The pattern of acute poisoning in a teaching hospital, north-west Ethiopia.
OBJECTIVE
Poisoning by means of hazardous chemicals through ignorance, mishap or intentionally is becoming a serious health problem worldwide. Epidemiological data on this important health issue are, however, scarce in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study is to assess the pattern of acute poisonings and determine the approaches employed for the management of poisoning.


METHODS
The medical records of patients with acute poisonings presented to the Gondar University hospital between July 2001 and June 2004 were reviewed retrospectively.


RESULTS
One hundred and two patients presenting to the emergency department of the hospital were due to acute poisoning; accounting for about 0.45% of emergency room admissions. Organophosphates, rat poison and alcohol were the commonly encountered poisoning agents (in about 70% of cases) mainly in adults possibly with suicidal or para-suicidal intention. The approaches employed in the management of poisoning mainly involved gastrointestinal decontamination procedures. Specific antidotes were used in a substantial number of patients. The fatality rate was 2.4%.


CONCLUSIONS
Poisoning with suicidal intention is becoming a serious health problem particularly in adults. Pesticides are commonly used toxicants. The approaches in the management of poisoning are justifiable in some cases. However, much is to be done to improve the recording of patient-related information and record-keeping processes. Further large scale studies are required to investigate national trends of poisoning and factors associated with poisoning.
Abula
Teferra
T
Department of Pharmacology, College of Medline and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar Ethiopia.
Wondmikun
Yared
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005002:Ethiopia; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D062025:Organophosphate Poisoning; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data