Citation

Chan YC, Tse ML, Lau FL. Hong Kong J. Emerg. Med. 2011; 18(4): 221-231.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Medcom Limited)

DOI

10.1177/102490791101800406

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

To report and analyse the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2009.

METHODS: In 2009, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database (PICMS) for analysis.

RESULTS: Totally 4338 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1955 male patients (45.1%), 2,367 female patients (54.6%) and 16 patients with no gender specified. More than two-third of cases (68.6%) were between 20 and 59 years old. Common causes of exposure were suspected self harm/suicidal attempt, abusive use and unintentional exposure. Paracetamol, ketamine, zopiclone, benzodiazepine and household products were the common poisons exposed. Majority of the patients were managed supportively, with 13.6% and 13.1% treated by decontamination and antidotes respectively. Most cases had uneventful recovery; about 1% of the poison exposure resulted in death and about 5% of the exposure had major outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: The 2009 annual report provides updated epidemiological information on poisoning pattern in Hong Kong and emphasized some changes in comparing with our previous reports.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; human; Epidemiology; naloxone; child; female; infant; male; Poisoning; Hong Kong; aged; ketamine; suicide attempt; drug abuse; death; article; major clinical study; data base; school child; drug intoxication; preschool child; stomach lavage; paracetamol; activated carbon; medical literature; benzodiazepine; antidote; domestic chemical; zopiclone; acetylcysteine; bicarbonate; outcome assessment; Poison control centers