Retrospective study of addictive drug-induced acute toxicity of cases admitted to the Poison Control Centre of Ain Shams University Hospital (2015–2016)

Abstract Background The acute toxicity with addictive drugs is one of the most common problems in the emergency department. This is a global problem affecting societies as it deals with young people at the age of work and productivity. This study aims to recognize the prevalence of addictive drug-induced acute toxicity regarding socio-demographic factors, common clinical presentation, and outcome of management. Methods This is a descriptive retrospective study conducted on patients admitted to the Poison Control Centre of Ain Shams University Hospital during the period between the start of January 2015 and the end of December 2016. The total number of cases was 803 cases collected and analyzed regarding the socio-demographic data, condition of poisoning, prevalence of addictive drugs, route of intake, common clinical presentation, management plan, and final outcome of management. Data was analyzed using the computer software package SPSS 22. Results A total of 803 cases were reviewed, their age ranged from 1 month to 83 years with mean ± SD 21.6 ± 16.8 years, and most cases were male (72.9%), living in urban areas (67.4%), and of single marital status (66.6%). Accidental overdose characterized most (86.8%) cases. Tramadol was the most commonly abused drug (36.5%), and most of the drugs were ingested orally. Disturbed conscious level was the most common clinical presentation in all drugs, and most of the cases were vitally stable and had normal sodium, potassium, ABG, and blood glucose level. Most of the cases received medical treatment in ICU (60%) and 93.5% improved while 6.5% died. Conclusions Drug abuse is a serious problem in many countries especially among young males. Tramadol abuse and toxicity is increasing every day in the Egyptian community. Like other cases of poisoning, treatment of acute toxicity with addictive drugs is mainly supportive and symptomatic