Drug overdose deaths in Brazil between 2000 and 2020: an analysis of sociodemographics and intentionality

Objectives: To examine drug overdose records in Brazil from 2000 to 2020, analyzing trends over time in overdoses and overall sociodemographic characteristics of the deceased. Methods: Using data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade), we identified records from 2000-2020 in which the underlying cause-of-death was one of the following codes: X40-X45 (accidental poisoning), X60-X65 (intentional poisoning), or Y10-Y15 (undetermined intentionality poisoning). The Brazilian dataset included 21,410 deaths. We used joinpoint regression analysis to assess changes in trends over time. Results: People who died of drug overdoses in Brazil between 2000 and 2020 had a mean age of 38.91 years; 38.45% were women, and 44.01% were identified as White. Of the overdose deaths, 44.70% were classified as intentional and 32.12% were classified as unintentional. Among the identified drugs, stimulants were the most common class. However, most records did not report which drug was responsible for death. Conclusion: Sociodemographic trends in overdose deaths in Brazil must guide country-specific policies. Nevertheless, data collection protocols must be improved, particularly regarding the drug used in overdoses.

Management and outcome of different drug overdose cases in a tertiary care hospital – A prospective observational study

Background: Overdose is defined as any substance that is exposed excessively, which is intended for consumption. There are many drugs which are used therapeutically, but sometimes self-harm can be done with medications such as analgesics, antiepileptics, and sedatives. The high mortality and morbidity associated with drug overdose could be due to various factors such as easy availability, improper regulations for dispensing drugs, lack of control for over the counter drugs. Aim and Objective: The purpose of this study is to document the incidence of drug overdose cases, sociodemographic characteristics, and its management in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2014 at Casualty and Medicine Department in a tertiary care hospital. Results: A total of 61 cases were included in the study. Drug overdose cases were seen in the age group of 21–30 years (67.2%). Intentional drug overdose is seen in 58 (95.08%) cases. In this study, 34.4% of patients presented to the hospital within 6 h of event. Paracetamol was the most common (32.7%). In most of the paracetamol overdose, cases were treated with N-acetyl cysteine, phenobarbitone overdose with forced alkaline diuresis, benzodiazepines overdose with flumazenil, and opioids overdose with naloxone. This study shows that 93.3% of patients had an uncomplicated course of stay in hospital. Conclusion: Drug overdose is a major public health concern in the society. The most vulnerable population in the society is the younger age group. Prevention strategies should be dealt in this high risk group.

Crisis hipertensiva y bradicardia secundaria a intoxicación por midodrina / Hypertensive crisis and bradycardia secondary to midodrine intoxication

Resumen El síncope, definido como una pérdida transitoria de la conciencia que cursa con recuperación espontánea y completa, es secundario a un amplio grupo etiológico, incluido el de origen vasovagal desencadenado por una descarga adrenérgica u ortostatismo. El tratamiento de esta entidad incluye medidas no farmacológicas y farmacológicas, como la administración de midodrina, un agonista de los receptores a de acción periférica, usada en el control de la hipotensión ortostática y cuyo empleo ha demostrado mejoría en los síntomas de esta alteración. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 18 años, con antecedente de síncope vasovagal en tratamiento con medidas no farmacológicas y midodrina desde seis meses antes, quien consultó al servicio de urgencias de un centro de atención de nivel IV por cuadro clínico consistente en ingestión intencionada de una sobredosis de midodrina. En el ingreso se documentaron crisis hipertensiva, bradicardia extrema y compromiso hepático y renal. Se indicó tratamiento sintomático con resolución de las alteraciones clínicas y paraclínicas e intervención del equipo de salud mental.

Abstract Syncope, defined as a transitory loss of consciousness characterised by its rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery, is secondary to a wide ethiological group, such as the vasovagal origin triggered by an adrenergic discharge or orthostatism. The management of this entity includes both non-pharmacological measures and pharmacological treatment such as the use of midodrine, a peripherally acting alpha receptor agonist, used in the management of orthostatic hypotension, whose use has shown improvement in the symptoms of this condition. We present a clinical case of an 18-year-old woman, with a history of vasovagal syncope under treatment with midodrine and non-pharmacological measures for 6 months, who was admitted to the emergency department of a level IV care center due to an intentional intake of midodrine overdose. Upon admission, a hypertensive crisis with extreme bradycardia, and liver and kidney involvement were documented. Symptom´s management was started with resolution of clinical and paraclinical alterations, and intervention by the mental health team.

