Abstract
Objective To report and analyse the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2010. Methods In 2010, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database (PICMS) for analysis. Results A total of 4,418 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1,863 male patients (42.2%) and 2,540 female patients (57.5%). More than two-third of cases (68.3%) were between 20 and 59 years old. Common causes of exposure were suspected self harm/suicidal attempt, unintentional exposure and abusive use. Benzodiazepine, paracetamol, ketamine, zopiclone, and Chinese herbal medicine were the common agents involved. Majority of the patients were managed supportively, with 10.2% and 9.7% treated by decontamination and antidotes respectively. Most cases had uneventful recovery; 1.0% of the poison exposure resulted in death and 5.3% of the exposure had major outcomes. Conclusions This fifth annual report provides updated epidemiological information on poisoning pattern in Hong Kong and emphasized some changes in comparing with our previous reports.
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