Incidence Of Poisoning Research Articles

Prevalence and Incidence of Intentional and Unintentional Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Erode, India

AbstractPoisoning is a significant burden in developing countries, with high fatality rates due to deliberate self-harm and unintentional exposures. This study aimed to raise awareness and provide guidance on poison consumption in a tertiary care hospital in Erode. A cross-sectional study over 6 months involved 377 poisoning cases. Females aged 21 to 30 years, semi-urban residents, and illiterate individuals were found to be the vulnerable groups. Rat killers and tablets were common poisoning agents, often linked to family problems. Comprehensive approaches, addressing mental health, family support, and health care access, are needed. Raising awareness, counseling, and educating high-risk individuals are essential preventive measures. Interventions enhanced poisoning management knowledge and coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of integrated efforts to combat poisoning's socioeconomic impact.

A clinical survey on methadone poisoning: Predisposing factors and clinical expression

Background and aims: Ongoing methadone intoxication parallels the generalization of the implemented addiction cession programs, as well as the necessity to sustain an effectively durable addiction treatment course. This study aimed to investigate the predisposing factors and clinical features of methadone intoxication. Methods: During a one-year period (March 2018 to March 2019), patients admitted for methadone intoxication were investigated retrospectively. Demographic data, the consumed methadone dose, electrocardiogram findings, and the level of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) at admission were collected and entered into a statistical analyzing platform (SPSS version 22) for further statistical testing. Results: Seventy-five eligible patients were investigated. The mean age was 23.63±16.66, 66.7% were male, and 15 patients were children. The unemployment status led to an increased methadone poisoning (MP) incidence (P<0.05). The incidences of an increased CPK or QT segment prolongation were 17% and 7%, respectively. There was not any statistical correlation between the incidence of MP, the demographic and clinical data, as well as the used methadone dose. Moreover, the duration of the QT segment was not statistically influenced by the CPK. Conclusion: MP incidence seems to be influenced by social status. The increase in CPK and QT prolongation was not influenced by the methadone dose. It seems that more studies are required to further investigate the risk and prognostic factors of MP.

A guide to mycetisms: A toxicological and preventive overview.

Fungi are often considered a delicacy and are primarily cultivated and harvested, although numerous species are responsible for intoxication due to toxin content. Foodborne diseases are a significant public health concern, causing approximately 420000 deaths and 600 million morbidities yearly, of which mushroom poisoning is one of the leading causes. Epidemiological data on non-cultivated mushroom poisoning in individual countries are often unrepresentative, as intoxication rarely requires emergency intervention. On the other hand, the lack of specialist knowledge among medical personnel about the toxicological manifestations of mushroom consumption may result in ineffective therapeutic interventions. This work aims to provide an easy-to-consult and wide-ranging tool useful for better understanding the variability of mushroom intoxications, the associated symptoms, and the main treatments for the most severe cases, given the absence of a complete species mapping tool toxic. Moreover, we establish an effective collection network that describes the incidence of mushroom poisonings by reporting the species and associated toxicological manifestations for each case. In conclusion, we highlight the need to establish appropriate primary prevention interventions, such as training the affected population and increasing consultancy relationships between mycological experts and specialised healthcare personnel.

Clinical analysis of acute poisoning in children

ObjectiveThe clinical characteristics of hospitalized children with acute poisoning were analyzed to provide a reference for preventing poisoning and seeking effective prevention and treatment.MethodsThe clinical data of 112 children with acute poisoning admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, were collected and analyzed from different perspectives.ResultsThe majority of acute poisoning cases that occurred in children were in early childhood and preschool age (89 cases, accounting for 79.4%). The most common types of poisoning were pesticide poisoning and drug poisoning, and the main ways of poisoning were accidental administration via the digestive tract and accidental ingestion. Poisoning occurred slightly more in spring and summer all year round, and most children had a good prognosis after timely treatment.ConclusionAcute poisoning often occurs in children. Parental education and intensified child supervision are needed to prevent the incidence of unintentional poisoning.

