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Cowans C, Love A, Tangiisuran B, Jacob SA. Uncovering the Hidden Burden of Pharmaceutical Poisoning in High-Income and Low-Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. PHARMACY 2023; 11:184. [PMID: 38133459 PMCID: PMC10747954 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy11060184] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmaceutical poisoning is a significant global public health concern, causing approximately 190,000 deaths annually. This scoping review aims to comprehensively map the available literature on pharmaceutical poisoning and compare patterns between high-income countries (HICs) and low-middle-income countries (LMICs). A systematic search was performed across the following databases: Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL. Studies included were from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020, in English, with full text available. Seventy-nine articles were included in the study; 21 were from LMICs and 58 were from HICs. Toxic exposure was largely intentional (77%) in LMICs and accidental (68%) in HICs. Drugs acting on the nervous system were responsible for 95% of toxicities worldwide with analgesics accounting for the largest subtherapeutic group in both LMICs (40%) and HICs (58%). Notable statistics were that HICs accounted for 99% of opioid overdoses, and LMICs accounted for 19% of anti-epileptic-induced toxicities. Overall, the medical outcomes due to poisonings were generally worse in LMICs. The review provides possible interventions to target specific geographic locations, based on the trends identified, to reduce the burden worldwide. Many gaps within the literature were recognised, calling for more robust analytical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Cowans
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (C.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Anya Love
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (C.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Balamurugan Tangiisuran
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia;
| | - Sabrina Anne Jacob
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK; (C.C.); (A.L.)
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
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Bhattacharjee B, Roy S, Alam MMJ, Royle RKS, Paul S, Islam MS, Bari MS, Chowdhury FR. Psychosocial Factors Behind Deliberate Self-Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e39893. [PMID: 37404390 PMCID: PMC10315325 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) is an important cause of hospital admissions and subsequent mortality. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study in a tertiary-level teaching hospital situated in the northeastern part of Bangladesh to analyze the psychosocial factors responsible for DSP. METHODS This cross-sectional observational study was carried out among patients with DSP admitted to the medicine ward from January to December 2017, irrespective of gender, except for cases involving poisoning due to spoiled food, food contaminated by infectious organisms, poisoning by venomous animals, and street poisoning (commuter or travel-related poisoning). Consultant psychiatrist in accordance with the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder - IV (DSM-IV) confirmed psychiatric disorders. Data were analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for social sciences) version 16.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS Total 100 patients were enrolled. Among them, 43% were male and 57% were female. The majority (85%) of the patients were young, aged below 30 years. The mean age of male patients was 26.2 years and that of females was 21.69 years. Most of the DSP patients were from the lower economic class (59%). The population sample was remarkable for students (Prevalence 37%). The highest percentage of patients (33%) had their educational status at the secondary level. The common reasons for DSP were a family problem in 31% patients, quarrel with boy/girlfriend in 20%, quarrel with a spouse in 13%, quarrel with parents or other family member in 7%, failure in examination in 6%, poverty in 3%, and unemployment in 3%. Prescription medication was the most common poison material (38%), followed by insecticides (36%), household cleaners (17%), and rodenticides (8%). Seven (7%) patients reported previous deliberate self-harm events and co-morbid psychiatric disorder was present in 30% patients among them major depressive disorder was found in 60%, and schizophrenia in 23.3% cases. CONCLUSION DSP remains a problem mainly for the young with gender ratio-favoring females. The majority of DSPs were educated up to secondary level, unmarried, residents of rural areas, student, and belonged to the lower class. Familial disharmony and quarrel with spouse or friends were the common reason behind DSP. Prescription medication and insecticides were commonly used for DSP. Psychiatric disorders, primarily depressive disorder, and schizophrenia were common in cases of DSP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soumitra Roy
- Internal Medicine, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, BGD
| | - M M Jahangir Alam
- Internal Medicine, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, BGD
| | - R K S Royle
- Psychiatry, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, BGD
