Hong Kong Poison Information Centre: Annual report 2018

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to report and analyse the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre in 2018. Methods: In 2018, all poisoning cases received by Hong Kong Poison Information Centre were retrieved from its database, Poison Information and Clinical Management System, for analysis. Results: A total of 3960 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1770 male patients (44.7%), 2188 female patients (55.3%) and 2 sex-unspecified patients (<0.1%). The majority of cases (68.3%) were between 20 and 69 years old, and 9.9% involved children of 0–5 years old. The common causes of poisoning were suspected self-harm/suicidal attempt (36.6%), unintentional exposure (18.4%) and abusive substance use (11.1%). Excluding the common co-ingestant ethanol, the five commonest types of poison were benzodiazepines, paracetamol, Chinese herbal medicine, household products and zopiclone. Most patients were managed with supportive measures, while 13.5% and 13.7% of consultation cases were treated by decontamination and antidotes, respectively. The majority of cases had uneventful recovery; 0.8% resulted in death and 4.9% had major outcomes. A total of eight interesting cases were discussed. Conclusion: This 13th annual report provided the updated epidemiological information on poisoning pattern in Hong Kong and highlighted important changes in comparison with our previous reports.