Evaluatian of the patiens applied to the ed due to multiple drug poisoning: analysis of 7 years

Abstract

Introduction: In this retrospective descriptive study, we aimed to define the incidence, clinical findings, etiological and demographic characteristics of multiple drug poisoning cases admitted to the Emergency Department (ED).
Material and Method: In the present study, patients who applied to the ED of Erciyes University Medical School due to multiple drug poisonings between January, 1995, and December 31, 2001, were evaluated retrospectively. The data were collected from the registration documents and patient charts. Patients were evaluated according to their demographic characteristics, drug type, laboratory and clinical findings, observation period, fatality and hospitality rates.
Results: During the study period, 389 multiple drug poisoning files could be obtained. 68.5% (n: 266) of the patients were female and the mean age was 22.8±10. Multiple drug poisonings were frequently seen in the 15-34 years age group (n: 322; 82.8%). Suicidal attempt was found in 372 (93.8%) cases. Eight patients were pregnant and two patients had acute gastrointestinal bleeding. One hundred eighty-five patients took two different drugs (47.6%) and only one patient (0.3%) ingested nine different drugs. The most frequently drug combination were NSAID and antibiotics (n: 83; 23.8%). The majority of the patients (n: 246; 63.2%) admitted to ED within five hours after ingestion. One hundred sixty one patients (41.4%) had psychiatric illness. The most frequent diagnosis was depression and accounted for 49 cases (12.6%). Twenty one patients had abnormal EKG findings. Gastrointestinal decontamination (i.e., gastric lavage and activated charcoal) were applied to 73% of the patients Three hundred thirty seven patients (86.6%) were followed in ED. Median duration of observation was 5 (min-max: 0-72) hours and fifty two patients were referred to intensive care unit. None of the patients died.
Conclusion: Multiple drug poisoning cases were seen especially in female and younger age group. Underlying chronic disease and psychiatric disorders may increase poisoning attempt.