Characteristics of poisoning cases in Adiyaman city

Objective: Aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate poisoning cases in an intensive care unit (ICU) in order to determine the profile of poisoning cases, update epidemiological data in Adiyaman, and contribute to data about poisoning in our country.\udMethods: Between 01-01-2012 and 31-12-2013 174 patients (116 males, 58 females) with a mean age of 23.7 years were treated. Demographic characteristics, reasons and ways of poisoning, types of toxic substances, length of their ICU stay and prognosis were evaluated.\udResults: 2733 patients admitted to the intensive care unit were 174 poisoning cases. Poisoning ways were suicide by drug overdose (n=162, 93.1%), and accidental poisoning (n=12,6.9%).119 patients (66.5%) had single drug intake, thirty-three patients (18.4%) with multiple drug intake, and 16 (8.9%) were poisoned by organic phosphates. The most common drug used for suicide was antidepressants (n=87.5%). 32 patients (18.4%) took analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. A total of 152 patients taking the drug, 22 patients were poisoned by other means. The median length of patient stay was 2 days (range 1-20 days).\udNinety-nine patients (56.9%) recovered and were discharged.72 patients (41.4%) were admitted to inpatient after intensive care unit. Patients were followed up by asking poisoning suicidal psychiatric consultation.1 patient was followed up for 20 days in intensive care due to alcohol poisoning but was died.2 patients (1.1%) were referred to a center forward.\udConclusion: Majority of the patients were females, who took drugs with suicidal intention. Frequent use of antidepressants, which are not subject to control by authorities, to commit suicide was remarkable