The causes of acute intoxications in the course of one year admitted to intensive metabolic care unit
Abstract
We present the survey of the patients admitted to Intensive metabolic care unit (IMCU) for acute intoxication during 1 year - 2002. During 2002 we have admitted altogether 677 patients to IMCU.
Out of them 213 (31.5%) were admitted for acute intoxication, 100 men of the average age 36.8 +- 11.8 years and 113 women of the average age 41.5 +- 14.0 years. 6 patients were admitted twice for the reccurent intoxication. The most common cause for acute intoxication was suicidial attempt which was discovered in 149 cases of intoxication (68.1%), followed by toxicomania in 12.8%, alcohol intoxication in chronic alcoholics in 13.2%, accidentally in 3.6% of cases.
Psychatric in-patient treatment was indicated in 91 cases afterwards. Hypnotics alone or in combination with alcohol were used in 85 cases (39%), only alcohol in 33 (15%), antidepresive drugs in 26 (12%), analgesic drugs in 15 (6.8%), opiods in 13 (6%).
The mild and moredate intoxications represent 90% of all the cases. Only 10% of acute intoxications were severe with the need of the artificial ventilatory support and (or) elimination procedure.
During 2002 one patient had died only due to accidental intoxication with etylenglycol. Short-term prognosis of the patients admitted for acute intoxication is very good.
However many patients need the futher psychiatric treatment including hospitalisation in psychiatric department.