Epidemiology

Question 1

Reason for Exposure: Less than 1

Answer 1

Inappropriate use of medication by parents

Question 2

Reason for Exposure: 2-3

Answer 2

Inquisitive

Question 3

Reason for Exposure: >5

Answer 3

Accidental/mislabeled

Question 4

Reason for Exposure: 5-9

Answer 4

Suicidal secondary to incest or family abuse

Question 5

Reason for Exposure: 5-14

Answer 5

Lowest mortality

Question 6

Reason for Exposure: 20-39

Answer 6

Suicidal

Question 7

Reason for Exposure: >60

Answer 7

Accedental

Question 8

Two most common age groups for acute poisoning in the US:

Answer 8

Less than 6 and 20-39

Question 9

Difference between two most common age groups

Answer 9

Less than 6: low mortality and unintentional

20-39: Higher mortality and intentional

Question 10

Top 5 most common categories of substances involved in acute poisioning

Answer 10

1. Analgesics (NSAIDS, APAP)
2. Cosmetic and Personal Care Products (dental, creams/lotions/makeup, nail and hair care products
3. Cleaning substances (bleach, laundry detergent)
4. Sedative/hypnotics/antipsychotics (benzos)
5. Antidepressants (amtriptyline and SSRIs)

Question 11

9 reasons for increase lethality of an acute toxic ingestion

Answer 11

1. Over 60
2. Suicidal intent
3. Previous attempts
4. Psychosocial Stress Factors (recent loss)
5. Chronic/Serious illness
6. Drug Abuse
7. Organic or Drug induced psychosis
8. Sense of helplessness
9. Lack of supportive family

Question 12

Top 5 categories of substances which cause the most number of deaths from acute exposure

Answer 12

1. Analgesics (APAP)
2. Stimulants/Street drugs (heroin, meth)
3. CV Drugs (amlodipine, verapamil)
4. Antidepressants (amitriptyline)
5. Sedative/hypnotics/antipsychotics (quetiapine, alprazolam)

Question 13

List and discuss 6 major shifts in the epidemiology of acute poisoning and their treatment

Answer 13

1. Percent of exposure involving children has decreased
2. Ipecac is barely used nowadays
3. Activated charcoal has decreased to almost nothing
4. Total fatalities is decreasing again
5. Suicides increasing
6. Pediatric death is decreasing