A Retrospective Analysis of Acute Poisoning Cases Admitted to Alexandria Poison Center: Pattern and Outcome

Abstract

Background: Exposure to poisoning can be accidental, suicidal, or homicidal. There is a progressive increase in the misuse of natural and unnatural toxins with increased morbidity and mortality rates. With insufficient databases about the pattern and the outcome of poisoning, no plans can be achieved for prevention and management. So, the aim of the present study was to outline the pattern and outcome of acute poisoning in Alexandria Poison Center (APC), Egypt. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out and included all patients admitted to APC from the 1st of June to the 31st of December in the year 2019. Results: The total number of admitted poisoned patients in APC was 3881 in 6 months period. The highest incidence of poisoning occurred under the age of 10 years (32.9%) and females outnumbered males. It was noticed that there is significant difference regarding suicidal tendencies where it was higher in females (44.6%) than in males (21.2 %). The most common intoxications were by corrosives (34.9%) followed by pesticides (33. 7%), food poisoning (23.3%) and CNS drugs (23.1%). Most of the poisoned cases (99%) stayed for approximately 1.5 days. Full recovery was the outcome in 99.6% of cases, whereas 0.3% of males and 0.1% of females left without discharge and 0.1% of each gender suffered complications.Conclusion: The highest percentage of poisoning occurred below the age of 10, with female predominance in poisoning and suicidal tendency. The most common agents involved were corrosives, pesticides, followed by medication overdose and food poisoning. The good outcome of cases was due to the availability of antidotes and trained personnel.

Keywords

• alexandria
• poison centers
• acute poisoning
• toxicology
• egypt