Intoxicaciones agudas por sustancias químicas en Ibagué, Colombia en el año 2014; determinación de factores de riesgo para el evento de hospitalización / Acute poisoning by chemical substances Ibagué, Colombia; determination of risk factors for the hospitalization event

Resumen Introducción: En Colombia los reportes de intoxicaciones por sustancias químicas han presentado un ascenso durante el paso de los años. El aumento de las intoxicaciones en Colombia implica un incremento en la frecuencia de las hospitalizaciones y esto representa un mayor gasto para el sistema de salud. Objetivo: Describir los factores de riesgo asociados a la hospitalización por intoxicaciones en la ciudad de Ibagué reportadas por el sistema de vigilancia en salud pública para el año 2014. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de fuente secundaria. Se utilizaron los registros de la secretaría de salud de Ibagué, para intoxicaciones agudas del año 2014. Mediante regresión logística se evaluaron los factores asociados a la presencia del evento hospitalización. Resultados: El agente causal con mayor incidencia en la ciudad de Ibagué, son las sustancias psicoactivas con 33,02 casos por 100.000 habitantes. Un factor de riesgo asociado de manera significativa con la hospitalización del individuo, es la exposición por vía oral de la sustancia respecto a los demás métodos de exposición. Los niveles de escolaridad primaria y secundaria presentan una asociación significativa con el desenlace respecto a individuos sin escolaridad. No obstante, el único factor protector con asociación significativa es la edad. Conclusiones: El 67.1% de las intoxicaciones en la ciudad de Ibagué para el año 2014, son de carácter preventivo, dado que 40,5% son de concepto suicida y el 26,6% de los casos son por concepto de adicción. Sin embargo, los individuos escolarizados presentan mayores tasas de intoxicación lo que puede sugerir un rediseño de la política de prevención y educación en la ciudad.

Abstract Introduction: In Colombia the reports of poisonings by chemical substances have presented an ascent during the passage of the years. The increase in poisonings in Colombia implies an increase in the frequency of hospitalizations; this represents a great expense for the health system. Objective: To describe the risk factors associated with hospitalization due to poisoning in the Ibagué city reported by the public health surveillance system for the year 2014. Methods: Descriptive study of secondary source. The records of the Ibagué Secretariat of Health were used for acute poisonings in 2014. The analysis was made with the calculation of incidents by type of agent, observing the outcome of hospitalizations. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with the outcome of at least one hospitalization. Results: The causative agent with the highest incidence was on the part of the psychoactive substances with 33.02 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. A risk factor is significantly associated with the presence of the hospitalization outcome is the oral exposure of the substance with respect to other methods. Conclusions: It should be noted, the preventive natures of poisonings, given that 40.5% are suicidal concept, followed by intoxications for addiction that represent 26.6% of cases, these represent 67.1% of all cases. In addition, the levels of primary and secondary schooling present a significant association with the outcome regarding individuals without schooling. However, the only protective factor with significant association is age.

Intoxicación por ácido acetilsalicílico, fisiopatología y manejo / Physiopathology and management of acetylsalicylic acid intoxication

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) intoxication is potentially lethal. After ingestion, AAS is rapidly transformed into salicylic acid that dissociates into an hydrogen ion plus salicylate. Salicylate is the main form of AAS in the body and produces multiple alterations. Initially, the stimulation of the ventilatory center promotes a respiratory alkalosis. Then, the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by salicylate, will generate a progressive metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of ketoacids, lactic acid and dicarboxylic acids among others. Another alterations include hydro electrolytic disorders, gastrointestinal lesions, neurological involvement, ototoxicity and coagulopathy. The correct handling of acetylsalicylic acid intoxication requires an thorough knowledge of its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Treatment consists in life support measures, gastric lavage, activated charcoal and urinary alkalization to promote the excretion of salicylates. In some occasions, it will be necessary to start renal replacement therapy as soon as possible.

Unintentional Pharmaceutical Poisoning in the Emergency Department

PURPOSE: The social environment of easy access to medicines and arbitrary personal decisions leading to overdose aggravate unintentional medicine poisoning. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients who visited emergency departments with unintentional medicine poisoning and reasons for poisoning based on age group. METHODS: We retrospectively collected patients who experienced unintentional medicine poisoning based on data from the national injury surveillance system between 2013 and 2016. Subjects were classified into three groups based on age (0-14 years, 15-64 years, and ≥65 years). We identified sex, insurance, time of poisoning, place, alcohol co-ingestion, hospitalization, death, and reason for poisoning in each age group. RESULTS: A total of 27,472 patients visited an emergency department with poisoning during the study period; 1,958 patients who experienced unintentional poisoning were enrolled in this study. Respiratory medicine was the most frequent medicine in those younger than 15 years of age, and sedatives and antipsychotic drugs were the most common in patients older than 15 years of age. In total, 35.1% of patients older than 65 years were hospitalized. The most common reasons for poisoning were careless storage of medicine in those younger than 15 years of age and overdose due to arbitrary decisions in those older than 15 years of age. CONCLUSION: Unintentional medicine poisoning has distinct characteristics based on age group, and strategies to prevent poisoning should be approached differently based on age.

Pharmaceutical Drug Poisoning after Deregulation of Over the Counter Drug Sales: Emergency Department Based In-depth Injury Surveillance

PURPOSE: The Korean government approved selected nonprescription drugs (Over-The-Counter drug; OTC drug) to be distributed in convenience stores from 15. Nov. 2012. This study examined the changes in the incidence and the clinical outcome of acute pharmaceutical drug poisoning after the deregulation of OTC drug sales. METHODS: This study analyzed the data of Emergency Department based Injury In-depth Injury Surveillance (EDIIS), Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2011 to 2014. The following items were examined: age, gender, intention, alcohol association, pharmaceutical drugs resulting acute poisoning, the clinical outcomes in emergency department, and the admission rate of intensive care unit (ICU). This is a retrospective cross section observational study. RESULTS: A total of 10,162 patients were subject to pharmaceutical drug poisoning. Acute poisoning by acetaminophen and other drugs were 1,015 (10.0%) and 9,147 (90.0%) patients, respectively. After the deregulation of OTC drug sales, acute poisoning by other drugs increased from 4,385 to 4,762 patients but acute poisoning by acetaminophen decreased from 538 to 477 patients (p < 0.05). The rate of admission of acetaminophen poisoning increased from 36.1% (194/538) to 46.8% (223/477). The admission rate to the ICU by acetaminophen poisoning increased from 4.6% (25/538) to 11.3% (54/477) after the deregulation of OTC drug sales (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Since the deregulation of OTC drugs sales, pharmaceutical drug poisoning has increased but acetaminophen poisoning has decreased. The rate of hospitalization and ICU admission by pharmaceutical drug poisoning with or without acetaminophen has also increased.

A Case of Cement Hardening Agent Intoxication with Acute Kidney Injury

Chronic silica nephropathy has been associated with tubulointerstitial disease, immune-mediated multisystem disease, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease. On the other hand, acute intentional exposure is extremely rare. The authors' experienced a 44-year-old man who took rapid cement hardener (sodium silicate) in a suicide attempt whilst in a drunken state. He visited the emergency department approximately 1 hour after ingestion. Information on the material was obtained after 3 L gastric lavage. The patient complained of a sore throat, epigastric pain, and swollen to blood tinged vomitus. Proton pump inhibitors, hemostats, steroid, and fluids were administered. Nine hours after ingestion, he was administered 200 mL hematochezia. Immediately after, a gastroenterologist performed an endoscopic procedure that revealed diffuse hyperemic mucosa with a color change and variable sized ulceration in the esophagus, whole stomach, and duodenal 2(nd) portion. Approximately 35 hours later, persistent oligouria and progressive worsening of the renal function parameters (BUN/Cr from 12.2/1.2 to 67.5/6.6 mg/dL) occurred requiring hemodialysis. The patient underwent 8 sessions of hemodialysis for 1 month and the BUN/Cr level increased to 143.2/11.2 mg/dL and decreased to 7.6/1.5 mg/dL. He was discharged safely from the hospital. Follow up endoscopy revealed a severe esophageal stricture and he underwent endoscopic bougie dilatation. Acute cement hardener (sodium silicate) intoxication can cause renal failure and strong caustic mucosal injury. Therefore, it is important to consider early hemodialysis and treatment to prevent gastrointestinal injury and remote esophageal stricture.

Epidemiology of paediatric poisoning presenting to a children's emergency department in Singapore over a five-year period

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Paediatric poisoning accounts for 1% of daily emergency department presentations. The aim of this study was to review the characteristics and outcomes of paediatric patients who presented with drug overdose over a five-year period.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We performed a retrospective review of paediatric poisoning cases at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), the largest children's public hospital in Singapore, from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 1,208 cases of poisoning were seen in KKH's Department of Children's Emergency during the study period. The gender distribution was about equal, with a slight male predominance. The majority of the poisoning cases were accidental. Slightly more than half of the intentional ingestions were of paracetamol and the majority were female patients belonging to the 12-16 year age group. The bulk of poisonings occurred in children aged 1-4 via the oral route, slightly more than half of the oral ingestions consisted of oral medications and a sizeable portion were of household liquids. Mothballs and silica gels accounted for almost a quarter of the solid household products ingested. Slightly less than half of the patients required admission and only a small portion of the admitted patients required intensive or high dependency care.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prognosis of paediatric patients who presented with poisoning in our study was good, with a short median length of stay for those admitted and no fatalities being reported across the span of five years.</p>

Actualización en la comprensión y manejo de la intoxicación por acetaminofén / Update on the understanding and management of intoxication by acetaminophen

La intoxicación por acetaminofén es una de las causas más frecuentes de falla hepática aguda fulminante y una de las principales causas de atención en los servicios de urgencias, por intoxicación debida a medicamentos. Recientemente, se han registrado avances en la comprensión fisiopatológica, diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta entidad clínica. Los mecanismos de estrés oxidativo y daño del ADN mitocondrial explican los daños producidos en esta intoxicación. En esta revisión se presentan aspectos referentes a la epidemiología, mecanismos fisiopatológicos, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la intoxicación por acetaminofén.

Acetaminophen poisoning is one of the most frequent causes of acute fulminant hepatic failure and one of the main causes of care in emergency services due to drug intoxication. Recent progress has been made in the pathophysiological understanding, diagnosis and treatment of this clinical entity. The mechanisms of oxidative stress and mitochondrial DNA damage explain the damage caused by this intoxication. This review presents aspects related to the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of acetaminophen intoxication.

Antidotes Stocking and Delivery for Acute Poisoning Patients at 20 Emergency Departments in Korea 2015–2017

PURPOSE: The National Emergency Medical Center has been running a project for the storage and delivery of antidotes for acute poisoning patients of the Department of Health and Welfare, Korea. This study analyzed the results of this project over the past two years. METHODS: The requests received by the National Emergency Medical Center and the data on the delivery process were analyzed. RESULTS: This study analyzed a total of 121 patients with acute poisoning, who were requested to receive an antidote reserved at 20 key hospitals in 2015–2017, and whose age was 52.3±23.5 years; old; 54 were women. Intentional poisoning were 58.7%, and the home was the most common place of exposure (66.9%). The toxic substances were chemicals (32.2%), pesticides (27.3%), medicines (24.8%), and snake venom (4.1%). The patient's poison severity score was 2.4±0.7 (median 3) indicating moderate-to-severe toxicity. Antidote administration was the cases treated in key hospitals 67.8% (82/121), in which transferred patients accounted for 57.3% (47/82). After receiving an antidote request from a hospital other than the key hospitals, the median was 75.5 minutes (range 10 to 242 minutes) until the antidote reached the patient, and an average of 81.5 minutes was required. The results of emergency care were intensive care unit (70.3%), general wards (13.2%), death (10.7%), and discharge from emergency department (5.0%). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the characteristics of acute poisoning patients treated with an antidote were different from previous reports of poisoned patients in the emergency department, and basic data on the time required for delivery from key hospitals was different.