Investigation and analysis of acute poisoning of organic fluorine mixed gas in a fluorine polymerization plant

In January 2021, an acute chemical poisoning incident occurred at a fluorine polymerization plant. Through the analysis of the occupational health situation of the enterprise, combined with the clinical manifestations of the poisoned patients and the laboratory examination results, it was determined that the incident was an acute poisoning incident caused by the inhalation of organic fluorine mixed gas in the fluorine polymerization plant. Subsequently, it was clarified that the accident was caused by the illegal operation of the employees of the fluorine polymerization plant, which caused the discharge of the organic fluorine mixed gas containing high concentration of octafluoroisobutene, resulting in the poisoning of the on-site construction personnel. In order to avoid the occurrence of similar incidents, enterprises should implement the main responsibility of safety production, regularly organize supervision and inspection, eliminate illegal operations, conduct safety education and training for the staff of the unit and outsourced staff, and improve the emergency rescue ability of sudden poisoning incidents.

MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF NOODLES SOLD AT RAMADAN BAZAAR IN KUCHING, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

The Ramadan bazaar offers a diverse array of food options for many during the month of Ramadan. However, with the rising incidents of food poisoning, there are ongoing concerns about the microbiological quality of the food. This study investigates the microbialquality of various noodle types sold at the Ramadan bazaar in Kuching, Sarawak. A total of thirtythree (33) samples were collected from various locations and tested for Aerobic Plate Count (APC), coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella spp. Among the samples, 88%, 3%, 21%, 6%, and 16% exceeded acceptable limits for APC, coliforms, E. coli, S. aureus, and B.cereus, respectively, while none of the samples tested positive for Salmonella spp. Additionally, local noodle dishes such as Laksa Sarawak, Kolo mee, and mee Jawa showed the highest levels of contamination with E. coli, S. aureus, and B. cereus in this study. The presence of APC, coliforms, E. coli, S. aureus, and B. cereus indicates cross-contaminationresulting from insufficient hygiene practices before and after the cooking process.

Identification of toxic Gelsemium elegans in processed food and honey based on real-time PCR analysis

Gelsemium elegans (GE) is a widely distributed hypertoxic plant that has caused many food poisoning incidents. Its pollen can also be collected by bees to produce toxic honey, posing a great threat to the health and safety of consumers. However, for the complex matrices such as cooked food and honey, it is challenging to perform composition analysis. It is necessary to establish more effective strategies for investigating GE contamination. In this study, the real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis combined with DNA barcode matK was proposed for the identification and detection of GE. Fifteen honey samples along with twenty-eight individuals of GE and the common confusable objects Lonicera japonica, Ficus hirta, Stellera chamaejasme and Chelidonium majus were gathered. Additionally, the food mixtures treated with 20-min boiling and 30-min digestion were prepared. Specific primers were designed, and the detection capability and sensitivity of qPCR in honey and boiled and digested food matrices were tested. The results demonstrated that the matK sequence with sufficient mutation sites was an effective molecular marker for species differentiation. GE and the confusable species could be clearly classified by the fluorescence signal of qPCR assay with a high sensitivity of 0.001 ng/μl. In addition, this method was successfully employed for the detection of deeply processed food materials and honey containing GE plants which even accounted for only 0.1 %. The sequencing-free qPCR approach undoubtedly can serve as a robust support for the quality supervision of honey industry and the prevention and diagnosis of food poisoning.

Tanggungjawab Pelaku Usaha Bagi Konsumen Terhadap Keamanan Pangan Dalam Prespektif Hukum Perlindungan Konsumen

Food safety in Indonesia is still far from safe, we often see food poisoning incidents that occur a lot nowadays. In general, this often results in consumers being in a weak and disadvantaged position, so there is a need for regulations that can bridge the interests of business actors and the interests of consumers without harming either party. Forms of responsibility of a business actor towards consumers in the legal order in Indonesia Civil liability based on legal events can be divided into two, namely: liability based on fault, namely liability that can arise due to breaches of contract or unlawful acts, whether caused by careless actions or intentional actions. Responsibility based on risk is the responsibility that must be borne by a business actor for his business activities which cause losses to consumers.

