Principal causes of poisoning in Quito, Ecuador: a retrospective epidemiology study

At present there are no poison center or toxicology services available in Ecuador. In preparation to begin such a service it was decided to evaluate the occurrence and causes of poisoning in Quito (population 1.5 million). A retrospective chart review was performed for all of 1995 of all the patients admitted to the emergency departments of 3 main public hospitals of Quito for poisoning, excluding those who had ethanol and food poisoning. We analyzed sex, age, socio-economic status, origin and principal causes of poisoning; 850 cases were located. Predominant age groups seen were 15-30 y and 31-45 y. Poisoning with drugs was the major cause with 211 cases, followed by organophosphate and phosphorus poisoning. Principal drugs seen in poisoning were benzodiazepine, acetaminophen and aspirin. The occurrence of poisoning in Quito showed unique regional differences that will help prepare local health officials to establish intervention strategies for the reduction of morbidity and mortality from poisoning. Significant efforts in both public and professional education will need to be made to both reduce occurrence and better treat poisonings.