Citation

Chan YC, Tse ML, Lau FL. Hong Kong J. Emerg. Med. 2016; 23(6): 358-370.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Medcom Limited)

DOI

10.1177/102490791602300605

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report and analyse the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2015.

METHODS: In 2015, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database [Poison Information and Clinical Management System (PICMS)] for analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 3,960 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1,770 male patients (44.7%), 2,176 female patients (55.0%) and 14 sex unspecified patients (0.4%). The majority of the cases (63.5%) were between 20 and 59 years old. Common causes for poisoning were suspected self-harm/suicidal attempt (38.4%), unintentional exposure (17.4%) and abusive substances use (11.6%). Excluding the common co-ingestant ethanol, the five commonest types of poison were paracetamol, benzodiazepine, household products, zopiclone and Chinese herbal medicine. Most patients were managed with supportive measures, while 16.4% and 16.2% of them were treated by decontamination and antidotes respectively. Majority of the cases had uneventful recovery; 1% resulted in death and 4.3% had major outcomes. Seven interesting cases and one outbreak were discussed.

CONCLUSIONS: This 10th annual report provided updated epidemiological information on poisoning pattern in Hong Kong and highlighted important changes in comparing with our previous reports. © Medcom Limited. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; Epidemiology; child; female; male; Hong Kong; aged; herbal medicine; substance use; suicide attempt; intoxication; death; major clinical study; consultation; automutilation; paracetamol; poison center; health care personnel; benzodiazepine; antidote; domestic chemical; zopiclone; inhalation; Arsenic; Article; waste management; skin injury; very elderly; Poison control centre; electronic patient record; Ethyl chloride; Mushroom; Sodium monofluoroacetate