Citation

Acun P, Yilmaz I, Denizlioǧlu B, Demirtaş Y, Aksay E. Duzce Medical Journal 2013; 15(1): 33-36.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE: Diversity and widespread availability of paracetamol containing preparations increase the likelihood of their use for suicidal attempts. This retrospective study aimed to provide information regarding the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with paracetamol intoxication. Material and Methods: A total of 214 patients attending to the Emergency Unit of the Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital between 1 January-31 December 2009 with a preliminary diagnosis of paracetamol intoxication were included. Demographic and clinical data have been collected.

RESULTS: Patients younger than 20 years of age represented the majority (78 patients, 36.4%) of the cases. Most of the emergency visits were recorded between 22:00 and 23:00 p.m. and between 00:00 and 01:00 a.m. Proportion of patients was highest in June as compared to other months. Of the whole study population, 55 (26%) ingested only paracetamol, while 159 (74%) were intoxicated with other drugs and/or alcohol as well. Symptoms were present in 174 patients (81%); 40 patients (19%) had no symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: Good knowledge of demographic data of the patients and effective use of poison call centers may help to improve diagnosis and management in paracetamol intoxication.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; Intoxication; human; Suicide; female; male; aged; suicide attempt; emergency care; hospital; alcohol intoxication; article; major clinical study; seasonal variation; retrospective study; drug intoxication; length of stay; clinical feature; stomach lavage; paracetamol; poison center; activated carbon; demography; symptom; Paracetamol; acetylcysteine; Turkey (republic); Demographic data; research hospital