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Journal of Public Health

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01-02-2012 | Original Article

Causes of acute poisoning in adults: a retrospective study, in a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey

Authors: Zuhal Aydan Saglam, Baris Demir, Esra Hayriye Ataoglu, Mustafa Yenigun, Levent Umit Temiz, Tayyibe Saler

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Aim

Acute poisoning is one of the major topics in emergency medicine practices. Despite the recent developments in toxicology, technological advances and changing lifestyles reveal new factors, and poisoning cases remain to be a problem. All poisonings should be considered serious and independent from their clinical presentation at the time of admission. Identifying the cause and prompt initiation of treatment is life-saving. Causes of poisoning vary between countries and different regions of the same country. In the present study, cases admitted to the Emergency Department of Internal Medicine at Haseki Training and Research Hospital were evaluated and causes of acute poisoning were investigated.

Subject and methods

Medical records of 675 cases of acute poisoning were retrospectively evaluated in the present study.

Results

The mean age of 675 cases included was 29.24 ± 13.71 years of age of which 66.4% were women. Drugs were the most common cause of poisoning (74.2%), which was followed by carbon monoxide (8.7%) and alcohol (8.4%) poisoning. Poisoning was deliberate in 73.5% and accidental in 25.6% of the cases. Treatment in intensive care unit was required in 6.6% of the patients.

Conclusion

Knowing the causes of poisonings will be beneficial in management approach and determining prevention strategies. Increased awareness of health professionals and public about regional causes of poisoning and prevention strategies will reduce morbidity and mortality associated with acute poisonings.

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Title: Causes of acute poisoning in adults: a retrospective study, in a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Zuhal Aydan Saglam
Baris Demir
Esra Hayriye Ataoglu
Mustafa Yenigun
Levent Umit Temiz
Tayyibe Saler
Publication date: 01-02-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-011-0436-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Causes of acute poisoning in adults: a retrospective study, in a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

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