The Poisoning Information Database Covers a Large Proportion of Real Poisoning Cases in Korea

Abstract

The poisoning information database (PIDB) provides clinical toxicological information on commonly encountered toxic substances in Korea. The aim of this study was to estimate the coverage rate of the PIDB by comparing the database with the distribution of toxic substances that real poisoning patients presented to 20 emergency departments. Development of the PIDB started in 2007, and the number of toxic substances increased annually from 50 to 470 substances in 2014. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with toxic exposure who visited 20 emergency departments in Korea from January to December 2013. Identified toxic substances were classified as prescription drug, agricultural chemical, household product, animal or plant, herbal drug, or other. We calculated the coverage rate of the PIDB for both the number of poisoning cases and the kinds of toxic substances. A total of 10,887 cases of intoxication among 8,145 patients was collected. The 470 substances registered in the PIDB covered 89.3% of 8,891 identified cases related to poisoning, while the same substances only covered 45.3% of the 671 kinds of identified toxic substances. According to category, 211 prescription drugs, 58 agricultural chemicals, 28 household products, and 32 animals or plants were not covered by the PIDB. This study suggested that the PIDB covered a large proportion of real poisoning cases in Korea. However, the database should be continuously extended to provide information for even rare toxic substances.

Trends in drug poisoning hospitalizations over ten years in South Korea: mortality and length of hospital stay

“…However, a more stringent regulatory framework for toxic substances and an advanced medical system have helped reduce fatalities, and South Korea has been making continuous efforts in the field of pharmacovigilance for the last three decades [21]. Additionally, clinical toxicologists in South Korea have developed emergency databases, designed antidote preparation and distribution systems, and implemented advanced toxicological service systems [22]. A recent collaboration between clinicians and the regional government estab-lished the Seoul Poison Control Center with initiatives aimed at preventing toxic substance exposure [23].…”

The Characteristics of Elderly Individuals Who Attempted Suicide by Poisoning: a Nationwide Cross-sectional Study in Korea

“… 27 Similarly, in Korea, there is an effort to establish a poisoning information database to provide emergency treatment information for patients presenting to the ED with poisoning. 28 Community-based suicide prevention programs are also effective for enhancing physical health, reducing stress, and decreasing depressive symptoms. It can identify the elderly at high risk for suicide, and provide additional timely interventions.…”

Characteristics of Drugs Ingested for Suicide Attempts in the Elderly

“…In the United States, the most common toxic substances ingested for suicide are analgesics (11.5%), followed by cosmetics/personal care products (7.7%), household cleaning substances (7.6%), and sedatives/hypnotics/antipsychotics (5.9%); however, the frequency of toxicity from sedatives is rapidly increasing. 23 In Korea, there is an effort to supplement the poisoning information database, 24 in addition, toxicology and addiction management systems and programs should be established. According to data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, 9% of elderly individuals are taking antidepressants and 30% are taking hypnotics.…”