Acute drug intoxication - a modern look at old problem

Abstract

Introduction. Acute drug intoxication is a persistent and critical problem in the modern healthcare landscape. Study of the problem in recent years has marked an increase in the incidence of acute poisoning. Given the relatively high frequency of intoxication and the importance of early medical interventions, there is an essential need for the ability to diagnose acute drug intoxication promptly and accurately. Aim of study. Examination and exploration of the nosological entity known as acute drug intoxication. Methods and materials. The study included 100 clinical observation sheets of patients hospitalized in the Department of Toxicology during 2023 with a diagnosis of acute drug intoxication. Data collection included examination of: age, sex of patients, type of poisoning (accidental or suicidal), duration of hospitalization, toxic agent. Results. The age of patients with acute poisoning ranged from 18 to 85 years, but the predominant age range was 18-39 years with 53%, followed by 40-59 years with -33% and third was the category above 60 years with 14%. The study showed that 71% of patients were female and only 29% male. The ratio of suicidal to accidental poisonings was 90% to 10%. Although living conditions have changed, the trend of maintaining this 2:1 ratio over the last 10 years requires further study of the issue. Hospitalization rates for auto-intoxication were 90.14% among women and 89.66% among men. The average hospitalization time is 4.9±2.25 days, depending on the dose of the intoxicating agent and the time interval before initiation of therapeutic measures. The study of drugs used for suicidal purposes found that psychotropic drugs ranked first – 51%, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ranked second with 15%, followed by antihypertensive with 8%. Conclusion. Acute drug poisoning remains a major problem in society to the present day. This requires further study of the problem; work with the public on poisoning prevention, and stricter accounting of psychotropic drugs.