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Acute drug intoxication: predictive factors for hospitalization
Fatma Medhioub Kaaniche1, Farah Zouari1, Salma Jerbi1
1Intensive Care Department, Mahres Regional Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
The Pan African Medical Journal
|November 17, 2025
Summary
Acute drug intoxication (ADI) is a common emergency department visit reason. Factors like poly-drug use and specific poisonings predict hospitalization, suggesting a need for standardized management guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute drug intoxication (ADI) frequently leads to emergency department (ED) visits and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions.
- Understanding the characteristics of patients with ADI and factors influencing hospitalization is crucial for resource allocation and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the population presenting to the emergency department with acute drug poisoning (ADP).
- To identify independent predictive factors associated with hospitalization in patients with ADP.
Main Methods:
- A 30-month cross-sectional study (July 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023).
- Inclusion of all patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute drug poisoning.
- Analysis of demographic and clinical data to identify hospitalization predictors.
Main Results:
- A total of 41 cases of ADP were recorded.
- Independent predictors for hospitalization included poly-drug poisoning, toxic dose exposure, paracetamol, oral antidiabetic drugs, and benzodiazepine poisoning.
- Clinical signs such as miosis, seizures, sinus bradycardia, and conduction disturbances also predicted hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of hospitalizations for ADP may be preventable.
- Developing specific guidelines for drug poisoning management can standardize care in emergency settings.
- Identifying high-risk patients can optimize resource utilization and improve outcomes.
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