Opioid exposures in children under 5 years of age (2004–2019): A retrospective study of calls to Australia's largest poisons information centre

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abrar Arbaeen ◽  
Nial J Wheate ◽  
Rose Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Information Centre ◽  
Poisons Information ◽  
Children Under 5

scholarly journals Mushroom Poisoning—A 17 Year Retrospective Study at a Level I University Emergency Department in Switzerland

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Keller ◽  
Jolanta Klukowska-Rötzler ◽  
Katharina Schenk-Jaeger ◽  
Hugo Kupferschmidt ◽  
Aristomenis Exadaktylos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Mushroom Poisoning ◽  
Information Centre ◽  
Poison Centre ◽  
Edible Species ◽  
Level I ◽  
Amanita Pantherina ◽  
Poisonous Mushrooms ◽  
Poisons Information

The consequences of mushroom poisoning range from mild, mostly gastrointestinal, disturbances to organ failure or even death. This retrospective study describes presentations related to mushroom poisoning at an emergency department in Bern (Switzerland) from January 2001 to October 2017. Gastrointestinal disturbances were reported in 86% of the 51 cases. The National Poisons Information Centre and mycologists were involved in 69% and 61% of the cases, respectively. Identification of the mushroom type/family was possible in 43% of the cases. The most common mushroom family was Boletaceae (n = 21) and the most common mushrooms Xerocomus chrysenteron (n = 7; four being part of a cluster), Clitocybe nebularis, Lepista nuda and Lactarius semisanguifluus (n = 5 each, four being part of a cluster). Poisonous mushrooms included Amanita phalloides (n = 3, all analytically confirmed), Boletus satanas (n = 3), Amanita muscaria (n = 2) and Amanita pantherina (n = 2). There were no fatalities and 80% of the patients were discharged within 24 h. Mushroom poisoning does not appear to be a common reason for emergency consultation and most presentations were of minor severity and related to edible species (e.g., due to incorrect processing). Nevertheless, poisonous mushrooms and severe complications were also recorded. Collaboration with a poison centre and/or mycologists is of great importance, especially in high risk cases.

Vitamin and mineral supplement exposures: cases reported to Australia’s largest Poisons Information Centre, 2014-15 to 2018-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Usha Luckock ◽  
Joanna Harnett ◽  
Rose Cairns
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Information Centre ◽  
The Public ◽  
Mineral Supplements ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Unit Dose ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Poisons Information

ABSTRACT Vitamin and mineral supplements (VMS) are widely available and commonly used. Little is known about patterns of poisoning exposures to VMS in the Australian population. We performed a retrospective study of calls to the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSWPIC), July 2014-June 2019. NSWPIC is Australia’s largest PIC, taking approximately 100,000 calls/year (50% of Australian poisoning calls) from healthcare professionals and members of the public. We conducted additional analyses on iron exposures due to their high risk of acute toxicity. There were 10 944 VMS exposures reported to NSWPIC during the study period, increasing 9.6% per annum over a five year period (95%CI, 7.2 – 12.1%). Toddlers (1-4 years) accounted for 41.5% (4546) of cases. Agents most commonly involved were multivitamins (n=3610), Vitamin D (n=2080), iron (n=1533), and magnesium (n=804). In 17.7% (1934) of cases the call originated from hospital or the patient was referred to hospital by NSWPIC. Iron exposures increased by 14.0% per year (95%CI, 9.5 – 18.5%), and most were associated with high strength products (>45 mg elemental iron per unit dose, n=1036). Iron exposures were hospitalised in 38% of cases (n=583). We conclude that vitamin and mineral supplement exposures are increasing in Australia. Although most exposures can be managed at home, many required hospitalisation. Iron exposures are increasing and had higher rates of hospitalisation than other agents. Vitamin and mineral supplements are often considered safe and without the potential for adverse effects, highlighting the importance of public education into the potential risks of misuse of these products.

Role and functions of Poisons Information Centre

1997 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. B. Lall ◽  
S. S. Peshin
Keyword(s):  
Information Centre ◽  
Poisons Information

scholarly journals The epidemiology and severity of scorpion envenoming in South Africa as managed by the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre over a 10 year period

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carine J. Marks ◽  
Gert J. Muller ◽  
Dmitrij Sachno ◽  
Helmuth Reuter ◽  
Cherylynn A. Wium ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Centre ◽  
Poisons Information

Paediatric poisoning exposures in schools: reports to Australia’s largest poisons centre

2020 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2020-319919
Author(s):  
Jennifer Ly ◽  
Jared A Brown ◽  
Nicholas A Buckley ◽  
Rose Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Time Trends ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
New South ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Science Class ◽  
Information Centre ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Poisons Information

ObjectiveTo describe poisoning exposures occurring at school in a large sample of Australian children.DesignA population-based retrospective cohort study.SettingCases reported to the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSWPIC), Australia’s largest poisons information centre, taking 50% of the nation’s poisoning calls.PatientsPoisoning exposures occurring in children and adolescents while at school were included, over a 4.5-year period (January 2014 to June 2018).Main outcome measuresTime trends in poisonings, demographics, exposure characteristics, substances involved, disposition.ResultsThere were 1751 calls relating to exposures at school made to NSWPIC. Most calls concerned accidental exposures (60.8%, n=1064), followed by deliberate self-poisonings (self-harm, 12.3%, n=216). Over a quarter of cases were hospitalised (n=468), where the call originated from hospital or patients referred to hospital by NSWPIC. Disposition varied by exposure type, and hospitalisation was highest with deliberate self-poisonings (92.6%, n=200), recreational exposures (57.1%, n=12) and other intentional exposures (32.6%, n=45). The median age was 12 (IQR 8–15 years), and 54.7% were male (n=958). The most common pharmaceutical exposures were to paracetamol (n=100), methylphenidate (n=78) and ibuprofen (n=53), with the majority being deliberate self-poisonings. Copper sulfate was responsible for 55 science class cases, 45% of which were hospitalised. Cases may be increasing, with 81.3 (±8.2) calls per quarter, 2014–2016, and 129.3 (±24.3) calls per quarter, 2017–2018.ConclusionsPoisoning exposures occurring at school are common, with disposition and substances involved varying considerably by exposure reason. The relatively high number of referrals to hospital highlights the need for investigation into preventative measures.

scholarly journals Plant Exposures Reported to the Poisons Information Centre Erfurt from 2001-2010

Planta Medica ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (05) ◽  
pp. 401-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Plenert ◽  
Dagmar Prasa ◽  
Helmut Hentschel ◽  
Michael Deters
Keyword(s):  
Information Centre ◽  
Poisons Information

Personal View

1991 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 401-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Goulding
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Toxicology ◽  
Personal View ◽  
Information Centre ◽  
Emergency Calls ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Poisons Information

1 Following the establishment, in the USA, of the first poisons information centre, in 1953, the movement has grown globally. Originally, such a service was intended to meet an emergency need. Its efficacy has still not been objectively audited. 2 The suggestion now is that clinical toxicology has become such a diverse subject within the community that simply answering emergency calls over the telephone is not enough. Instead, expertly staffed clinical toxicology units should be set up to cater for much wider problems.

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