| | - Shrebash Paul
- Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Infectious Disease Hospital, Dhaka, BGD
| | - Md Sohidul Islam
- Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, BGD
| | | | - Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury
- Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, BGD
- Toxicology, Toxicology Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka, BGD
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Alageel MK, Alwatban SM, Aldusari R, Aldeeb M, Alsomali S. The Effect of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Frequency of Acute Poisoning Presentation to Adult and Pediatric Emergency Departments. Cureus 2023; 15:e33581. [PMID: 36636518 PMCID: PMC9830523 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus type 2 that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) was detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. A worldwide emergency response has been initiated because of the fast rise in the number of cases and fatalities during the early stages of the pandemic when vaccinations and efficient medical care were unavailable. Misinformation spread quickly in the early phases of the pandemic, leading to the inappropriate use of medications, chemicals, and traditional remedies for their claimed preventive or therapeutic purposes. Thus, our aim is to identify the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown on the patterns of intoxicated patients presenting to King Abdulaziz Medical City's adult and pediatric emergency departments. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the adult emergency department at King Abdulaziz Medical City and the pediatric emergency department at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All patients presented with poisoning as a chief complaint between March 23 to June 21 in 2019 (pre-lockdown), 2020 (the lockdown), and 2021 (post-lockdown) were included. Cases of registered poisoning complaints were reviewed and assessed with respect to patient demographics, the causative agent/substance responsible for the poisoning, management of poisoning, and particular outcomes on the approved data collection form by the research team. The data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS v26 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). The descriptive statistics are presented as frequency and percentage for the categorical data variables and mean and standard deviation for the numerical data. The data were further analyzed by using cross-tabulation (chi-square test), for the data that are both the predictor and the outcome was categorical. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical tests. Results Out of 318 patients identified, 164 were adults and 154 were pediatric patients. The mean age of adult and pediatric patients was 33.3±15.5 years and 4±3.6 years, respectively. The majority of patients (115; 70.1%) were males in the adult group and females (90; 58.4%) in the pediatric. The majority of self-harm cases were accidental among both adults and pediatrics, 109 (66.5%) and 144 (93.5%), respectively. The disposition from the emergency department was discharged for 113 (68.7%) adult patients and 134 (87.0%) pediatric patients. The number of cases presented to ER with poisoning cases during the lockdown decreased. This was further tested inferentially, but no significant association was seen among study variables, i.e., p > 0.05. Conclusion The lockdown and pandemic had a significant impact on the rate and patterns of ED visits. The establishment and operation of Drug and Poison Information Centers (DPIC) across the Kingdom, in addition to increasing awareness through campaigns addressing drug and substance safety, is recommended.
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Nair SJ, Sujatha C, Chettiar K P S, Sasikala K. Toxico-epidemiology of acute poisoning; an exploratory study from a tertiary care hospital in South India along with global comparisons and solutions. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 83:102247. [PMID: 34454338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102247] [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: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poisoning has been and still is a major problem faced throughout the globe. But its patterns are different and changing in different parts of the world due to local influences. This calls for a study to explore the issue in this unique South Indian state. METHODS A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted to analyse the patterns of poisoning and the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients. Subgroups were compared using Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test and further analysed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS 48% of cases were of pharmaceutical drug poisoning. 27.5% of these cases involved polymedication and Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) turned out to be the single most drug used. Suicide was the most common circumstance. 10% of patients had co-diagnoses of psychiatric disorders. Univariate analysis separately showed that females (p < 0.001), higher educated (p = 0.149), higher socioeconomic strata (p = 0.136) and non-addicts (p = 0.002) were more exposed to drugs whereas males, lower educated, lower socioeconomic strata and addicts are skewed to pesticides for poisoning. Most repeat suicide attempts were with the same poisonous agent. 70% of patients with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder have attempted suicide before using some drugs (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our study highlights the importance of a region-wise, targeted approach in policymaking to curb poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chintha Sujatha
- Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | | | - K Sasikala
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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Fayed MM, Sharif AF. Impact of Lockdown due to COVID-19 on the Modalities of Intoxicated Patients Presenting to the Emergency Room. Prehosp Disaster Med 2021; 36:145-162. [PMID: 33397546 PMCID: PMC7809242 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x20001533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic influences health care facilities world-wide. The flow rate, type, and severity of cases presented to emergency departments varied during the pandemic in comparison to the past years. However, this change has not been well-described among the cases of hospital admission due to toxic exposure. STUDY OBJECTIVE Recognition of the pattern of toxic exposure among the cases refereed to Tanta Poison Control Center (TPCC; Tanta, Egypt) during the past five years, and furthermore, exploration of the impact of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the pattern of presented cases. METHODS The current study is a five-year retrospective, comparative cross-sectional study carried out among acutely intoxicated patients admitted to TPCC during the spring months (March through May) of 2016-2020. A total of 1,916 patients with complete medical records were recruited. The type and manner of toxic exposure, demographic, clinical data, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS The current study noted that there were delays in time from toxic exposure to emergency services during the lockdown period. This was reflected in significant lower recovery rates (884.8/1,000 population; z = -3.0) and higher death rates (49.4/1,000 population; z = 2.1) despite the marked decrease in the total number of hospital admissions in comparison to the past four years. The lockdown period showed significantly higher phosphides (z = 3.5; χ2 = 34.295; P <.001) and antipsychotics exposure (z = 3.6; χ2 = 21.494; P <.001) than the previous years. However, predominance of female exposure and intentional self-poisoning was maintained over the past five years, including the lockdown. CONCLUSION COVID-19-associated lockdown greatly reformed the usual intoxication pattern of the cases admitted to emergency room. Also, it played a role in delaying time of hospital arrival, which was reflected as lower recovery rates and higher death rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manar M. Fayed
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Asmaa F. Sharif
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
- Clinical Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Dar Al Uloom University, Saudi Arabia
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Lionte C, Sorodoc V, Jaba E, Botezat A. Development and validation of a risk-prediction nomogram for in-hospital mortality in adults poisoned with drugs and nonpharmaceutical agents: An observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e6404. [PMID: 28328838 PMCID: PMC5371475 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000006404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute poisoning with drugs and nonpharmaceutical agents represents an important challenge in the emergency department (ED).The objective is to create and validate a risk-prediction nomogram for use in the ED to predict the risk of in-hospital mortality in adults from acute poisoning with drugs and nonpharmaceutical agents.This was a prospective cohort study involving adults with acute poisoning from drugs and nonpharmaceutical agents admitted to a tertiary referral center for toxicology between January and December 2015 (derivation cohort) and between January and June 2016 (validation cohort). We used a program to generate nomograms based on binary logistic regression predictive models. We included variables that had significant associations with death. Using regression coefficients, we calculated scores for each variable, and estimated the event probability. Model validation was performed using bootstrap to quantify our modeling strategy and using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. The nomogram was tested on a separate validation cohort using ROC analysis and goodness-of-fit tests.Data from 315 patients aged 18 to 91 years were analyzed (n = 180 in the derivation cohort; n = 135 in the validation cohort). In the final model, the following variables were significantly associated with mortality: age, laboratory test results (lactate, potassium, MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase), electrocardiogram parameters (QTc interval), and echocardiography findings (E wave velocity deceleration time). Sex was also included to use the same model for men and women. The resulting nomogram showed excellent survival/mortality discrimination (area under the curve [AUC] 0.976, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.954-0.998, P < 0.0001 for the derivation cohort; AUC 0.957, 95% CI 0.892-1, P < 0.0001 for the validation cohort).This nomogram provides more precise, rapid, and simple risk-analysis information for individual patients acutely exposed to drugs and nonpharmaceutical agents, and accurately estimates the probability of in-hospital death, exclusively using the results of objective tests available in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Lionte
