@article{ref1,
title="Poisoning in older adults: the experience of the National Poisons Information Centre",
journal="Irish medical journal",
year="2008",
author="Cassidy, N. and Lee, S. K. and Donegan, C. F. and Tracey, J. A.",
volume="101",
number="9",
pages="268-270",
abstract="Data regarding the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of poisoning in older adults are limited. A retrospective review of enquiries to the National Poisons Information Centre, involving adults aged over-65 years, was conducted from 2001-2003 inclusive. Information on poisoning circumstances, patient demographics, type and number of agent(s), symptoms, enquiry source, location, and route of exposure was collated. 575 adults over-65 years of age were poisoned during the study period. 37.2% (n=214) of poisonings were intentional, 54.4% (n=313) were unintentional, in 5.6% (n=32) of cases the circumstances were unknown, and 2.8% (n=16) were requests for information only. 70.3% (n=404) of poisonings involved pharmaceuticals, 29.0% (n=167) chemicals, and 0.7% (n=4) foreign bodies. The principal pharmaceuticals included cardiovascular drugs, hypnotics/sedatives, and antidepressants. 145 (25%) patients were poisoned with multiple pharmaceutical agents. Overall, 301 (52.3%/) older adults were symptomatic and there were 5 fatalities. Substantial morbidity and mortality occurred following poisoning in older adults. Poison prevention strategies are needed to reduce toxic exposures.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0332-3102",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}