Hong Kong Poison Information Centre: Annual Report 2009

Abstract

Objective To report and analyse the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) in 2009. Methods In 2009, all poisoning cases received by HKPIC were retrieved from its database (PICMS) for analysis. Results Totally 4338 poisoned cases were analysed. There were 1955 male patients (45.1%), 2,367 female patients (54.6%) and 16 patients with no gender specified. More than two-third of cases (68.6%) were between 20 and 59 years old. Common causes of exposure were suspected self harm/suicidal attempt, abusive use and unintentional exposure. Paracetamol, ketamine, zopiclone, benzodiazepine and household products were the common poisons exposed. Majority of the patients were managed supportively, with 13.6% and 13.1% treated by decontamination and antidotes respectively. Most cases had uneventful recovery; about 1% of the poison exposure resulted in death and about 5% of the exposure had major outcomes. Conclusions The 2009 annual report provides updated epidemiological information on poisoning pattern in Hong Kong and emphasized some changes in comparing with our previous reports.