A retrospective study of poisoning in Tehran

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Poisoning remains a significant public health concern globally, with varying etiological factors and demographic distributions across regions.
• Understanding local patterns of poisoning is crucial for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the primary causes and mortality associated with poisoning incidents in Tehran.
• To analyze demographic data and identify common substances involved in poisoning cases.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 7000 poisoning cases admitted to Loghman-Hakim Hospital in Tehran over a six-month period in 1994.
• Data collected included patient demographics, route of exposure, causative agents, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• The study observed a higher incidence of poisoning in females (1.8:1 ratio). Peak age groups for poisoning were 2-6 years for children and 21-40 years for adults.
• In adults, drug overdoses (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, analgesics) were the leading cause (60.2%), while in children, drugs (32.1%) and hydrocarbons (19.2%) were most common. Pesticide poisoning had the highest fatality rate (19.2%).
• A significant majority of deaths (87.5%) were attributed to suicide, predominantly in adults, contrasting with accidental poisonings in children.

Conclusions:

• Poisoning in adults in Tehran is largely intentional, with a strong association with drug use.
• Accidental poisonings are more prevalent in children, with hydrocarbons being a common agent.
• Pesticide-related fatalities underscore the need for stricter controls and public awareness campaigns regarding toxic substance management.