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Budapest Registry of Self-poisoned Patients
1Department of Human Genetics and Teratology, WHO Collaborating Centre for the Community Control of Hereditary Diseases, Budapest, Hungary.
Abstract:
The majority of persons attempting suicide are young (peak in the 17-19 age group), female (68%), otherwise healthy, and use chemicals for this purpose (self-poisoning); 98% of these persons survive. Thus, survivors of self-poisoning present a unique model for the study of somatic and germinal mutagenic effects of large doses of chemicals in human beings. This recognition prompted the establishment of the Budapest Registry of Self-poisoned Patients in 1990. The recorded 11,847 cases used 20,324 drugs in 1990-1992. Benzodiazepines were the most popular drugs for self-poisoning. International collaboration by the use of molecular epidemiological methods seems to be promising in the self-poisoning model.
Insights
Young individuals, primarily female, who survive self-poisoning offer a unique model for studying chemical mutagenic effects. This research highlights the potential of molecular epidemiology in understanding these outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Self-poisoning is common among young, healthy females, with a high survival rate (98%).
- Survivors of self-poisoning represent a valuable human model for assessing chemical toxicity.
- The Budapest Registry of Self-poisoned Patients was established in 1990 to study these cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a registry for self-poisoned patients.
- To investigate the somatic and germinal mutagenic effects of large chemical doses in humans.
- To explore the utility of molecular epidemiology in self-poisoning research.
Main Methods:
- Establishment and utilization of the Budapest Registry of Self-poisoned Patients.
- Analysis of recorded cases and drug usage data from 1990-1992.
- Application of molecular epidemiological methods for international collaboration.
Main Results:
- The registry recorded 11,847 cases involving 20,324 drugs between 1990 and 1992.
- Benzodiazepines were identified as the most frequently used drugs in self-poisoning incidents.
- The study population primarily consists of young (17-19 peak), healthy females.
Conclusions:
- Self-poisoning survivors provide a unique human model for studying chemical mutagenicity.
- Molecular epidemiological approaches are promising for research in this area.
- International collaboration is recommended for further investigation.