Hong Kong Poison Information Centre: Annual Report 2011

Abstract

Objective To report and analyse the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2011. Methods In 2011, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database: Poison Information and Clinical Management System (PICMS) for analysis. Results A total of 4,331 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1,915 male patients (44.2%), 2,411 female patients (55.7%) and 5 patients with sex unknown. More than two-third (68%) of them were between 20 and 59 years old. Common causes of exposure were suspected self-harm/suicidal attempt, unintentional exposure and abusive use. Paracetamol, benzodiazepine, household product, zopiclone, and Chinese herbal medicine were the top five commonest poisons encountered. Majority of the patients were managed supportively, with 12.1% and 8.5% treated by decontamination and antidotes respectively. Most cases had uneventful recovery; 1.0% of the poison exposure resulted in death and 4.8% of the exposure had major outcomes. Conclusions This 6th annual report provided updated epidemiological information on poisoning pattern in Hong Kong and emphasized some changes in comparing with our previous reports.