RESUMO
Resumen El 11 de marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud, declaró la pandemia a nivel mundial por la COVID-19. Ante este escenario, los centros de información y asesoramiento toxicológico (CIAT) de América Latina comenzaron a recibir consultas por exposición/intoxicación a dióxido de cloro/clorito de sodio y sus compuestos relacionados, por desvío de uso, destinado a la prevención y/o tratamiento de la COVID-19 sin aval científico alguno ni contar con registro sanitario para ese fin. A través de la Red de Toxicología de América Latina y el Caribe (RETOXLAC), se comprobó que no eran hechos aislados, sino que se estaba produ ciendo el mismo fenómeno en toda la región y que existían antecedentes de intoxicaciones con dichos productos y alertas desde hace más de una década, con indicaciones no aprobadas, para el tratamiento de distintas patologías como SIDA, cáncer, esclerosis lateral amiotrófica ELA, malaria, autismo, entre otras, sin evidencia. Ante esta realidad, los CIAT presentan una revisión de los signos y síntomas observados según la vía de ingreso, basados en la comunicación de riesgo en salud; proponiéndose pruebas de apoyo al diagnóstico, algoritmo de tratamiento para las intoxicaciones y modelo de ficha clínica para la vigilancia epidemiológica de los casos atendidos. Recomendamos a las autoridades y organismos responsables, reforzar las acciones tendientes a la vigilancia, control y prevención de este tipo de intoxicaciones, producto del mal uso de un desinfectante no autorizado para fines terapéuticos/médicos.
Abstract On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic due to COVID-19. Faced with this sce- nario, the Poison Control Centers (CIATs for its initials in spanish) in Latin America began to receive consultations for exposure/poi- soning to chlorine dioxide/sodium chlorite and its related compounds for their use aimed to prevent or treat COVID-19 without any scientific endorsement or having a sanitary registry for that purpose. It was found through the Toxicology Network of Latin America and the Caribbean (RETOXLAC) that they were not isolated events but rather that the same phenomenon was occurring throughout the region and that there has been a history of poisoning and alerts with these products for more than a decade with unapproved indications for the treatment of different pathologies such as AIDS, cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), malaria, autism, among others, without evidence. In the light of this situation, the CIATs present a review of the signs and symptoms observed ac- cording to the route of exposure based on health risk communication; proposing tests to support the diagnosis, an algorithm for poisoning treatment, and a model of a clinical record for the epidemiological surveillance of the assisted cases. We recommend to the authorities and responsible organisms reinforce the actions aimed at surveillance, control, and prevention of this type of poisoning due to the misuse of an unauthorized disinfectant for therapeutic or medical purposes.
Assuntos
Humanos , Intoxicação/complicações , Intoxicação/epidemiologia , Dióxido de Cloro , Centros de Controle de Intoxicações/estatística & dados numéricos , Intoxicação/prevenção & controle , América Latina/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Resumen Los centros de información y asesoramiento toxicológico CIATs de América Latina, en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19, recibieron una serie de llamadas para consultas y asesoramientos relacionados con el uso de dióxido de cloro/clorito de sodio, que se estaban empleando en el tratamiento o prevención de dicha enfermedad. Dentro de la legislación vigente en los países de América Latina, no se contemplan productos farmacéuticos registrados para uso en humanos, ni se tiene evidencia de registros sanitarios en Europa, Canadá o Estados Unidos para tal fin, que contengan dióxido de cloro o clorito de sodio. Esta publicación, compila la información registrada como parte de la estadística del trabajo de ocho CIATs correspondientes a igual número de países de América Latina. Se identificó sexo, edad, sintomatología, circunstancia y grado de severidad de los 56 casos de pacientes intoxicados con dióxido de cloro/clorito de sodio registrados en el período del 15 de marzo al 30 de septiembre de 2020 en estos ocho países. Los resultados obtenidos confirman que la causa más común fue por mal uso, y el lugar de ocurrencia fue el hogar o sus alrededores, siendo el mayor porcentaje adultos jóvenes comprendidos entre 30 y 49 años. Los síntomas de intoxicación más frecuentemente encontrados fueron gastrointestinales, seguidos de cardiovasculares y respiratorios. La vía de ingreso al organismo en la mayoría de los casos fue por vía oral, reportándose algunos casos por vía inhalatoria, y en el 50% de los casos se constituyeron casos de severidad moderada, severa o fatal (3 fallecimientos). Este estudio contribuye a generar información relevante para las diferentes autoridades sanitarias, los ministerios de salud, las entidades encargadas de inspección, vigilancia y control de los países en los que se comercializan estos productos de manera ilegal por medio de redes sociales y promoviéndolos para uso en humanos para prevenir o curar COVID-19.