Edukasi Pertolongan Pertama Pada Keracunan Makanan Di SMK NU Pare

Abstract Introduction: Food poisoning can cause complaints of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even severe symptoms that can cause death. Signs and symptoms of food poisoning vary depending on the ingredients and amount of food consumed. Early recognition of signs and symptoms is needed for fast and appropriate treatment. Objective: The purpose of this service was provide insight and understanding about the management of food poisoning, especially in the school environment Method: The method of implementing activities is through education. The activity was carried out for 2 days on 29 – 30 September 2023 at SMK NU Pare. Participants are students of SMK NU Pare. Participants 29 people. Result: The results of the evaluation before being given education showed that almost half of the respondents with a percentage of 48.3% had the criteria for lacking knowledge, as many as 14 teenagers. The results of the evaluation after being provided with education showed that almost all respondents with a percentage of 86.2% had good knowledge criteria regarding first aid for food poisoning. Conclusion: Knowledge about handling food poisoning will influence attitudes and concern to be ready to anticipate food poisoning. Food poisoning emergencies can be handled immediately if you are prepared to deal with food poisoning incidents because you already know how to properly handle food poisoning.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Plant Exposure in Patients Aged between 0 and 18 Years-A Six-Year Retrospective Study.

Exposure to plants accounts for approximately 5% of human poisoning cases reported by poison control centers in North America and Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate acute plant poisoning in patients aged 0-18 years admitted to a Romanian pediatric poison center, focusing on epidemiological and clinical aspects. A retrospective observational study was conducted between 2017 and 2022, analyzing medical records for demographic information, clinical features, biological findings, and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. 71 patients (aged 7 months to 16 years) presented with acute plant poisoning. Most cases were unintentional (92.9%), peaking during the autumn season. Colocasia (18.3%), Dieffenbachia (9.8%), and Ricinus (5%) were the most frequently involved plants. Gastrointestinal symptoms, especially vomiting, predominated. The Poisoning Severity Score classified most cases as mild (52.1%), with no severe or fatal cases. The mean length of hospitalization was 1.8 days. Unintentional plant exposure, mainly in children under 5 years of age, accounted for more than 90% of cases. Gastrointestinal exposure and symptoms were prevalent, and treatment consisted mainly of symptomatic and supportive measures. Severe and fatal cases were rare, highlighting the generally favorable outcome and low incidence of severe poisoning in the pediatric population.

Identification of lethal species in amanita section Phalloideae based on nucleotide signature and specific TaqMan-MGB probe and primer.

Amanita section Phalloideae consists of lethal toxic mushroom species, causing many fatal poisoning incidents worldwide. Molecular techniques of nucleotide signatures and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection could be used to develop a specific method for identifying lethal section (sect.) Phalloideae species. A comparison of 38 sequenced and 228 validated sequences from sect. Phalloideae species showed a 17-base pair nucleotide signature and an SNP site between the lethal and non-lethal species. A specific minor groove binder probe was designed based on them. The results indicated that this method exhibited excellent specificity for the lethal subgroup, good detection in samples subjected to simulated gastric digestion (60 min boiling and 120 min digestion), and a 10 pg./μL detection limit. This method enables accurate detection of target species in samples under complex conditions and can provide evidence for poisoning incidents caused by lethal sect. Phalloideae species to assist in targeted treatment strategies.

Zootoxins and Domestic Animals: A European View.

