@article{ref1,
title="Hong Kong poison information centre: Annual report 2012",
journal="Hong Kong journal of emergency medicine",
year="2013",
author="Chan, Y.C. and Tse, M.L. and Lau, F.L.",
volume="20",
number="6",
pages="371-381",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To report and analyze the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2012. <br><br>METHODS: In 2012, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database: Poison Information and Clinical Management System (PICMS) for analysis. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1024-9079",
doi="10.1177/102490791302000607",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/102490791302000607"
}