Open AccessHong Kong Poison Information Centre: Annual report 2016
Author(s) -
Chan Yiu Cheung,
Chan Chi Keung,
Ng Chun Ho,
Ng Sze Hong,
Lau Kai Kee,
Tse Man Li
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/1024907917724730
Subject(s) - medicine , zopiclone , poison control center , epidemiology , information center , medical emergency , emergency medicine , poison control , injury prevention , pediatrics , psychiatry , educational research , mathematics education , mathematics , hypnotic
Objective: To report and analyse the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre in 2016. Methods: In 2016, 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 4096 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1871 male patients (45.7%), 2203 female patients (53.8%) and 22 sex unspecified patients (0.5%). The majority of the cases (63.1%) were between 20 and 59 years old. Common causes for poisoning were suspected self‐harm/suicidal attempt (36.3%), unintentional exposure (18.4%) and abusive use (13.1%). Excluding the common co‐ingestant ethanol, the five commonest types of poisons were benzodiazepines, paracetamol, household products, zopiclone and Chinese herbal medicine. Most patients were managed with supportive measures, while 14.3% and 12.9% of them were treated by decontamination and antidotes, respectively. Majority of the cases had uneventful recovery; 1% resulted in death and 3.9% had major outcomes. Six interesting cases and three poisoning outbreaks were discussed. Conclusion: This 11th annual report provided the updated epidemiological information on poisoning pattern in Hong Kong and highlighted important changes in comparing with our previous reports.