Hong Kong Poison Information Centre: Annual Report 2012

Abstract

Objective To report and analyze the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2012. Methods In 2012, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database: Poison Information and Clinical Management System (PICMS) for analysis. 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. 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. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2013;20:371-381)