Abstract The Poison Control Centers in Latin America, in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, received a series of calls for consultations and recommendations related to the use of chlorine dioxide/sodium chlorite, in the treatment or prevention of CO-VID-19. Under current legislation in Latin America, no pharmaceutical products are registered for use in humans that contain chlorine dioxide or sodium chlorite, nor is there evidence of sanitary registries in Europe, Canada, or the United States for this purpose. This publication compiles the information registered by eight Poison Control Centers that correspond to the same number of Latin American countries. Sex, age, symptoms, circumstance, and degree of severity of the 56 cases of patients poisoned with chlorine dioxide/ sodium chlorite registered in the period from March 15th to September 30th, 2020 were identified. The results obtained confirm that the most common cause of poisoning was unintentional misuse, all of which occurred at home or its surroundings, with the highest percentage of registered cases being young adults between 30 and 49 years old. The most frequent symptoms of intoxication were gastrointestinal, followed by cardiovascular and respiratory. The route of exposure in most cases was oral, with some cases reported by inhalation; 48.2% of the cases were of moderate, severe, or fatal (3 deaths). This study contributes to the generation of relevant information for different health authorities, ministries of health, entities in charge of inspection, surveillance, and control in countries where these products are illegally marketed through social networks and promoted for use in humans to prevent or cure COVID-19.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Adolescente , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Adulto Jovem , Centros de Controle de Intoxicações/estatística & dados numéricos , Intoxicação/epidemiologia , Cloretos/efeitos adversos , Dióxido de Cloro/efeitos adversos , COVID-19/terapia , Intoxicação/complicações , Intoxicação/prevenção & controle , Estudos Retrospectivos , América Latina/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Exposure to Biological Agents during work is an emergent type of occupational risk. AIM: To characterize occupational biological risk exposure among Chilean workers which have been registered by the Toxicology Information Center, between January 2006 and December 2009. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All incoming calls reporting exposure to biological agents during the studied period were analyzed. The information obtained from the caller was registered using the Communication Record Instrument of the WHO International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS INTOX). RESULTS: In the studied period, 77 calls were received. The mean age of exposed patients was 35 ± 15 years and 57% of them were females. The most common involved agents were vaccines for veterinary use (42%) followed by Loxosceles laeta bites in 16%. The main routes of exposure were injections, cuts and needle stick injuries in 39% and stings and bites in 38%. The highest exposure rates were observed in Southern Chile due to self-inoculation of veterinary vaccines used in the salmon industry (22.7/100.000 actual workers). Fifty-eight percent of calls were from health care workers, and 51% of them were from health care facilities. Sixty percent of exposures occurred during summer and spring. There was a fourfold higher risk of calls involving women exposed to bites or stings (odds ratio (OR) 4.5 (CI95 1.5-13.9, p < 0.01). Men had a fourfold higher risk of being exposed to vaccines or medications for veterinary use (OR 4.2, CI95 1.4-12.6 p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most calls involving an exposure to a biological agent were caused by self-inoculation of veterinary medications.
