Pattern of dipyrone exposure in Texas, 1998 to 2004

Dipyrone is an analgesic and antipyretic agent. The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of dipyrone exposures reported to poison centers.

Human dipyrone exposures reported to 6 Texas poison centers from 1998 to 2004 were identified. Isolated and non-isolated cases were compared with respect to various factors.

When compared to the Census, dipyrone exposures were significantly more likely to have been reported from regions closer to the Mexican border (53% vs 9%). Of 81 dipyrone exposures, 52 (64%) were isolated and 29 (36%) were non-isolated. Most of the dipyrone exposures occurred at the patient's own residence (72/76 or 95%) and the patients were more likely to be female (54/81 or 67%). Although the majority of both types of dipyrone exposures were adults (47/78 or 60%), children, less than 6 years of age, accounted for a higher proportion of isolated exposures (33% vs 10%) while a higher proportion of non-isolated exposures involved older children (28% vs 8%). Twenty-two percent (11/51) of isolated cases were intentional while 59% (17/29) of non-isolated cases were intentional. Of those cases with a known medical outcome, the medical outcome was no adverse clinical effect for 76% (16/21) of isolated exposures and 42% (8/19) of non-isolated exposures. The specific adverse clinical effects reported for isolated exposures were primarily neurological (n = 6), gastrointestinal (n = 4), and dermal (n = 3). The most frequently reported treatment for isolated exposures was some form of decontamination (n = 11).

Isolated and non-isolated dipyrone exposures varied with respect to patient age, exposure reason, management site, medical outcome.