Demographic and clinical features of patients suffering acute intoxication with an emphasis on cardiovascular complications; an observational case series

Abstract

Introduction: Acute intoxication is an ongoing health issue worldwide and one of the most prevalent causes of hospital admission. Investigation of the features of acute intoxication occurrence allows for effectively planning preventive measures and required health resources. Objectives: The current study investigated acute intoxication’s demographic and clinical characteristics in an Iranian province. Patients and Methods: An observational case-series study was designed to investigate patients suffering from acute intoxication and admitted to two referral tertiary teaching hospitals over six months. Demographic data, vital parameters comprising neurologic, respiratory, and hemodynamic status, clinical symptoms, and blood analysis data were prospectively recorded. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21 software. Results: In total, 447 patients were included in the study (3.5% of all emergency admission). The mean age of patients was 33±16 (4-88) years, and 190 (42.6%) patients were female. Seventy percent of patients were under 40 years. The male patients were significantly older than the female ones (P=0.001). Hospital mortality was 2.7%. Circulatory shock and respiratory apnea occurred separately in 13 (2.9%) patients, and alteration in consciousness affected 30%. Reduced arterial blood saturation and visual acuity were observed in 14% and 3.6% of the patients. A cumulative prevalence of electrocardiogram anomalies of 38% was also observed. The most prevalent electrolyte disorder was hypocalcemia (12%), followed by hypokalemia (10%); 17 % of patients were affected by severe blood acidosis. Conclusion: Acute intoxication is a medical emergency with a high risk of death. A multi-organ-based diagnosis and therapeutic approach should be implemented to manage the potentially lethal complications as soon as possible. Effective preventive planning for reducing acute intoxication should be performed concerning the socioeconomic status of the targeted population.