Assuntos
Fatores Biológicos/toxicidade , Exposição Ocupacional/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Chile/epidemiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Exposição Ocupacional/classificação , Fatores de Risco , Estações do Ano , Venenos de Serpentes/intoxicação , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Background: Exposure to Biological Agents during work is an emergent type of occupational risk. Aim: To characterize occupational biological risk exposure among Chilean workers which have been registered by the Toxicology Information Center, between January 2006 and December 2009. Material and Methods: All incoming calls reporting exposure to biological agents during the studied period were analyzed. The information obtained from the caller was registered using the Communication Record Instrument of the WHO International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS INTOX). Results: In the studied period, 77 calls were received. The mean age of exposed patients was 35 ± 15 years and 57% of them were females. The most common involved agents were vaccines for veterinary use (42%) followed by Loxosceles laeta bites in 16%. The main routes of exposure were injections, cuts and needle stick injuries in 39% and stings and bites in 38%. The highest exposure rates were observed in Southern Chile due to self-inoculation of veterinary vaccines used in the salmon industry (22.7/100.000 actual workers). Fifty-eight percent of calls were from health care workers, and 51% of them were from health care facilities. Sixty percent of exposures occurred during summer and spring. There was a fourfold higher risk of calls involving women exposed to bites or stings (odds ratio (OR) 4.5 (CI95 1.5-13.9, p < 0.01). Men had a fourfold higher risk of being exposed to vaccines or medications for veterinary use (OR 4.2, CI95 1.4-12.6 p < 0.01). Conclusions: Most calls involving an exposure to a biological agent were caused by self-inoculation of veterinary medications.
Assuntos
Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Fatores Biológicos/toxicidade , Exposição Ocupacional/estatística & dados numéricos , Chile/epidemiologia , Exposição Ocupacional/classificação , Fatores de Risco , Estações do Ano , Venenos de Serpentes/intoxicaçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is an analgesic and antipyretic drug widely used across the world. Its ingestion is one of the most common causes of drug overdose. In the United States is the first cause of acute hepatitis in adults. AIM: To describe the epidemiological profile of paracetamol overdose in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional retrospective study that included all the phone call inquiries received at the Poison Control Center of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (CITUC) during 2009. RESULTS: Nine hundred fifty nine inquiries involving acute paracetamol exposures were received. Women represented a 63.1% of the cases. Half of the cases were suicide attempts, of which 74.8% were women. Accidental exposures occurred mainly in children. In 29.3% of the patients, the exposure was considered to involve a hepatotoxic dose. Women had 2.7 times the risk of men to ingest a toxic dose of paracetamol with suicidal purpose (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (Cl): 2.1-3.6; p < 0.001). Adolescents had 3.4 times the risk of the general consultants (OR: 3.4; 95% Cl: 2.4-4.7; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Paracetamol overdose is common in Chile. Authorities should carry out preventive measures. Antidotes and the capacity to measure plasma levels of paracetamol should be available in healthcare centers.
Assuntos
Acetaminofen/intoxicação , Analgésicos não Narcóticos/intoxicação , Overdose de Drogas/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Chile/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Centros de Controle de Intoxicações/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Sexuais , Tentativa de Suicídio/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Background: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is an analgesic and antipyretic drug widely used across the world. Its ingestion is one of the most common causes of drug overdose. In the United States is the first cause of acute hepatitis in adults. Aim: To describe the epidemiological profile of paracetamol overdose in Chile. Material and Methods: Cross sectional retrospective study that included all the phone call inquiries received at the Poison Control Center of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (CITUC) during 2009. Results: Nine hundred fifty nine inquiries involving acute paracetamol exposures were received. Women represented a 63.1% of the cases. Half of the cases were suicide attempts, of which 74.8% were women. Accidental exposures occurred mainly in children. In 29.3% of the patients, the exposure was considered to involve a hepatotoxic dose. Women had 2.7 times the risk of men to ingest a toxic dose of paracetamol with suicidal purpose (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (Cl): 2.1-3.6; p < 0.001). Adolescents had 3.4 times the risk of the general consultants (OR: 3.4; 95% Cl: 2.4-4.7; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Paracetamol overdose is common in Chile. Authorities should carry out preventive measures. Antidotes and the capacity to measure plasma levels of paracetamol should be available in healthcare centers.
Assuntos
Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Adulto Jovem , Acetaminofen/intoxicação , Analgésicos não Narcóticos/intoxicação , Overdose de Drogas/epidemiologia , Fatores Etários , Chile/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Centros de Controle de Intoxicações/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Sexuais , Tentativa de Suicídio/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
In the last decades there has been an important decrease in infant mobidity and mortality, but these achievements are not equally distributed across the whole population. Children are one of the most susceptible groups due to their unique vulnerabilities to environmental factors. Unhealthy environments, indoor pollution, poor drainage, inadequate waste disposal, and many others, are significant environmental risk factors to children. Currently, Chile is experiencing an advanced demographical transition, a situation that requires a precise approach to guarantee that the population has an adequate health status. It is important to take care of children, since their present health status will condition their health as adults. Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units are structures specialized in pediatric conditions related to the environment, formed by an interdisciplinary and highly specialized team. These centers provide assistance, information and treatment, promote research, educate health care providers or the public, and report problems to authorities. Health authorities should emphasize the importance of having a safe environment for children and encourage efforts to reduce exposure to environmental hazards promoting healthy behaviors, education and awareness at all levels of society .
