Short-term experience of the newly established poison control centre of Cairo.
1 During the first 31 weeks of operation, the Cairo Poison Control Centre received 463 enquiries. 2 Accidental poisoning predominated with 54% of cases involving children under 5 years of age whilst attempted suicide was reported in only 21%. 3 When these early experiences are compared with the observations from the European Poison COntrol Centres, there are a number of marked differences including the types of drugs and chemicals involved. 4 Problems associated with drugs considered obsolete in Europe, inadequately labelled chemicals and inappropriate treatments have already been highlighted, and preventive measures are being considered.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004534:Egypt; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011039:Poison Control Centers; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors