Poisoning and drug overdoses in the Emergency Department at Songklanagarind Hospital

ABSTRACT

 Objective: To study the prevalence of poisoning and drug overdoses in the Emergency Department (ED) Songklanagarind Hospital.Method: A Retrospective study from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. The records of all patients who presented to the ED with ingested poisons or drug overdoses were reviewed.Result: A total of 133 patient records were included in this study. The prevalence of drug overdose was 0.25% of a total of 52,542 patients/year. There were female 82 cases (61.7%) and male 51 cases (38.3%). Most were 15-24 years old. Drugoverdose was the most common problem (46.6%). The most common reason was attempted suicide(67.7%); 53.4% of the patients were sent to consult a psychiatrist. 47.4% were admitted to the hospital and 15% had complications. The mortality rate was zero.Conclusion: Poisoning and drug overdose was found 0.25% in Emergency Department. Most of patients were 15-24 years old and the most common problem is drug overdose for attempted suicide.