Assuntos
Proteção da Criança , Saúde Ambiental/educação , Pediatria/educação , Criança , Nível de Saúde , HumanosRESUMO
In the last decades there has been an important decrease in infant mobidity and mortality, but these achievements are not equally distributed across thewhole population. Children are one of the most susceptible groups due to their unique vulnerabilities to environmental factors. Unhealthy environments, indoor pollution, poor drainage, inadequate waste disposal, and many others, are significant environmental risk factors to children. Currently, Chile is experiencing an advanced demographical transition, asituation that requires a precise approach to guarantee that the population has an adequate health status. It is important to take care of children, since their present health status will condition their health as adults. Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units are structures specialized in pediatric conditions related to the environment, formed by aninterdisciplinary and highly specialized team. These centers provide assistance, information and treatment, promote research, educate health care providers or the public, and report problems to authorities. Health authorities should emphasize the importance of having a safe environment for children and encourage efforts to reduce exposure to environmental hazards promoting healthy behaviors, education and awareness at all levels of society.
Assuntos
Criança , Humanos , Proteção da Criança , Saúde Ambiental/educação , Pediatria/educação , Nível de SaúdeRESUMO
Objetivo: Describir y caracterizar la epidemiología de las consultas por intoxicaciones al Centro de Información Toxicológica de la Universidad Católica (CITUC) y conocer las variaciones epidemiológicas producidas entre los años 2004 y 2007. Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, observacional y descriptivo de las llamadas registradas por el Centro durante el periodo del año 2007. Se analizaron las siguientes variables: número total de llamadas, lugar de las llamadas, circunstancias de la exposición, tipo y números de agentes involucrados, vías de exposición, tiempo desde la exposición, características demográficas y las indicaciones y tratamientos recomendados. Resultados: Se registraron 30.171 llamadas. El 45 por ciento de las consultas provenían del hogar y el 52,5 por ciento de las instalaciones de salud. El 67,2 por ciento de las consultas fueron exposiciones accidentales y el 29,2 por ciento fueron intencionales. Los Medicamentos se presentaron en un 57,1 por ciento de las llamadas, seguidos por los Productos de uso doméstico (16,5 por ciento), Productos de uso industrial (4,7 por ciento), y Pesticidas (5,8 por ciento). La ingestión fue la vía de exposición que se predominó en un 76,6 por ciento del total de casos. El 23,3 por ciento del total de las llamadas, se realizaron dentro de la primera hora post-exposición. Las intoxicaciones en niños menores de 14 años correspondieron al 50 por ciento de las llamadas. Respecto al año 2004 aumentó la proporción de llamadas procedentes del hogar y el porcentaje de intoxicaciones intencionales. Conclusiones: Los medicamentos constituyen el principal agente de intoxicación. La principal vía de exposición es la ingesta y el principal grupo de población afectado son los niños menores de 14 años. Estos son indicadores evidentes y claros de la necesidad imperante de desarrollar campañas publicitarias preventivas e informativas, avaladas por el Ministerio de Salud, respecto al correcto almacenamiento...
