Epidemiology of intoxication cases that originated calls to the Toxicolgy Information Centre (CITUC) of the Catholic University of Chile. Metropolitan Region, 2004

Abstract

Objetive: To describe the epidemiological features of the intoxication cases reported to CITUC. Method: A retrospective and descriptive study of the calls registered at the Centre doring 2004. 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 subjets, and treatment and advice offered. Findings: 22.168 calls were received, 52,5% from the home and 40,2% from emergency departments; 71,6% were accidents and 19,8% were intentional exposures. The agents were: medicines (53,6%); cleaning products (13,7 %) pesticides (7,1%); other chemical and industrial products (10,2%). 92,5% of exposures were to a toxic agent. The expoure route was oral in 82% of cases; 44,6% 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 storaged of medicines and the appropiate management of poisoning at home. Child-resistant containers and education are two essential elements for prevention of pediatric intoxications.