Abstract
BackgroundIntoxicated patients were frequently managed in the emergency departments (ED) with few studies at national level. The study aimed to reveal the incidence, outcomes of intoxications and trend in Taiwan.MethodsAdults admitted to an ED due to an intoxication event between 2006 and 2013 were identified using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The rate of intoxication and severe intoxication events, mortality rate, hospital length of stay (LOS), and daily medical costs of these patients were analyzed. Changes over time were analyzed using Joinpoint models. Multivariable generalized regressions with GEE were used to assess the effect of sex, age, and presence of prior psychiatric illness.ResultsA total of 20,371 ED admissions due to intoxication events were identified during the study period, and the incidence decreased with annual percentage change of 4.7% from 2006 to 2013. The mortality rate, hospital LOS, and daily medical costs were not decreased over time. Males and geriatric patients had more severe intoxication events, greater mortality rates, and greater daily medical costs. Patients with psychiatric illnesses had higher mortality rates and a longer hospital LOS, but lower daily medical expenses.ConclusionFrom 2006 to 2013, there was a decline in the incidence of ED admission for intoxication events in Taiwan. Males, geriatric patients, and those with psychiatric illnesses had greater risks for severe intoxication and mortality.
Highlights
Hospitalization due to intoxication is a burden to society and healthcare systems, relatively little is known about the incidence of these events or patients’ outcomes at the nationwide level
A total of 20,371 emergency department (ED) admissions due to intoxication events were identified during the study period, and the incidence decreased with annual percentage change of 4.7% from 2006 to 2013
The mortality rate, hospital length of stay (LOS), and daily medical costs were not decreased over time
Summary
Hospitalization due to intoxication is a burden to society and healthcare systems, relatively little is known about the incidence of these events or patients’ outcomes at the nationwide level. The Taiwan poison control center’s previous study reported the incidence was 16 to 22 per 100,000 population, and the mortality rate was 5.7% from 1985 to 1996 [1]. A national study in Spain reported that intoxication events accounted for 0.66% of emergency department (ED) visits and had a mortality rate of 0.24% [3]. The previous study in Taiwan only revealed the incidence and mortality rate of intoxication among the general populations. The incidence of intoxication among ED visits still lacks except for the studies from Spain and Iceland. Intoxicated patients were frequently managed in the emergency departments (ED) with few studies at national level. The study aimed to reveal the incidence, outcomes of intoxications and trend in Taiwan
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