A fatal case of acute bentazone overdose despite cricothyroidotomy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Bentazone is classified as a moderately hazardous (class II) herbicide by the World Health Organization. A 53-year-old Korean woman was transferred to the emergency department after a suicide attempt using approximately 500 mL of bentazone one hour prior to admission. Upon admission, she was alert and tachycardia of 125/min was observed. She was treated with gastric lavage and activated charcoal, during which she experienced diarrhea. Two hours after bentazone ingestion, cardiac arrest and muscle rigidity throughout the body occurred. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately started. Endotracheal intubation after administration of a muscle relaxant (succinylcholine) was unsuccessful because of temporomandibular joint muscle rigidity. Surgical cricothyroidotomy was performed by the emergency physician, but the patient was not resuscitated. For cardiac arrest patients with muscle rigidity caused by bentazone overdose, endotracheal intubation may be challenging because of muscle rigidity, despite appropriate use of muscle relaxants. Early surgical cricothyroidotomy may be the preferred method of airway management in these patients.

Characterisation and outcomes of adult patients with paracetamol overdose presenting to a tertiary hospital in Singapore

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Paracetamol is the most common pharmaceutical agent implicated in toxic exposure in Singapore. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of paracetamol overdose in the adult population managed at a tertiary healthcare facility in Singapore.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Medical records of adult patients hospitalised with a diagnosis of paracetamol overdose at National University Hospital, Singapore, over a three-year period from January 2011 to December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 177 patients had paracetamol overdose. The median age was 25 years, with a significant female predominance (71.2%). Intentional ingestion accounted for the majority (76.8%) of cases. The median dose of paracetamol ingested was 10 (interquartile range 8-15) g. Among patients who reported ingesting more than 10 g, 46.5% perceived the overdose as non-lethal. N-acetylcysteine was administered in 76.3% of patients, among whom 24.4% experienced an anaphylactoid reaction. Of the 10 (5.6%) patients who had severe hepatotoxicity, 2 (1.1%) developed acute liver failure. Most patients had resolving transaminases at discharge and none required liver transplantation. The median length of hospitalisation was three days. There were no fatalities.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Paracetamol overdose occurred predominantly in young adults with intentional ingestion, suggesting that preventive measures targeted at promoting public awareness may not suffice. However, the perceived lack of lethality by many patients who ingested potentially toxic amounts of paracetamol reflects a certain knowledge gap. Healthcare providers should proactively educate consumers on the proper use of paracetamol and the consequences of its overdose.</p>

Risk analysis and management of use of chloral hydrate solution in pediatric patients in our hospital / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the actual dosages of chloral hydrate solution used in pediatric patients in our hospital and discuss how to prevent excessive dosing or accumulated overdose. METHODS: The prescriptions of chloral hydrate solution for outpatients under or equal to 18 years old during the period of July 2015 to December 2015 in our hospital were extracted. The information about departments, patient age, and dosages were collected. The dose ranges of chloral hydrate according to the height and weight standardized growth charts for children were calculated in order to determine whether the prescribed dosage was too high and whether there was risk of overuse and cumulative overdose. RESULTS: A total of 1 086 chloral hydrate prescriptions were extracted, mostly prescribed by the departments of neurology, pediatrics, ENT and other departments for sedation before examinations. The children under or equal to 12 years old were mostly prescribed 10 mL of chloral hydrate solution, while those over 13 years old were prescribed 30 mL. The risk of overdose was 12.8%. The actual dosages were too small for some children. There existed drug waste phenomenon and potential risks of accidental medication and overuse. There were 12 patients with repeated prescriptionson the same day, resulting in a repeated medication risk. CONCLUSION: In order to avoid the risk of overdose and repeated use of chloral hydrate solution in pediatric children, it is necessary to comply with the high-risk drug management system, improve the hospital information system, write prescriptions correctly, and change the preparation package of chloral hydrate solution. Pharmacists need to play a more active role.