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy
| | - Victorita Sorodoc
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy
| | | | - Alina Botezat
- Romanian Academy—“Gh. Zane” Institute for Economic and Social Research Teodor Codrescu No. 2, Iasi, Romania
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Lionte C, Sorodoc V, Tuchilus C, Cimpoiesu D, Jaba E. Biomarkers, lactate, and clinical scores as outcome predictors in systemic poisons exposures. Hum Exp Toxicol 2016; 36:651-662. [PMID: 27457800 DOI: 10.1177/0960327116660866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute exposure to systemic poisons represents an important challenge in clinical toxicology. We aimed to analyze the potential role of cardiac biomarkers, routine laboratory tests, and clinical scores as morbidity and in-hospital mortality predictors in patients intoxicated with various systemic poisons. We conducted a prospective study on adults acutely exposed to systemic poisons. We determined the PSS, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and we performed electrocardiogram, laboratory tests, lactate and cardiac biomarkers (which were reassessed 4 h, respectively 6 h later). Of 120 patients included, 45% developed complications, 19.2% had a poor outcome, and 5% died. Multivariate logistic regression sustained lactate (odds ratio (OR) 1.58; confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.97-2.59; p 0.066), MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (6h-CKMB; OR 1.08; CI 95%: 1.02-1.16; p 0.018) as predictors for a poor outcome. A GCS < 10 (OR 0.113; CI 95%: 0.019-0.658; p 0.015) and 4h-lactate (OR 4.87; CI 95%: 0.79-29.82; p 0.087) predicted mortality after systemic poisons exposure. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that brain natriuretic peptide (area under the curve (AUC), 0.96; CI 95%: 0.92-0.99; p < 0.001), lactate (AUC, 0.91; CI 95%: 0.85-0.97; p < 0.001), and 6h-CKMB have good discriminatory capacity for predicting a poor outcome. In conclusion, these biomarkers, lactate, and GCS can be used to predict morbidity and mortality after systemic poisons exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lionte
- 1 Second Medical Clinic, "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Iasi, Romania.,2 "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - V Sorodoc
- 1 Second Medical Clinic, "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Iasi, Romania.,2 "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - C Tuchilus
- 2 "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.,3 Central Laboratory, "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Iasi, Romania
| | - D Cimpoiesu
- 2 "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.,4 Department of Emergency Medicine, "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Iasi, Romania
| | - E Jaba
- 5 Department of Statistics, FEAA, "Al. I. Cuza" University, Iasi, Romania
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Gazzi EN, Sorodoc V, Jaba IM, Lionte C, Bologa C, Lupusoru CE, Lupusoru R, Sorodoc L, Petris O. Profile of adult acute cholinesterase inhibitors substances poisoning - a 30 years analysis. Open Med (Wars) 2015; 10:278-284. [PMID: 28352706 PMCID: PMC5152987 DOI: 10.1515/med-2015-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the pattern and outcome of acute cholinesterase inhibitors substances (CIS) poisoning cases, in a cohort from a regional tertiary care hospital. Methods cases admitted in the Toxicology Clinic of “Sf. Spiridon” Emergency Clinic Hospital Iasi, Romania between 1983 and 2013 were studied. Results a total number of 606 patients were included. The reason for exposures was intentional in 70% of cases and the commonest route of poisoning was oral in 92.2%. The highest percent of cases was females (56.4), the age group 20–29 (25.4%) and the majority (66.7%) coming from rural areas, 28.2% being agricultural workers. 36.6% of cases were severe clinical forms. Overall mortality rates were 3.8%, more than half of the death patients (65.2%) had concomitant alcohol intake. It was a significant statistical association between decrease level of serum cholinesterase on admittance and severe forms (p 0.000) and between survival and deaths groups (p 0.000). The pattern of poisoning described by our retrospective study suggests that CIS poisoning are mainly preventable. The main effective goals for prevention are restriction in free accessibility to toxic pesticides, together with sustained efforts in education concerning the life-threatening danger of pesticide poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugen N Gazzi
- "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinic Hospital, Internal Medicine and Toxicology Department, School of Medicine "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Victorita Sorodoc
- "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinic Hospital, Internal Medicine and Toxicology Department, School of Medicine "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania, Tel: +40728040582
| | - Irina M Jaba
- Pharmacology - Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Catalina Lionte