Zootoxins are produced by venomous and poisonous species and are an important cause of poisoning in companion animals and livestock in Europe. Little information about the incidence of zootoxin poisoning is available in Europe, with only a few case reports and review papers being published. This review presents the most important zootoxins produced by European venomous and poisonous animal species responsible for poisoning episodes in companion animals and livestock. The main zootoxin-producing animal species, components of the toxins/venoms and their clinical effects are presented. The most common zootoxicoses involve terrestrial zootoxins excreted by the common toad, the fire salamander, the pine processionary caterpillar, and vipers. The lack of a centralized reporting/poison control system in Europe makes the evaluation of the epidemiology of zootoxin-induced poisonings extremely difficult. Even if there are many anecdotal reports in the veterinary community about the exposure of domestic animals to terrestrial and marine zootoxins, the number of published papers regarding these toxicoses is low. Climate change and its consequences regarding species distribution and human-mediated transportation are responsible for the emerging nature of some intoxications in which zootoxins are involved. Although new venomous or poisonous animal species have emerged in regions where they were previously unreported, zootoxins produced by native species remain the main concern in Europe. The diversity of poisonous and venomous animal species and the emerging nature of certain poisonings warrant the continuous update to such knowledge by veterinary professionals and animal owners. This review offers an overview about zootoxin-related poisonings in domestic animals in Europe and also provides important information from a health perspective.

Epidemiological Aspects of Opioid Poisoning in Northern Iran: A Registry-Based Clinical Study.

Opioids are a class of drugs that are commonly used to manage pain due to their analgesic and sedative effects. However, the high consumption of opioids in the community has led to an increase in the incidence of overdoses and poisonings caused by various types of these drugs, whether intentional or unintentional. Therefore, comprehending the epidemiological features of patients experiencing opioid poisoning is crucial. We decided to investigate various epidemiological aspects of patients with opioid poisoning in the Mazandaran province, located in northern Iran, during the period of 2020 to 2021. The present investigation was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study, wherein we collected data on patients registered in the Mazandaran Registry Center of Opioid Poisoning (MRCOP) who had a history of using any kind of opioid. We collected information on various parameters, including patient demographics, the type of opioid consumed, the mode of consumption, and clinical outcomes. A total of 240 patients were initially registered at the registry center. However, 17 cases were excluded with personal consent, and eventually, a total of 223 patients were included in the investigation. The majority of the patients 70.9% (n = 158) were male, and the average age was 34.4 ± 16.55 years. The most common cause of poisoning reported in our study was intentional, which was mainly due to a suicide attempt. Furthermore, the most prevalent type of opioid consumed was methadone. The most frequently observed symptoms of poisoning among the patients were drowsiness, a decreased level of consciousness, and reduced arterial oxygen saturation levels. Based on the results of our study, several factors were found to be significant in methadone poisoning, including addiction, age, gender, suicide attempt, and a history of psychiatric disorder. These findings highlight the need for public education and awareness campaigns on the risks associated with opioid use, particularly methadone.

Poisoning cases and their management in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia: Hospital-based prospective study.

Poisoning is a significant public health problem globally. Ethiopia is a low-income country undergoing technological and social change that may increase access to drugs and chemicals, potentially increasing the incidence of poisoning. This study describes the epidemiology of hospital admissions due to poisoning in a region of Ethiopia. An institution based prospective observational study was employed, as a study design, in selected hospitals of the region from January to December 2018. Of 442 poisoning cases, 78 (17.6%) died. Almost all poisoning cases were intentional self-poisonings. The most frequent poisonings were organophosphate compounds, 145 (32.8%), and metal phosphides (majorly aluminum phosphide), 115 (26.0%). The ingested poison was most frequently accessed from the patients' homes, 243 (55.0%), followed by purchases from local shops, 159 (36%). The median duration of admission was 24 hours. Of all the cases, 23 (5.2%) were admitted to intensive care units (ICU) requiring mechanical ventilation. Most of the cases admitted to the ICU were aluminum phosphide-poisoned patients. The majority of deaths (43 of 78) were due to metal phosphides. From the multivariate logistic regression analysis, altered level of consciousness on hospital arrival, metal phosphide poisoning, and no laboratory result as a part of the diagnosis process or investigation of the extent of toxicity were found to be significantly associated with the likelihood of poor treatment outcome. The majority of the poisoning cases were females. The most common reasons for the intent of self-poisoning were dispute-related, mainly family disharmonies, followed by psychiatric conditions. The poisoning agents were mostly obtained from households. Organophosphate compounds and metal phosphides were the first and the second most frequently encountered poisoning agents, respectively, and it was noted that the later ones were responsible for most of the fatal cases. Of the pharmacologic interventions, atropine was the only agent regarded as an antidote. The most commonly employed agent for supportive treatment was cimetidine followed by maintenance fluids, while gastric lavage was the only GI decontamination method used among others. The fatality rate of poisoning in this study was found to be much higher than in other similar studies. Impaired consciousness upon hospital arrival, metal phosphide poisoning, and no involvement of laboratory investigation were found to significantly associate with the likelihood of death. Generally, the results dictate the need for the design and implementation of strategies to create awareness, prevent, and manage poisoning incidences in the community.