Analysis of Poisoning Patients Using 2016 ED Based Injury in-depth Surveillance Data

PURPOSE: Some advanced countries have reported annual statistics for poisoning based on data from poison control centers. This study was conducted to propose a baseline format and statistics of poisoning in Korea from a national representative database. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of poisoning patients based on data from an emergency department (ED) based injury in-depth surveillance project by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2016. Bite or sting injuries were not included. Variables related to poisoning were summarized using a similar format as the National Poison Data System in the United States. RESULTS: A total of 7,820 poisoning patients presented to 23 EDs. Adults ≥20 years accounted for 84% of the population, while the proportion of intentional poisoning was 59.4%. The most common poisoning substances were therapeutic drugs (45%), gas (21%), pesticides (15%), and artificial toxic substances (13%). Overall, 34.5% of patients were admitted for further treatment. The mortality was 3.2% (248 cases), and the most common causative substances were carbon monoxide, glyphosate, and paraquat, in order. CONCLUSION: This study showed the recent status of poisoning in Korea. However, a comprehensive poisoning registry based on poison control centers may be required to provide more accurate national statistics in the future.

Risk Factors for Aspiration Pneumonia in Acute Benzodiazepine Overdose

PURPOSE: Aspiration pneumonia is an important complication of drug intoxication with decreased mental status. The purpose of the study is to investigate the risk factors of aspiration pneumonia in the patients of benzodiazepine overdose with or without co-ingestion of other drugs. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who visited the emergency department between January 2012 and December 2014 was conducted. Demographic data, time from ingestion to visit, initial vital signs, symptoms, mental status, medical history, laboratory results, chest radiological findings and co-ingested medications were recorded. Multiple logistic analyses were performed to verify the association between variables and the development of aspiration pneumonia. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients presented to the emergency department with benzodiazepine overdose. Aspiration pneumonia had developed in 24 patients (9.6%). Univariate analysis revealed time from ingestion to visit was longer, Glasgow coma scale score was lower, hypoxia was presented, leukocytosis was shown, types of ingested drugs was high, less activated charcoal was applied and tricyclic antidepressants was taken in patients that developed aspiration pneumonia. Time from ingestion to visit (odds ratio (OR) 1.121, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.057-1.189, p=0.000), GCS score (OR 0.724. 95% CI, 0.624-0.839, p=0.000), oxygen saturation (OR 0.895, 95% CI, 0.835-0.959, p=0.002), and co-ingestion of TCA (OR 4.595, 95% CI, 1.169-18.063, p=0.029) were identified as risk factors of morbidity of aspiration pneumonia upon multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Time from ingestion to visit, low GCS score, low oxygen saturation and co-ingestion of TCA were risk factors of the development of aspiration pneumonia in benzodiazepine overdose patients.

Clinical Analysis of Flumazenil Administration in the Single Emergency Department for Unconscious Patients, Suspected Benzodiazepine Overdose

PURPOSE: Flumazenil is an effective benzodiazepine antagonist. However, serious adverse effects, including seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death, have been reported in patients treated with flumazenil. These adverse effects are commonly associated with co-ingested tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepine withdrawal. Herein, we examined the safety, effectiveness, and risk of using flumazenil to treat suspected benzodiazepine overdose in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of adult patients administered with flumazenil for a known or suspected benzodiazepine overdose in the ED between July 2010 and January 2016. The outcomes included mental status improvement, incidence of seizures, and intubation rate after flumazenil administration. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were included in the analysis. Thirty-eight (50%) patients experienced clinically significant mental status improvement. One patient had a seizure (1.3%), despite 17 reported proconvulsant coingestants. No patient required endotracheal intubation, and no patient had arrhythmias after flumazenil administration. Flumazenil was given intravenously bolus in all cases, and the average dose was 0.44mg. There were no significant changes in the vital signs after flumazenil administration. CONCLUSION: Flumazenil was effective and associated with a low frequency of seizure. However, patients with contraindications may develop seizures. The benefits with respect to risk of adverse effects should be considered carefully in all patients.

