Retrospective clinical evaluation of intoxication cases requiring critical care treatment; [Yoǧun Bakim Tedavisi Gerektiren Zehirlenme Olgularinin Retrospektif Olarak Deǧerlendirilmesi]

Topçu I.; Sakarya M.; Çetinkaya B.; Taşyüz T.; Ekici N.Z.

Retrospective clinical evaluation of intoxication cases requiring critical care treatment; [Yoǧun Bakim Tedavisi Gerektiren Zehirlenme Olgularinin Retrospektif Olarak Deǧerlendirilmesi]

Date

2005

Authors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the intoxication cases requiring critical care treatment and to evaluate the prognosis using an objective clinical scoring system: APACHE II "Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Scoring System". Between 1999 and 2003, 165 ICU patients, were evaluated retrospectively according to demographic data, route of intoxication, intoxicating material and the reason for intoxication, in order to estimate the prognosis and clinical course. The mean age of patients was 28.8. Of the poisoning cases, 39.4% were male and 60.6% were female patients. According to the distribution of occupations, the incidence was obtained as 29.1% housewife and student, 12.1% unemployed, 8.5% self-employed, 6.1% soldiers, 3.6% farmer and 13.9% the others. Intoxications were 88.5% oral and 10.3% by inhalation. 69.1% of the causes for intoxication were suicidal intent, 27.9% accidental and 3% overdose. 97.6% of the cases recovered and were discharged, while 2.4% died. There is a correlation between the length of stay in the ICU and mortality with the APACHE II score (p<0.05). As a result, APACHE II scores may be used to evaluate the severity of the case in order to estimate the prognosis in acute intoxication cases requiring critical care treatment.