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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: To report and analyse the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre in 2016.
METHODS: In 2016, all poisoning cases received by Hong Kong Poison Information Centre were retrieved from its database (Poison Information and Clinical Management System) for analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 4096 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1871 male patients (45.7%), 2203 female patients (53.8%) and 22 sex unspecified patients (0.5%). The majority of the cases (63.1%) were between 20 and 59 years old. Common causes for poisoning were suspected self-harm/suicidal attempt (36.3%), unintentional exposure (18.4%) and abusive use (13.1%). Excluding the common co-ingestant ethanol, the five commonest types of poisons were benzodiazepines, paracetamol, household products, zopiclone and Chinese herbal medicine. Most patients were managed with supportive measures, while 14.3% and 12.9% of them were treated by decontamination and antidotes, respectively. Majority of the cases had uneventful recovery; 1% resulted in death and 3.9% had major outcomes. Six interesting cases and three poisoning outbreaks were discussed.
CONCLUSION: This 11th annual report provided the updated epidemiological information on poisoning pattern in Hong Kong and highlighted important changes in comparing with our previous reports. © The Author(s) 2017.
Language: en |