Hong kong poison information centre: Annual report 2010

Abstract

Objective: To report and analyse the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2010. Methods: In 2010, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database (PICMS) for analysis. Results: A total of 4,418 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1,863 male patients (42.2%) and 2,540 female patients (57.5%). More than two-third of cases (68.3%) were between 20 and 59 years old. Common causes of exposure were suspected self harm/suicidal attempt, unintentional exposure and abusive use. Benzodiazepine, paracetamol, ketamine, zopiclone, and Chinese herbal medicine were the common agents involved. Majority of the patients were managed supportively, with 10.2% and 9.7% treated by decontamination and antidotes respectively. Most cases had uneventful recovery; 1.0% of the poison exposure resulted in death and 5.3% of the exposure had major outcomes. Conclusions: This fifth annual report provides updated epidemiological information on poisoning pattern in Hong Kong and emphasized some changes in comparing with our previous reports.