A Restrospective Study of Poisoning in Tehran

Abstract

Objective: To examine the causes and majority of poisoning in Tehran. Methods: The 7000 poisoning cases referred to Loghman-Hakim Hospital in Tehran over six months in 1994 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The overall female to male ratio was 1.8:1. Most poisoning occurred in the age range 2-6 y for children and 21-40 y for adults. Oral ingestion was the most common route of intoxication. In children, boys had a higher frequency of poisoning than girls. Most cases of children were referred to the hospital between 8 am and 8 pm. In adults referred to the hospital, there was little diurnal variation in poisoning presentations. In adults, drugs were the most common cause of intoxication (60.2%). Of these, benzodiazepines (24.5%) were the most frequent, followed by antidepressants (20.5%) and analgesics (18%). Pesticide and opiate intoxications were also commonly observed. In children, after drugs (32.1%), hydrocarbons were the most frequent cause of poisoning (19.2%). Pesticide poisonings were most often fatal (19.2), followed by barbiturates (18.6%) and opiates (16.2%). Organophosphate insecticides were responsible for 57% of total pesticide poisoning cases. Of the deaths, 87.5% were attributed to suicide. Conclusion: The majority of poisoning cases in adults occur intentionally and in children accidentally