Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
Published on: January 29, 2011
[Patients with self-poisoning in a medical department]
1Akuttmedisinsk avdeling, Oslo universitetssykehus, Ullevål, 0407 Oslo. oivind.ekeberg@uus.no
Background:
Patients harm themselves for different reasons; some attempt suicide, others are more ambivalent and their actions can be regarded as acts of appeal. This presentation focuses on self-poisoning with special emphasis on prevalence, treatment and prognosis.
Material And Methods:
The paper is based on 30 years clinical experience and research on patients with self-poisoning.
Results:
The incidence of self-poisonings treated in Norwegian hospitals is between 100 and 200 per 100 000 person-years. About 1 % die in association with hospitalization, usually due to complications before arrival. Mortality is highly increased 20 years after discharge from hospital. Thorough assessment of somatic, psychiatric and social health problems is necessary. Suicide risk has to be assessed systematically and documented. Follow-up should preferably be organized within one week after a suicide attempt if the patient is not transferred to a psychiatric department. Patients that are admitted to hospital with non-suicidal poisonings also have significant health problems that call for more systematic follow-up.
Interpretation:
Clinical follow-up and research activities do not reflect the seriousness of the health problems associated with self-poisoning.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Enhanced Elimination of Poison
Antidotes serve a crucial role in counteracting the effects of poison by inhibiting enzymes responsible for producing harmful drug metabolites. In some cases, these toxic metabolites can be neutralized by endogenous cosubstrates, which are maintained at specific concentrations to prevent interaction with cellular macromolecules and subsequent cell death.
Renal excretion is the...
