Hong Kong Poison Information Centre: Annual Report 2006

Abstract

Objective To report the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2006. Methods From 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2006, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database (DATOX) for analysis. Results A total of 2555 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1051 male and 1466 female patients and nearly 60% of the cases were between 20 and 49 years old. Common causes of exposure were suicidal attempts and accidents. Paracetamol, sedative-hypnotic and household products were common sources of poison exposure. The majority of the patients were managed conservatively, with 18.8% and 10.5% treated by decontamination and antidotes respectively. Most cases had uneventful recovery; less than 1% of the poison exposure resulted in death and about 5% of the exposure had major outcomes. Nearly half of the cases were managed in the accident & emergency department without hospitalisation. Conclusions This annual report provides updated epidemiological information on poisoning in Hong Kong. Subsequent annual reports would provide important information on the trend of poisoning pattern and may guide further strategies in poison control and prevention in Hong Kong.