Citation

Hall AK, Curry C. N. Zeal. Med. J. 1994; 107(987): 396-399.

Affiliation

Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7936478

Abstract

AIMS: To review the epidemiology and emergency management of deliberate self poisoning by substance ingestion in Christchurch for 1992, with comparison to 1989. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of case records was conducted for the year 1992, and compared with published data from 1989. RESULTS: There were 622 presentations (compared to 531 in 1989) of deliberate self poisoning by substance ingestion, representing 1.2% (cf 0.96%) of the total emergency department consultations. The female to male ratio was 1.5:1.0 (cf 2.1:1), with three quarters of patients being under the age of 35. The principle drugs ingested were antidepressants (24.4% cf 15.7%), hypnotic/anxiolytics 23.6% (benzodiazepines 18% cf 22.8% in 1989), paracetamol (16.9% cf 10.6%) and antipsychotics (16.1%, not reported 1989). Stomach emptying procedures were used in 27% of patients (cf 78%). Ipecacuanha was administered in 1% (cf 25%). Activated charcoal alone was used as the method of gastrointestinal decontamination in 46% (cf 0.4%). No attempt at decontamination was made for 27% of patients. Fifty nine percent (cf 66%) were admitted, 11% (cf 18%) to the intensive care unit. There were two inpatient deaths in both 1992 and 1989. CONCLUSIONS: Antidepressants have become the most frequently misused medication, and misuse of paracetamol has increased. However, self poisoning remains a phenomenon of low morbidity and mortality. Stomach emptying procedures are used much less frequently, making for substantial savings of time, resources and patient discomfort.

Language: en