Acute poisoning in the emergency room in Lagos University Teaching Hospital

This paper reviews 146 cases of acute poisoning seen and treated by us at the adult accident and emergency centre of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, between 1979 and 1982. Barbiturates (19%) and benzodiazepines (17%) were the commonest drugs used in acute poisoning. The highest incidence (41%) was found among persons aged 18-25 years. There were 67 males and 79 females (1:1.2). About 14% took a "cocktail" of more than one drug. Self-poisoning occurred in 74%; 8.6% were apparently suicidal; 15.8% were accidental; and 1.4% were homicidal. Fifty of the patients (33%) were unconscious on admission. The centre's management technique is briefly discussed and the need for a poisons information centre in the country is highlighted.