An experience of toxicology cases in the emergency department of Al-Noor hospital, Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the pattern of toxicology cases and their management, presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) of Al-noor Specialist Hospital, KSA for a sixmonth period. Study Design & Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted at Al-noor Specialist Hospital for six months i.e. 01-01-1425H–30-06-1425H corresponding to 21-02-2005G–16-08-2005G. The data were collected from the ED cards of toxicology cases. Out of a total of 100 cases, 12 cases were deficient in data regarding some of the variables, i.e., age, time of presentation, duration in ED, etc. Results: One hundred cases were included in this study. Fifty two (59%) out of 88 were pediatric cases. Native Saudis were predominant (87%). Regarding the nature of toxins, except narcotic and alcohol abuse in adult cases, the remaining abusers were predominantly children rather than adults. Eighty two percent of the cases received both diagnostic and treatment interventions, while 7% did not receive any kind of management. Likewise, 36.8% cases received IV fluids & gastric lavage, while 35.6% received only gastric lavage. More than six investigations were done for only 2.3% subjects. About 19.3% presented in the morning shift. 81.8% subjects were retained in the emergency room for 0-3 hours. 41% were admitted. Conclusion: The maximum number of cases encountered were pediatric cases. Drug associated visits were predominant. Treatment and diagnostic interventions were done for more than three fourth of the subjects. Gastric lavage had been done for more than half of the cases. Most of the cases could be moved out of the emergency department within three hours.