Acute drug intoxication: predictive factors for hospitalization

acute drug intoxication (ADI) is a common reason for emergency department visits and intensive care unit admissions. The objective of our study was to describe the population presenting to the emergency department for ADP and to identify predictive factors for hospitalization.

this was a cross-sectional study conducted over a 30-month period (July 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023). We included all patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute drug poisoning.

a total of 41 cases of ADP were recorded. Independent predictive factors for hospitalization included: poly-drug poisoning (OR = 3.3; 95% CI [2.6-6.7]; p = 0.031), toxic dose exposure (OR = 1.7; 95% CI [1.1-3.5]; p = 0.04), paracetamol poisoning (OR = 1.4; 95% CI [1.2-2.7]; p = 0.02), oral antidiabetic drug poisoning (OR = 1.1; 95% CI [1.1-2.8]; p = 0.01), benzodiazepine poisoning (OR = 1.9; 95% CI [0.8-3.2]; p = 0.02), miosis (OR = 1.2; 95% CI [1.2-4.2]; p = 0.043), seizures (OR = 1.3; 95% CI [0.8-2.1]; p = 0.001), sinus bradycardia (OR = 1.3; 95% CI [0.7-2.7]; p = 0.031), and conduction disturbances (OR = 1.8; 95% CI [1.4-4.2]; p = 0.02).

these findings highlight the substantial number of potentially avoidable hospitalizations. Developing a specific guideline for drug poisoning could help standardize management in emergency settings.