Presentations of patients of poisoning and predictors of poisoning-related fatality: Findings from a hospital-based prospective study
2008

Predictors of Poisoning-Related Fatality in Taiwan

Sample size: 1512 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lee Hsin-Ling, Lin Hung-Jung, Yeh Steve Ting-Yuan, Chi Chih-Hsien, Guo How-Ran

Primary Institution: National Cheng Kung University

Hypothesis

Factors associated with unfavorable prognosis in clinical settings are predictors of fatality in cases of poisoning.

Conclusion

The study identified significant predictors of poisoning-related fatality, including age over 61 years, insufficient respiration, shock status, abnormal heart rate, abnormal body temperature, suicidal intent, and paraquat exposure.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study recorded 1512 poisoning cases with a fatality rate of 4.2%.
  • Paraquat exposure was associated with a 72.1% fatality rate.
  • 66.1% of poisoning cases involved suicidal intent.

Takeaway

This study looked at people who got poisoned and found that older age and certain health problems can make it more likely for them to die from poisoning.

Methodology

The study was a prospective analysis of poisoning patients recruited from emergency departments over two years, collecting demographic and clinical data to identify predictors of fatality.

Potential Biases

There may be risks of bias due to incomplete data collection and reliance on patient self-reporting.

Limitations

The study faced limitations in obtaining complete information on some cases, particularly regarding alcohol consumption.

Participant Demographics

The study included 1512 poisoning patients, with 828 women and 684 men, predominantly aged between 19 and 50 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-8-7

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