Epidemiology of intoxications: analysis of calls made during 2007 to the Toxicology Information Center (CITUC) of the Catholic University of Chile

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiological features of the intoxication cases reported to CITUC and the variations produced between 2004 and 2007. Method: A retrospective and descriptive study of the calls registered at the Center during 2007. The following data were analyzed: number and place of the calls; circunstances of exposure; type and number of agents involved; routes of exposure; time since exposure; sex and age of the subjects, and treatment and advice offered. Findings: 30.171 calls were received, 45% from the home and 52,5% from Health Care Service; 67,2% were accidents and 29,2% were intentional exposures. The agents were: medicines (57,1%); cleaning products (16,5%) pesticides (5,8%); other chemical and industrial products (4,7%). The exposure route was oral in 76,6% of cases; 48% of calls occurred within one hour of exposure. Children under six were the main group involved. Conclusion: The evidence substantiates a need for prevention campaigns, sponsored by the Health Ministry, about the correct storage of medicines and the appropiate management of poisoning at home. Child-resistant containers and education are two essential elements for prevention of pediatric intoxications.