The spectrum of presentations of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless and tasteless gas which can be produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Compared to vehicular CO suicides, unintentional cases (excluding those related to fires) are much less common. Increased education surrounding the risks associated with the accumulation of CO in enclosed spaces has contributed to a reduced incidence of unintentional CO poisonings. However, such cases may remain undetected, particularly in domestic and recreational settings where scene findings are often non-specific. The current study of unintentional CO poisonings in South Australia and the Northern Territory, each with a unique climate (Mediterranean and tropical respectively), demonstrated differences in the circumstances of death. Several cases where individuals used carbon-producing fuel sources for heat, both in domestic and vehicular settings and without adequate ventilation, resulted in fatal outcomes. Less common scenarios involved faults in equipment (e.g. a hot water heater), vehicle faults resulting in the accumulation of fatal levels of CO in enclosed spaces, and inadvertent introduction of CO into a diving oxygen supply in a recreational aquatic setting. In ascertaining the cause of death, other considerations include the potential role of underlying chronic cardiovascular and respiratory disease and age which may increase an individual's susceptibility to CO toxicity. Understanding the wide variety of presentations and contributing factors in cases of fatal CO poisoning including consideration of climate-specific differences in domestic and extra-domestic settings may enable improved detection at autopsy.

Gabapentinoids: a therapeutic review.

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration's approved indications for prescription of gabapentinoids are refractory focal epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Use of gabapentinoids outside of the approved indications is common, but evidence for this is limited, especially for chronic nonspecific back pain and nonradicular leg pain. Some effects of gabapentinoids encourage their nonmedical use (e.g. euphoria, sedation, disinhibition). Widespread nonmedical use has increased the incidence of accidental and deliberate poisonings. Dependence may develop with chronic use of gabapentinoids and abrupt cessation may induce withdrawal symptoms. If the indication for continued use is unclear, gradual dose tapering as a means of deprescribing is recommended. Clinicians should consider the indication, patient characteristics and harm-benefit profile when prescribing gabapentinoids. Some people, such as those with kidney disease, have an increased risk of harm when using these drugs.

Risk Assessment and Risk Management of Incidents of Suspected Poisoning

Abstract Poisoning in livestock, horses and wildlife may be localised or large events involving single or multiple animals and can have public health, economic or medicolegal, as well as animal welfare, implications. Investigation of these incidents is required to determine the cause, assess the risk to other animals and people and instigate an appropriate risk management plan. Investigations will involve clinical examination and history taking, site visits to determine possible sources of poisoning, post-mortem examination and collection of biological (both ante and post-mortem) and environmental samples (water, soil, feed, suspect plants). Interpretation of laboratory analyses and investigations may involve a multidisciplinary team in order to formulate and implement a risk management programme. Specialist advice should be sought early in the investigation in order to ensure appropriate sampling and correct actions are undertaken. Practitioners should be aware of where and how to report incidents, where to seek advice and have some awareness of common toxicological risks, particularly local or seasonal risks, to livestock and other animals. This case study outlines some of the steps that should be undertaken when handling a case of suspected poisoning in animals and highlights some of the possible circumstances and substances that may result in toxicosis. Information © The Author 2023

Single injection technique with ultrasound-guided superficial cervical fascia block combined with brachial plexus block in clavicular surgery: a prospective randomized comparative trial

