetamol present, and 36% had 30 g or more of prescribed paracetamol, specifically. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of assessing whether and how much paracetamol is truly needed when prescribing and dispensing it. Convenience of appropriate access to therapeutic paracetamol needs to be balanced with preventing unnecessary accumulation of paracetamol stocks in households and inappropriate access to it. Prescribers and pharmacists need to be aware of the risks of such accumulation and assess the therapeutic needs of their patients. Public initiatives should be rolled out at regular intervals to encourage people to return unused or expired medicines to pharmacies for safe disposal.
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