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Abstract
Objectives. Prospective design is mandatory to study pattern of poisoning and suicidal intention of patients. Material and Methods. Prospective cross-sectional multi-center study of all patients contacting health care services because of acute poisoning during one year in Oslo, irrespective of intention. Data on the adult hospitalized patients (≥16 years) are presented here. Results. Of a total of 3,775 such adult contacts (3,025 episodes), there were 947 (31 %) hospitalizations; annual incidence 1.9 (per 1,000) in males and 2.1 in females. Median age was 36 years (range 16–89); 54% females. Benzodiazepines (18%), ethanol (17%), paracetamol (12%), opioids (7%), and gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) (7%) were most frequently taken. Patients stated suicidal intention in 29% of the admissions; physicians in 10%. Conclusion. Benzodiazepines and ethanol were the most common agents, but newer illicit drugs were frequent, especially GHB. Males often took ethanol and drugs of abuse; females often used prescription drugs with suicidal intention.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by a grant from the Norwegian Directorate for Health and Social Affairs, Department for Emergency Medicine and Preparedness, and by a grant from the Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority. Thanks to the Departments of Clinical Chemistry and Internal Medicine of Aker University Hospital, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Lovisenberg Hospital, and Ullevaal University Hospital for help with collection of the material. Thanks to Professor Leiv Sandvik, University of Oslo, for statistical advice.