EVALUATION OF MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE OPIATES TOXICITY IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY AND RESEARCH CENTER: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Opioids are fundamental agents for managing pain. However, they are always linked to significant hazards to patients and society, such as misuse, abuse, addiction, diversion, and overdose deaths. Aim of Work : This study aims to improve the outcome of patients admitted with acute opiate toxicity and recognize the magnitude of the problem on a statistical basis. The objective of the study: is to evaluate the management, sociodemographic factors and substance abuse among patients admitted with acute opiate toxicity to National Environmental and Clinical Toxicology and Research Center (NECTR) Cairo University. Subjects and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 98 cases admitted to NECTR from October 2020 to March 2021. They were classified into 3 age groups; (less than 20 years), (20-40 years) and (more than 40 years). Data were analyzed for sociodemographic data of the patients, substance of abuse, manner of intake, history of addiction, clinical presentation, management and outcome. Results: The most common age group was those between 20-40 years (67.3%), followed by those above 40 years (22.4%), with male dominance (82.7%). The most common substance of abuse was opiates 63.3% (62 patients). The most common manner of overdose was accidental (95.9%) and the mortality rate was (11.7%). Conclusions: Males were more common than females. The most common substance of abuse was opiates.