Citation

Chan YC, Tse ML, Lau FL. Hong Kong J. Emerg. Med. 2012; 19(2): 110-120.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Medcom Limited)

DOI

10.1177/102490791201900206

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report and analyse the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2010.

METHODS: In 2010, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database (PICMS) for analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 4,418 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1,863 male patients (42.2%) and 2,540 female patients (57.5%). More than two-third of cases (68.3%) were between 20 and 59 years old. Common causes of exposure were suspected self harm/suicidal attempt, unintentional exposure and abusive use. Benzodiazepine, paracetamol, ketamine, zopiclone, and Chinese herbal medicine were the common agents involved. Majority of the patients were managed supportively, with 10.2% and 9.7% treated by decontamination and antidotes respectively. Most cases had uneventful recovery; 1.0% of the poison exposure resulted in death and 5.3% of the exposure had major outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: This fifth 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

adult; human; Epidemiology; child; female; male; Poisoning; Hong Kong; ketamine; suicide attempt; intoxication; abuse; article; major clinical study; controlled study; data base; school child; automutilation; preschool child; paracetamol; poison center; poison; benzodiazepine; antidote; zopiclone; antibiotic agent; exposure; chelation therapy; aspiration pneumonia; oxygen therapy; herbaceous agent; chelating agent; waste management; Poison control centers; Chinese drug; Chinese medicine; Herbal medicine; Traditional chinese medicine