BackgroundTo investigate the effects of a single injection technique with ultrasound-guided superficial cervical fascia block combined with brachial plexus block in clavicular surgery.MethodsForty patients, 25 males and 15 females, aged 18–85 years with ASA class I or II underwent unilateral clavicular fracture internal fixation. The patients were randomly divided into a superficial cervical plexus block group (group S, n = 20) and a superficial cervical fascia block group (group F, n = 20). First, the brachial plexus of the intermuscular sulcus of all patients was blocked with an ultrasound-guided injection of one injection with 15ml 0.33% ropivacaine 15ml in both groups. Second, the superficial cervical plexus was blocked by another injection of 5-8ml 0.33% ropivacaine in group S, and the superficial cervical fascia was blocked by an injection with 5-8ml 0.33% ropivacaine in Group F. We evaluated operation time, onset time of anaesthesia, effective time and the grades of nerve block effect in the two groups. Additionally, we evaluated the incidences of local anaesthetic poisoning, hoarseness, dyspnoea, and postoperative nausea and vomiting, and the number of patients requiring remedial analgesia within 24 h. Repeated measurements were analysed by repeated data analysis of variance, and count data were compared by the χ2 test. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe operation time and onset time in Group F were significantly shorter than those in group S (P < 0.05); the effect of intraoperative block was better than that in group S (P < 0.05), and the effective time was significantly longer in group F than in group S (P < 0.05). However, no severe case of dyspnoea, local anaesthetic poisoning or hoarseness after anaesthesia occurred in either of two groups. There was no significant difference in the rate of postoperative salvage analgesia or that of postoperative nausea and vomiting between the two groups.ConclusionsThe application of the single injection technique with ultrasound-guided superficial cervical fascia block combined with brachial plexus block in clavicular surgery is beneficial because it shortens the operation time, has a faster onset, produces a more effective block and prolongs the longer analgesia time.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry- ChiCTR2200064642(13/10/2022).

Bongkrekic Acid and Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans: Formidable Foe and Ascending Threat to Food Safety

Bongkrekic acid (BKA) poisoning, induced by the contamination of Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans, has a long-standing history of causing severe outbreaks of foodborne illness. In recent years, it has emerged as a lethal food safety concern, presenting significant challenges to public health. This review article highlights the recent incidents of BKA poisoning and current research discoveries on the pathogenicity of B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans and underlying biochemical mechanisms for BKA synthesis. Moreover, the characterization of B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans and the identification of the bon gene cluster provide a crucial foundation for developing targeted interventions to prevent BKA accumulation in food matrices. The prevalence of the bon gene cluster, which is the determining factor distinguishing B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans from non-pathogenic B. gladioli strains, has been identified in 15% of documented B. gladioli genomes worldwide. This finding suggests that BKA poisoning has the potential to evolve into a more prevalent threat. Although limited, previous research has proved that B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans is capable of producing BKA in diverse environments, emphasizing the possible food safety hazards associated with BKA poisoning. Also, advancements in detection methods of both BKA and B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans hold great promise for mitigating the impact of this foodborne disease. Future studies focusing on reducing the threat raised by this vicious foe is of paramount importance to public health.

A facile fluorescence microplate immunoassay based on an in situ fluorogenic reaction for the detection of two highly toxic anticoagulant rodenticides in food and biological matrix

Bromadiolone and brodifacoum, the most frequently used anticoagulant rodenticides, are highly toxic and pose a threat to public health by causing food poisoning incidents. Here, we developed a fluorescence microplate immunoassay for facile and sensitive detection of bromadiolone and brodifacoum by introducing three commercial chemicals (p-phenylenediamine, polyethyleneimine, H2O2) as a new substrate of horseradish peroxidase and then generating fluorescence signals based on an in situ fluorogenic reaction (detection time within 75 min). This assay exhibited higher efficiency in generating fluorescence signals, thereby exhibiting a 6-fold improvement in sensitivity compared with colorimetric ELISA. The limit of detection was 0.23–0.28 ng/mL (ng/g) for bromadiolone and 0.34–0.61 ng/mL (ng/g) for brodifacoum in corn and human serum, with recovery ratios higher than 82.3 %. These satisfactory results illustrated our proposed assay was a potential tool for food analysis and poisoning diagnosis caused by bromadiolone and brodifacoum.