- "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinic Hospital, Internal Medicine and Toxicology Department, School of Medicine "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Bologa
- "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinic Hospital, Internal Medicine and Toxicology Department, School of Medicine "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Catalina E Lupusoru
- Pharmacology - Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Raoul Lupusoru
- Physiopathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Laurentiu Sorodoc
- "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinic Hospital, Internal Medicine and Toxicology Department, School of Medicine "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Petris
- "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinic Hospital, Internal Medicine and Toxicology Department, School of Medicine "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
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Koylu R, Dundar ZD, Koylu O, Akinci E, Akilli NB, Gonen MO, Cander B. The experiences in a toxicology unit: a review of 623 cases. J Clin Med Res 2013; 6:59-65. [PMID: 24400033 PMCID: PMC3881991 DOI: 10.4021/jocmr1687w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the etiological and demographic characteristics of adult poisoning patients followed up in a toxicology unit in Konya, Turkey. Methods Patients (≥ 15 years old) followed up with the diagnosis of poisoning in our toxicology unit in 2011 were included in this retrospective study. The patients’ medical records were investigated. Age, gender, medical history, the first medical center the patient had been admitted to, the routes and causes of poisoning, the toxins involved, the number of the pills taken, treatments, complications, the length of stay in the hospital and the outcome were recorded. Results A total of 623 patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 28.1 ± 15.1. Four hundred and forty-five (71.4%) of patients were female, 541 (86.9%) of them were poisoned via the oral route and 75 (12.0%) of them were poisoned by inhalation. The causes of poisoning were drugs in 408 (65.5%) patients, pesticides/insecticides in 58 (9.3%) patients and carbon monoxide in 49 (7.9%) patients. The commonly used drugs were as follows: analgesics (57.2%), antidepressants (25.4%) and gastrointestinal system drugs (15.8%). The poisonings were suicidal in 489 (78.5%) patients, accidental in 120 (19.3%) patients and overdose in 14 (2.2%) patients. The number of women was higher in the suicide group. At the end of the treatment, 604 (97.0%) of the patients were discharged and 3 (0.4%) of them died. The duration of follow-up was 39.2 ± 37.5 h. Conclusion The most common causes of poisoning are drugs, pesticides/insecticides and carbon monoxide. Health and educational policies at a national level are needed in order to prevent this medicosocial problem. Furthermore, specially equipped toxicology units should be constructed for the treatment and follow-up of the poisoned patients in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality to a significant extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramazan Koylu
- Konya Training and Research Hospital, Emergency Department, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Oznur Koylu
- Konya Training and Research Hospital, Biochemistry Department, Konya, Turkey
| | - Emine Akinci
- Konya Training and Research Hospital, Emergency Department, Konya, Turkey
| | | | | | - Basar Cander
- Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Emergency Medicine Department, Konya, Turkey
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Okumura Y, Shimizu S, Ishikawa KB, Matsuda S, Fushimi K, Ito H. Characteristics, procedural differences, and costs of inpatients with drug poisoning in acute care hospitals in Japan. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2012; 34:681-5. [PMID: 22902257 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the clinical and procedural characteristics of drug poisoning, to examine procedural differences between drug poisoning repeaters and non-repeaters, and to estimate the costs of drug poisoning. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of 6585 inpatients with drug poisoning was conducted, using the administrative database of the Diagnosis Procedure Combination/Per-Diem Payment System in 2008. RESULTS Although only 3% of patients required surgery and 65% were discharged from the hospitals within 3 days, greater than 30% were admitted to tertiary emergency care (i.e., high-level emergency care) centers that provide care to severely ill and trauma patients who require intensive care. Only 30% of patients received psychiatric consultation during hospitalization. In addition, repeaters were less likely to be admitted to hospitals by ambulance (67% vs. 76%) and more likely to be discharged within 3 days (77% vs. 65%) than non-repeaters. The annual economic burden of drug poisoning in Japan was $66 million (¥7.7 billion), with the population aged 20-39 years accounting for 50% of these costs. CONCLUSION This study highlights the need for optimally allocating resources and improving prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Okumura
- Department of Social Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira 187-8553, Tokyo, Japan.
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