The effectiveness of single or multiple poisonings in emergency department and the effectiveness of laboratory data

ABSTRACT Purpose: Poisonings in emergency departments are among the most common reasons for referral. The aim of this study is to determine the demographic, etiologic and clinical features of the poisoning cases admitted to the Emergency Department of the Medical Faculty of Çukurova University and to compare the types and levels of the drugs with clinical and ECG findings. In the light of these data, the aim was to determine the priorities in the diagnosis and treatment of intoxication cases. The poisoning cases admitted to the Emergency Medicine Clinic of Çukurova University Medical Faculty Hospital, which works as a regional toxicology center, will serve for many years as a primary cavity in diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted between 01 / January / 2016 and 31 / December / 2017 with the approval of the ethics committee. A total of 172102 patients were admitted to Çukurova University Medical Faculty Emergency Medical Service during the study period. 1021 of these patients were intoxication. 207 patients aged between 18-67 years who read and approve the consent form approved by the Faculty Ethics Committee were included in the study. Demographic and drug information, clinical and vital signs, signs of intoxication, data of ECG and toxicology laboratory, application date, follow-up period were recorded in the information form (Appendix-1) and study data were evaluated. Results: 207 patients with intoxication were included in the study. 84 of these patients were male and 123 were female. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 32.1 ± 10.6 years. Patients (n: 45; 21.7%) received accidental medication; (n: 162; 73.3%) used drugs for suicide. In the blood samples sent to the toxicology laboratory of the patients (n: 138; 66.7%), the laboratory result was positive. The most common poisoning agents were antidepressant drugs, paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and ethyl-methyl alcohol respectively. ECG findings of the patients were examined (n: 104; 50.2%) with long QTc, (n: 13; 6.3%) with long QRS, (n: 3; 1.4%) with long PR distance. R was the highest (n: 22; 10.6%) patient. When the active substances and ECG findings were examined, it was determined that patients with QT length, QRS enlargement and R change in AVR derivation were seen in patients who had antidepressant drug drinkers, ethyl-methyl alcohol intoxication and drug poisoning. Conclusion: The most commonly used drugs are antidepressant drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol. The fact that these drugs can be reached without a prescription may be the reason for the frequent and increased incidence of intoxication with these drugs. By taking control of the drugs sold without a prescription, it can reduce the cases of intoxication by taking into the social security circle of people with suicidal tendencies. The ECG findings of the patients can be evaluated and can be given to the physicians in the follow-up and treatment process. Keywords: Poisoning, Toxications, ECG findings.