Resource Tag: POISON CONTROL CENTRES

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This study compares estimated rates of intentional self-harm from 2 ongoing surveys (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program; National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey) to data from the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System. Results suggest that, for every 2002-2003 suicide, there were 12 (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program) or 15 (National Hospital Ambulatory […]

The authors sought to examine the nature of calls to poison information centers by adults ages 50 & over, using data from the national Toxic Exposure Surveillance System. The results indicated that females’ poison experiences were more likely the result of therapeutic error, adverse drug reactions, ingestions, & the acute-on-chronic class. Older age was inversely […]

This study was undertaken to evaluate trends and toxicity of pediatric methylphenidate exposures; 1993 to 1999 national poison data were analyzed. The majority of children during the entire study period experienced no effect or minor effects with no fatalities. Most common reasons were unintentional general or therapeutic errors in children under 13 years and suicide […]

A retrospective study at the Poison Control Center of Costa Rica describes the pattern of pesticide poisoning that occurred during 1996. A total of 1274 exposures were reported. There were 284 suicide attempts, 193 by males & 91 by females. Education of the users of pesticides & the community in general is essential to creating […]

In 1993, 1,751,476 human exposures to poisons were reported in the USA. 132,788 of these cases involved suicidal intent. Of 626 fatalities, 338 were suicides, with the majority of cases occurring in individuals over 19 years of age. (10 refs, 23 tables)

This study charaterized poisoning deaths in Rhode Island as recorded by 2 systems to determine the incidence of deaths not reported to the poison center. State medical examiner records were matched & compared to poison center cases during 1986-89 using a computerized program. Conclusions: the medical examiner’s office is a significant source of data regarding […]

Poisoning-related deaths in Massachusetts from 1986-87 were analyzed in 3 datasets: poison centre records, death certificates & medical examiner’s office records. Results showed only 17% concordance between the 3 datasets leading the authors to conclude that reliance on a single data source underestimates & potentially misrepresents both the numbers & types of poisoning deaths. Findings […]

A comparative study of 10,134 cases of human exposure to adult formulations of aspirin, acetominophen & ibuprofen was done. Most children reporting to poison control centres had ingested the substance accidentally & most were treated at home with no fatalities. In adults, most exposures were intentional, managed at hospitals, and resulted in greater severity of […]

A survey of attempted suicide in Edinburgh revealed that patients who had had initial treatment at a special poisoning treatment centre repeated suicidal behavior 1/3 less than patients who were not admitted or were referred to other psychiatric services. Of 204 persons who attempted suicide in 1970; 88% of the 125 admitted to the poison […]

The author cautions all agencies operating a service where drug crises are handled to maintain the accuracy of their materials & information on an ongoing basis. Personnel must know both the real pharmacological effects of drugs & the street gossip about imagined effects. Guidelines for the administration of this type of service are presented. (NBB)

This brief article concentrates on the prevention & first-aid of acute poisoning by substances taken by mouth. Accidental poisoning, focusing on prevention in children, & intentional self-poisoning are discussed. 16 Refs. (LH)

This article asserts that poison control centers offer a lifeline to children & youth manifesting self-destructive behavior. The discussion includes the incidence of poisoning between ages 6 & 18, characteristics of cases of self-poisoning, behavioral data, & concept of death. Various statistical tables are included. 21 Refs. (LH)

In this article from EM, January 1972, the author advises physicians children & adolescents who have overdosed to arrange for a family consultation as soon as is possible. Children over 6 years of age may make true suicide attempts, according to information from 50 poison centes in the U.S. & abroad. An overdose may be […]

The common roles of poison control centers and suicide prevention centers are indicated, and the need for merging the functions and services of these two kinds of centers is emphasized. 5 Ref.

This article describes the training program in toxicology for pharmacy students, developed in conjunction with the Intermountain Regional Poison Control Center, University of Utah. Students act as primary consultants to the public & physicians in the provision of poison information services. 11 ref. (NBB)

This article urges physicians to assess the suicide potential of their patients. Most of those who attempt suicide, says psychoanalyst Dr. Charles W. Wahl, have 3 things in common: recent loss of person, love, bodily integrity or status; an enormous sense of rage & frustration; & recent failure or humiliation. (NBB)

The vast majority of household products are not hazardous when swallowed in small amounts. However, certain products such as bleach become hazardous when swallowed in large amounts. The case of a 65-year-old female who drank a cup of bleach is presented. She died 3 days after admission to hospital of bilateral basal bronchopneumonia, a complication […]

Fourteen incidents of chemical poisoning, as reported to New York’s Poison Control Centre, are described. Ages of victims range from 1-1/2 years to 24 years; most are children. Symptoms and emergency treatment are described.