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Published on: January 16, 2019
Repetition of acute poisoning in Oslo: 1-year prospective study
Fridtjof Heyerdahl1, Mari Asphjell Bjornaas, Rune Dahl
1Department of Acute Medicine, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. fridtjof.heyerdahl@medisin.uio.no
Background:
The repetition of acute poisoning occurs frequently. The intention may change between episodes and many poisonings are treated outside the hospital setting. Few studies have taken this into account.
Aims:
To quantify the repetition frequency regardless of the level of health care or the intention behind the poisoning, and to identify possible risk factors for repetition.
Method:
A prospective multicentre study of all acute poisonings in Oslo treated in hospital, at an out-patient clinic or by the ambulance service. Repetition was estimated using Kaplan-Meier calculations, and predictive factors were identified using Cox regression analysis.
Results:
The estimated 1-year repetition rate was 30% (95% CI 24-35). Independent predictors of repetition were middle age (30-49 years), poisoning with opiates or sedatives, unemployment or living on social welfare, a previous suicide attempt, and a history of psychiatric treatment. Intention was not a significant predictor.
Conclusions:
Repetition of acute poisoning is high, irrespective of the level of healthcare and the intention behind the poisoning.
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