Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and toxicological profile of acute intoxications: A monocentric retrospective study

Objectives. Acute poisonings remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, posing a major public health challenge. In Algeria, data on the profile of acute poisonings are limited. The objective of this study, conducted at the University Hospital of Setif, was to provide an epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and toxicological overview of acute poisonings in this country. Results. This retrospective study, covering the period from the last quarter of 2016 to April 30, 2018, included 406 cases. The results showed a sex ratio of 1.41 with a female predominance. The intoxicated patients had a mean age of 24.74 years, with the most affected age group being between 19 and 29 years (28%). Poisonings were mainly accidental (57%), with 18% of cases involving intentional poisonings, more common among men. Medication poisonings were the most common (54%), followed by carbon monoxide poisonings (37%). Carbon monoxide poisonings were exclusively accidental, while medication poisonings were intentional in 27% of cases. Cosmetics, household products, and carbon monoxide were more often implicated in cases involving females. An incidence peak was observed in winter. The average time between poisoning and hospitalization was 15 hours and 24 minutes. Symptomatic treatment alone or combined with evacuation or detoxification treatment was used in 8.9%, 2%, and 0.2% of cases, respectively. About one-third of patients received specific management, with antidote administration only for carbon monoxide poisonings. Conclusion. The results underscore the importance of public awareness regarding the dangers of poisonings, reducing access to toxic products, and providing healthcare professionals with training to improve therapeutic management and reduce the incidence of acute poisonings.