Citation

Chan YC, Tse ML, Lau FL. Hong Kong J. Emerg. Med. 2013; 20(6): 371-381.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Medcom Limited)

DOI

10.1177/102490791302000607

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report and analyze the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2012.

METHODS: In 2012, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database: Poison Information and Clinical Management System (PICMS) for analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 4,814 poisoned cases were analyzed. There were 1,771 male patients (42.3%), 2,399 female patients (57.3%) and 14 sex unspecified patients (0.3%). Middle aged group (30-39 years) contributed about one-fifth (20.1%) of the poisoning cases while more than two-third (67.7%) of them were between 20 and 59 years old. Common causes for poisoning were suspected self-harm/suicidal attempt (45%), abusive substances use (13.9%) and unintentional exposure (13.0%). Five commonest types of poison exposed were paracetamol, benzodiazepine, zopiclone, bites and envenomation and household products. Majority of the patients were managed with supportive measures, and 15.7% and 11.9% of them were treated by decontamination and antidotes respectively. Most cases had uneventful recovery; 0.6% of the poison exposure resulted in death and 4.7% of the exposure had major outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: This seventh annual report provides updated epidemiological information on poisoning pattern in Hong Kong and highlights important changes in comparing with our previous reports.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; Epidemiology; naloxone; child; female; infant; male; newborn; Hong Kong; alcohol; aged; envenomation; suicide attempt; intoxication; substance abuse; death; article; major clinical study; consultation; school child; preschool child; stomach lavage; paracetamol; activated carbon; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; diarrhea; benzodiazepine; amiodarone; antidote; atropine; domestic chemical; zopiclone; acetylcysteine; bicarbonate; heart ventricle fibrillation; flecainide; infusion fluid; single drug dose; bite; chloral hydrate; Chinese medicine; rivastigmine; acute hepatitis; transdermal patch; lipid emulsion; scorpion venom; voluntary reporting; Poison control centre; Aconitum carmichaelii; chlorofluorocarbon; Chlorofluorocarbons; grayanotoxin; Grayanotoxin I; Scorpion; tetrachloroethylene