Objective: To describe the epidemiological features of the intoxication cases reported to CITUC and the variations produced between 2004 and 2007. Method: A retrospective and descriptive study of the calls registered at the Center during 2007. The following data were analyzed: number and place of the calls; circunstances of exposure; type and number of agents involved; routes of exposure; time since exposure; sex and age of the subjects, and treatment and advice offered. Findings: 30.171 calls were received, 45 percent from the home and 52,5 percent from Health Care Service; 67,2 percent were accidents and 29,2 percent were intentional exposures. The agents were: medicines (57,1 percent); cleaning products (16,5 percent) pesticides (5,8 percent); other chemical and industrial products (4,7 percent). The exposure route was oral in 76,6 percent of cases; 48 percent of calls occurred within one hour of exposure. Children under six were the main group involved. Conclusion: The evidence substantiates a need for prevention campaigns, sponsored by the Health Ministry, about the correct storage of medicines and the appropiate management of poisoning at home. Child-resistant containers and education are two essential elements for prevention of pediatric intoxications.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Recém-Nascido , Lactente , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Adolescente , Adulto , Centros de Controle de Intoxicações/estatística & dados numéricos , Intoxicação/epidemiologia , Acidentes Domésticos , Distribuição por Idade , Chile/epidemiologia , Intoxicação/prevenção & controle , Erros de Medicação/estatística & dados numéricos , Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Exposição Ambiental/estatística & dados numéricos , Praguicidas/efeitos adversos , Preparações Farmacêuticas/efeitos adversos , Produtos Domésticos/efeitos adversos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Encaminhamento e Consulta/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Loxoscelism is caused by the bite of spider Loxosceles laeta. It can cause a cutaneous or systemic syndrome. AIM: To determine the epidemiológica! and clinical features of patients bitten by the Chilean recluse spider (Loxosceles laeta). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All communications received at a telephonic orientation center for intoxications during 2005 were analyzed, selecting those who involved patients with symptoms that suggested loxoscelism (i.e., pain, burning sensation, blue area, hematuria, fever or myalgia). These were derived to the emergency room for confirmation of the diagnosis. Forty-eight hours after the initial communication, patients were contacted by phone to find out about the definitive diagnosis. The variables analyzed were: gender, age, geographical location, time since exposure, part of the body involved, clinical signs and definitive diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 2,831 telephonic consultations with suspected loxoscelism, the diagnosis was confirmed in 287. All of these patients had cutaneous loxoscelism and only 7.3% of them developed visceral loxoscelism. Fifty six percent of patients with loxoscelism presented two or more clinical signs. The most common were a blue area, pain and a burning sensation, in 69%, 58% and 38% of patients, respectively. Fifty-one percent of patients developed signs within the first 12 hours. All patients with visceral syndrome presented with hemoglobinuria. No cases of loxoscelism were registered in areas located southern than the Xth region of Chile. There were no fatalities attributed to loxoscelism. CONCLUSIONS: Most cases of loxoscelism of this series were cutaneous. The population must be educated about the clinical signs of spider bite to seek early and adequate medical treatment.
Assuntos
Dermatopatias/epidemiologia , Picada de Aranha/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Animais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Chile/epidemiologia , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Dor/diagnóstico , Dor/epidemiologia , Centros de Controle de Intoxicações , Prevalência , Prurido/diagnóstico , Prurido/epidemiologia , Encaminhamento e Consulta , Dermatopatias/diagnóstico , Picada de Aranha/diagnóstico , Aranhas , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Background: Loxoscelism is caused by the bite of spider Loxosceles laeta. It can cause a cutaneous or systemic syndrome. Aim: To determine the epidemiol¢gica! and clinical features of patients bitten by the Chilean recluse spider (Loxosceles laeta). Material and Methods: All communications received at a telephonic orientation center for intoxications during 2005 were analyzed, selecting those who involved patients with symptoms that suggested loxoscelism (i.e., pain, burning sensation, blue area, hematuria, fever or myalgia). These were derived to the emergency room for confirmation of the diagnosis. Forty-eight hours after the initial communication, patients were contacted by phone to find out about the definitive diagnosis. The variables analyzed were: gender, age, geographical location, time since exposure, part of the body involved, clinical signs and definitive diagnosis. Results: Of 2,831 telephonic consultations with suspected loxoscelism, the diagnosis was confirmed in 287. All of these patients had cutaneous loxoscelism and only 7.3 percent of them developed visceral loxoscelism. Fifty six percent of patients with loxoscelism presented two or more clinical signs. The most common were a blue area, pain and a burning sensation, in 69 percent, 58 percent and 38 percent of patients, respectively. Fifty-one percent of patients developed signs within the first 12 hours. All patients with visceral syndrome presented with hemoglobinuria. No cases of loxoscelism were registered in areas located southern than the Xth region of Chile. There were no fatalities attributed to loxoscelism. Conclusions: Most cases of loxoscelism of this series were cutaneous. The population must be educated about the clinical signs of spider bite to seek early and adequate medical treatment.
