Clinical profile and evolution of acute poisoning cases in a public hospital in Ica, Peru

Cases of acute poisoning represent a serious public health problem in developing countries, where 90% of poisoning-related deaths occur. In Peru, epidemiological information on these cases in public hospitals is limited. Strengthening drug surveillance and implementing poison control centres are key to improving case detection and reporting in hospital emergencies. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of acute poisoning cases treated in the emergency department of a referral hospital in Ica, Peru, between January 2022 and June 2024 (Table 3). An observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted by analysing variables from admission records and patient medical records. A total of 207 cases were analysed, with a predominance of women (53.1%) and young adults (45.4%), with an average age of 24.3 years. The six-monthly incidence was 26 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions. Most patients were single (66.7%) and had a secondary education (68.1%). The most frequent cases of poisoning were due to psychotropic drugs (25.6%) and pesticides (23.2%), with intentional causes at 62.8%, particularly suicide attempts. Most cases had a mild to moderate course, with hospital stays of 12 to 24 hours. No deaths were recorded. It is concluded that cases of poisoning primarily affect young women, with a significant association between aetiology and case severity.