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Pattern of poisoning in the elderly: an experience from Tehran
Mojgan Karbakhsh1, Negar Salehian Zandi
1Sina Trauma Research Center, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. mkarbakh@sina.tums.ac.ir
Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|October 2, 2007
Summary
Elderly poisoning in Tehran is frequent, often accidental, and involves opioids. High mortality rates highlight the need to address risk factors in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Poisoning presents a significant health challenge for the elderly population.
- Understanding poisoning patterns in older adults is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and describe the epidemiological characteristics of poisoning among elderly individuals in Tehran.
- To identify common agents, circumstances, and outcomes of poisoning in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months.
- Data were collected from 299 patients aged 60 years and older admitted to Loghman-Hakim hospital's emergency department for acute poisoning.
Main Results:
- Poisoning predominantly affected men (70.9%) and occurred in home settings (84.3%).
- Accidental poisonings (53.2%) were more common than attempted suicides (32.4%), with opioids/opiates being the most frequent agents (54.02%).
- Opioid/opiate-related overdoses were higher in males, and mortality reached 11.7%, primarily linked to opioids.
Conclusions:
- Opioid and opiate abuse significantly contributes to accidental poisonings and suicide attempts in the elderly.
- The high mortality rate underscores the urgent need for focused research on risk and prognostic factors for poisoning in older adults.
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