Accuracy of Tablet Counts Estimated by Members of the Public and Healthcare Professionals

PURPOSE: Intentional and accidental drug intoxication is commonly seen in the emergency department. When treating intoxicated patients, the amount of the ingested drug is crucial albeit often difficult. We investigated the tablet counts when asked to hold tablets in their fists and hands (semi-quantitative terms). METHODS: The widths and lengths of the participants'hands were measured. Then, the subjects were asked to hold 5-mm round, 10-mm round, 10-mm oval, and 15-mm elliptical tablets using their hands and fists and to estimate the number of tablets they were holding. Differences between the estimated and actual numbers of tablets were examined. RESULTS: A total of 47 members of the public and 33 healthcare professionals were included in our study. In analyses of differences between the actual and estimated amounts of tablets held in the participants'hands and fists, the actual amount was higher than the estimated amount for all tablet types and in both groups. When participants held the tablets in the same manner (handful or fistful), the differences between the actual and estimated amounts were greater for 5- than 15-mm-sized tablets (p<0.05) CONCLUSION: Treatment of patients presenting with drug overdoses to the emergency department should be based on the assumption that the actual amount of drugs ingested is likely greater than the amount stated by the patient.

High Prevalence of Psychotropics Overdose among Suicide Attempters in Korea

OBJECTIVE: The availability of suicide methods affects the risk of suicide attempts. This study examined the patterns of substances ingested by suicide attempters (SAs) and the characteristics of SAs using psychotropic overdoses. METHODS: Data for 384 of the 462 eligible SAs who used self-poisoning were analyzed. Demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and factors related to the suicide attempts were examined. RESULTS: There were 256 (66.7%) females and 128 (33.3%) males. Roughly half the SAs ingested psychotropics (n=179, 46.6%). Agricultural chemicals (n=84, 21.9%) were the second most frequently ingested substances, followed by analgesics (n=62, 16.1%), household products (n=27, 7.0%), and other prescribed medications (n=23, 6.0%). Among psychotropics, the most frequently overdosed drugs were sedative-hypnotics, including hypnotics (n=104) and benzodiazepines (n=78). SAs favored Z-drugs and alprazolam. When compared with SAs with non-psychotropic overdoses, significantly more SAs with psychotropic overdoses were female (76% vs. 58.5%, p<0.001) and had a psychiatric history (59.8% vs. 29.8%, p<0.001). They had significantly more previous suicide attempts (0.52+/-1.02 vs. 0.32+/-0.80, p<0.05) and lower risk (7.96+/-1.49 vs. 8.44+/-1.99, p<0.01) and medical severity (3.06+/-0.81 vs. 3.37+/-0.93, p<0.005) scores. CONCLUSION: Psychotropic overdose, especially with sedative-hypnotics, was a major method in suicide attempts. It is important that psychiatric patients are carefully evaluated and monitored for suicidality when prescribing psychotropics.

Factors associated with Occurrence of Aspiration Pneumonia in the Patient with Sedative-hypnotics Acute Overdose

PURPOSE: Drug overdose is easily found in the emergency department (ED). Sedative-hypnotics overdose causes the aspiration pneumonia in patients with decreased mental status. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors of aspiration pneumonia in patients poisoned with sedative-hypnotics. METHODS: One hundred seventy eight patients who were poisoned with sedative-hypnotics and who visited ED between 2009 and 2015 were included. This study was conducted retrospectively, with collection of data by review of medical records. We collected the data concerning the characteristics of patients and classified them into two groups based on the development of aspiration pneumonia. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors for the development of aspiration pneumonia. RESULTS: Thirty five patients had an aspiration pneumonia during their hospital stay in 178 patients. The age, amount of ingestion, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission, a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and the hypotension at admission were significantly different between two groups in univariate analysis. The age, amount of ingestion and GCS score at admission were associated with the development of aspiration pneumonia in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR 1.028 (95%CI, 1.002-1.056, p=0.037), 1.026 (95%CI, 1.004- 1.043, p=0.001), 0.737 (95%CI, 0.683-0.915, p=0.002)). All patients with aspiration pneumonia were discharged without a sequelae. CONCLUSION: The development of aspiration pneumonia in the patients of sedative-hypnotics overdose is associated with old age, amount of drug ingestion, and GCS score at admission.