Poisoning in the elderly: characterization of exposures reported to a poison control center

To determine the incidence of poison center calls involving the elderly, characterize these poisonings, and compare them with poisonings that occur in people younger than 60 years of age.

Concurrent, observational survey.

The Virginia Poison Center in Richmond, Virginia.

All persons 60 years of age and older who were involved in a poison exposure reported to the Virginia Poison Center from October 1, 1991 through March 31, 1992.

Incidence, type, route, location, management site, medical outcome of exposures and reasons for these exposures.

Exposures in persons 60 years of age and older accounted for 2.3% of all poison center calls during the 6-month study period. These calls were most likely to involve women who unintentionally ingested extra doses of medications. The majority of these exposures occurred in the home and resulted in either no effect or minor effects. For those exposures that necessitated an emergency room visit, elderly persons were more likely to be admitted to the hospital than younger persons (P < 0.05).

The majority of poisonings that occur in persons 60 years of age and older are unintentional and may be amenable to poison prevention education.