Experience with acute poisoning in an intensive care unit. A review of 103 cases

We present our experience with 103 adults with acute poisoning severe enough to warrant admission to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) of the Johannesburg Hospital. They comprise only 6,1% of all adult cases of poisoning admitted to the hospital during the same 3-year period. The mortality rate was 5,8%. Active support of vital functions is the focal point of therapy and will ensure a favourable outcome in the majority of cases.