Assuntos
Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Animais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Picada de Aranha/epidemiologia , Dermatopatias/epidemiologia , Picada de Aranha/diagnóstico , Chile/epidemiologia , Dor/diagnóstico , Dor/epidemiologia , Centros de Controle de Intoxicações , Prevalência , Prurido/diagnóstico , Prurido/epidemiologia , Encaminhamento e Consulta , Dermatopatias/diagnóstico , Aranhas , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Los medicamentos antidepresivos son recetados con frecuencia en adultos y lamentablemente están al alcance de los niños en muchos domicilios, lo que tiene como consecuencia el riesgo de intoxicación accidental o con fines suicidas. Se decriben en este artículo los graves efectos de la intoxicación por antidepresivos tricíclicos.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Antidepressivos Tricíclicos/efeitos adversos , Intoxicação/diagnóstico , Intoxicação/terapiaRESUMO
Objetivo: Describir y caracterizar la epidemiología de las consultas por intoxicaciones, reportados al Centro de Información Toxicológica de la Universidad Católica (CITUC). Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de las llamadas registradas por el centro durante el período del año 2004. Se analizarán los siguientes datos: número total de llamadas, lugar de la llamada, circunstancias de la exposición, tipo y nº de agentes involucrados, vías de exposición, tiempo desde la exposición, sexo y edad de los pacientes, y las indicaciones y tratamientos recomendados. Resultados: Se registraron 22.168 llamadas. El 52,5 por ciento de las consultas provenían del hogar y el 40,2 por ciento de los Servicios de Urgencia. El 71,6 por ciento de las consultas eran exposiciones accidentales y el 19,8 por ciento fueron intencionales. Los medicamentos se presentaron en un 53,6 por ciento de las llamadas, seguidos por los Productos de Aseo (13,7 por ciento), Productos industriales y Químicos (10,2 por ciento), y Pesticidas (7,1 por ciento). El 92,5 por ciento de las exposiciones eran con un agente tóxico. La ingestión fue la vía de exposición que se registró en un 82 por ciento. El 44,6 por ciento del total de las llamadas, se realizaron dentro de la primera hora post-exposición. Las intoxicaciones en niños menores de 6 años correspondieron al 47,9 por ciento de las llamadas. Conclusiones: Los medicamentos constituyen el principal agente de intoxicación. La principal vía de exposición es la ingesta y que el principal grupo de población afectado son los niños menores de 6 años. Estos son indicadores evidentes y claros de la necesidad imperante de desarrollar campañas publicitarias preventivas e informativas, avaladas por el Ministerio de Salud, respecto al correcto almacenaje de los medicamentos y el manejo de las intoxicaciones en el hogar. La introducción del envase resistente a niños y la educación constituyen dos piezas fundamentales en la prevención de las intoxicaciones pediátricas.
Assuntos
Masculino , Humanos , Feminino , Centros de Controle de Intoxicações/estatística & dados numéricos , Intoxicação/classificação , Intoxicação/diagnóstico , Intoxicação/epidemiologia , Chile/epidemiologia , Intoxicação/prevenção & controle , Linhas Diretas/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The existence of Poison Centers for management and prevention of intoxications has been endorsed by the international experience. In Chile, the Toxicological Information Center at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile has been active since 1992, receiving about 130,000 calls until 2002. AIM: To analyze the statistical data gathered throughout the first ten years of our Research Center. To delineate the epidemiological pattern of intoxications in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study in which records from calls for toxicological information received during the 1992-2002 period reviewed. Analyzed data were total calls per year, place of call, exposure circumstances, age, sex, route of exposure and involved agents. RESULTS: 96,468 calls analyzed. The main exposure circumstance was "unintentional" (78.6%), followed by "intentional" (16.9%). Intoxications in children under 5 years old motivated 50% of calls. According to route of exposure, ingestions involved 75,992 calls (78.8%). Medications were the most common substances, accounting for 49.2% of calls, followed by cleaning products (12.1%), pesticides (11.3%), industrial and chemical products (10.5%) and cosmetics (2.7%). Medications acting on the CNS were the most recurrent, with 19,096 reports. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological pattern for intoxications in Chile is very similar to that reported in developed and other Latin American countries. Children under 5 years old, are a high risk group for intoxications. It is imperative to improve the recording and follow-up of patients that call to the Center, to improve epidemiological data of intoxications in Chile.