Self-medication cases reported to a poison information center in Brazil from 2014 to 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Self-medication is the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed illnesses or symptoms, on one's own initiative, without the guidance of a healthcare professional. Poison centers play an important role in understanding the relationship between self-medication and poisoning. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients exposed to and/or poisoned by different drugs through self-medication. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study analyzed data from 2014 to 2020, provided by the Toxicological Information and Assistance Center of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data were selected, tabulated, and analyzed by using descriptive statistics and group comparison with the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were 683 cases of self-medication identified. Most patients were female (62.8 percent) and between 20 and 29 years old (26.1 percent). A toxic dose of a substance was administered in only 22.8 percent of the cases, and five deaths were recorded. The most commonly used medications were anxiolytics (18 percent), followed by analgesics and antipyretics (15.4 percent). Paracetamol was the drug used in three of the five cases that resulted in deaths. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the prevalence of self-medication among women aged between 20 and 29 years old. Statistical analysis failed to show a relationship between a toxic dose and clinical manifestations. Anxiolytics, analgesics, and antipyretics are the most reported medications probably because healthcare professionals are mostly the ones who contact the center. Analgesics and antipyretics account for more than fifty percent of the deaths caused by self-medication in the present report. Some limitations such as secondary sources are related. CONCLUSION: We highlight the importance of health professionals in promoting the rational use of medicines, as well as poison centers in assisting the population and raising their awareness regarding the issue.

Boletín epidemiológico semana 35: intoxicaciones agudas por sustancias químicas. Intento de suicidio. / Epidemiological bulletin week 35: acute poisoning by chemical substances. Suicide attempt.

La vigilancia de las intoxicaciones agudas por sustancias químicas comprende eventos en salud de tipo agudo relacionados con la exposición a sustancias químicas, incluyendo exposiciones con intencionalidad suicida, accidentales, ocupacionales; entre otras. La vigilancia en salud pública del evento es esencial para detectar rápidamente brotes, coordinar respuestas eficaces y prevenir futuros incidentes. Permite identificar fuentes de exposición y factores de riesgo, lo que facilita la implementación de medidas preventivas y la protección de poblaciones vulnerables. En Colombia, las intoxicaciones agudas con intencionalidad suicida con condición final vivo se vigila en el evento intento de suicidio y todas las demás en el evento intoxicaciones agudas por sustancias químicas (cód. 365). La Vigilancia de intento de suicidio es una de las estrategias para la prevención del suicidio a nivel mundial. El plan de acción en salud mental 2013-2030 estableció como meta global reducir en un tercio la mortalidad por suicidio en los países miembros de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) (1). A nivel nacional, el Plan Decenal de Salud Pública 2022-2031, estableció como meta mantener la tasa de mortalidad de suicidio por debajo de 5 (Línea Base 2020: 5,5 por 100 000 habitantes). En el análisis comparativo de comportamientos inusuales de 2023 y 2024, se observa (a SE 32), incrementos significativos en 27 de las 32 semanas (84 %) para 2023, durante 2024 el comportamiento estuvo por debajo del límite superior en todas las semanas, excepto la primera semana epidemiológica. Entre las semanas 32 y 52 de 2023 el comportamiento ha estado por debajo del límite superior exceptuando las semanas 40 y 42. Esto puede estar relacionado con eventos del calendario académico considerando que el 60 % de los casos se presentan entre los 10 y los 24 años.

Surveillance of acute chemical poisoning includes acute health events related to exposure to chemical substances, including suicidal, accidental, occupational exposures, among others. Public health surveillance of the event is essential to quickly detect outbreaks, coordinate effective responses, and prevent future incidents. It allows identifying sources of exposure and risk factors, which facilitates the implementation of preventive measures and the protection of vulnerable populations. In Colombia, acute poisonings with suicidal intent with a final condition alive are monitored in the event of suicide attempt and all others in the event of acute poisoning by chemical substances (code 365). Suicide attempt surveillance is one of the strategies for suicide prevention worldwide. The 2013-2030 mental health action plan established a global goal of reducing suicide mortality by one third in the member countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) (1). At the national level, the Ten-Year Public Health Plan 2022-2031 established the goal of maintaining the suicide mortality rate below 5 (Baseline 2020: 5.5 per 100,000 inhabitants). In the comparative analysis of unusual behaviors in 2023 and 2024, significant increases are observed (at EW 32) in 27 of the 32 weeks (84%) for 2023. During 2024, the behavior was below the upper limit in all weeks, except the first epidemiological week. Between weeks 32 and 52 of 2023, the behavior has been below the upper limit, except for weeks 40 and 42. This may be related to events in the academic calendar, considering that 60% of cases occur between the ages of 10 and 24.

Perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos acidentes por Lepidópteros, do gênero Lonomia, atendidos no CIATox/PR, 2015-2019 / Clinical and epidemiological profile of accidents caused by Lepidoptera, of the Lonomia genus, assisted at CIATox/PR

Introdução: Os acidentes por lepidópteros são agravos de interesse à saúde pública e a avaliação de suas características pode contribuir para melhorar sua assistência e prevenção. Este estudo analisou o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes por lagartas do gênero Lonomia no Paraná. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo de base secundária realizado no Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica do Paraná (CIATox/PR), em Curitiba, no período de 2015 a 2019. A análise foi realizada por estatística descritiva e Teste do qui-quadrado (p<0,05). Resultados: A amostra foi composta de 84 acidentes por Lonomia sp. com predomínio em adultos (45,2%), do sexo masculino (59,5%), e de lesões em membros superiores (84,5%). O contato com as lagartas ocorreram na área peridomiciliar da residência habitual do paciente (72,6%), na zona rural (64,27%) da macrorregião oeste paranaense (38,1%). O verão concentrou 71,4% dos casos, seguido por primavera e outono com 14,3% dos casos, respectivamente, sem registros no inverno. As manifestações clínicas mais frequentes foram dor local (62,4%), equimose (34,1%), eritema (34,1%), edema e queimação (17,6% cada). A classificação leve mostrou uma redução entre a fase inicial e a final do processo, ao contrário da moderada e grave, que tiveram aumento significativo de casos (p=0,006). O RNI (Relação Normatizada Internacional) foi incoagulável em 16,7% dos pacientes. Dois casos apresentaram piora do quadro clínico, sendo uma evolução para acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico e um óbito. Discussão: Maior número de casos registrados na zona rural, tanto na residência habitual ou ambiente laboral, se dá pelo maior contato com o habitat das lagartas como árvores frutíferas e grandes monoculturas, o que também explica o fato de a macrorregião oeste ter o maior número de casos registrados. O aumento do desmatamento, incentivos à construção de parques públicos e plantio de árvores frutíferas na zona urbana são hipóteses para o aumento de casos nessa área. Percebeu-se que manifestações clínicas discretas podem ter uma evolução desfavorável, quando comparado estadiamento inicial e final. A realização do RNI se mostrou de grande importância na mudança de estadiamento, conduta terapêutica e diagnóstico. Conclusão: O perfil encontrado foi de acidentes por Lonomia sp. com sazonalidade no verão, em homens adultos da zona rural com gravidade moderada. Esses achados revelam a importância do diagnóstico e tratamento precoce frente às diferentes possibilidades de evolução clínica desses acidentes. É fundamental estimular estratégias para identificação da lagarta, notificação dos casos e medidas preventivas permanentes para reduzir riscos e agravos (AU).

Introduction: Lonomic accidents are of public health interest and the evaluation of their characteristics can contribute to the improvement of their attention and prevention. This study analyzed the epidemiological profile of Lonomic accidents in Paraná. Methods: This study is a retrospective secondary-based study carried out at the Center of Toxicologic Information and Assistance of Paraná (CIATox/PR), in Curitiba, from 2015 to 2019. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test (p<0.05). Results: The sample consisted of 84 accidents with Lonomia sp., showing greater occurrences among adults (45.2%) of the male gender (59.5%) and injuries on the upper limbs (84.5%). Contact with the worm occurred mainly in the patient's usual residence (72.6%), in the rural area (64.27%), and in Paraná's West macro-region (38.1%). Most cases were registered in the summer (71.4%), followed by spring and autumn (14.3%), and no accidents were registered in winter. The most frequent clinical manifestations were local pain (62.3%), ecchymosis (34.1%), erythema (34.1%), swelling and burning (17.6% each). The mild classification showed a reduction between the initial and the final phase of the process, as opposed to moderate and severe classifications, which showed a significant increase in the percentage (p=0,006). The INR was incoagulable in 16.7% of patients. Two cases showed progressive worsening, one of them evolved into a hemorrhagic stroke and one death. Discussion: The greater number of incidents registered in the rural area, both in the patients' usual residence and work environment, can be due to the greater contact with the caterpillar's natural habits, such as fruit trees and large monocultures. This also explains the larger number of registered incidents in the western macro-region. The increased deforestation, the construction of public parks, and the planting of fruit trees in the urban area are hypotheses for the increase of reported cases in this area. When comparing initial and final staging, it was noticed that discrete clinical manifestations could have an unfavorable evolution. The INR request proved to be of great importance in the management, diagnosis and change of staging of the patient. Conclusion:The epidemiological profile was of Lonomia sp. accidents happening in summer in adult males in the rural area with moderate severity. These findings reveal the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in view of these accidents' different possibilities of clinical evolution. It is essential to encourage strategies for identifying the caterpillar, reporting cases, and implementing permanent preventive measures to reduce risks and complications (AU).

Pesticide exposure and poisoning in Brazil: Outcome severity, clinical manifestations and management of cases reported to a poison control center.

This work aimed to identify variables associated with increased risk of outcome severity as well as to describe clinical manifestations/symptoms and management of pesticide-related cases reported to a poison center in Brazil. An increased risk of more severe outcomes was observed when exposures occurred in rural areas, involved suicide attempts and moderately to extremely hazardous pesticides. Clinical manifestations with higher frequencies included vomiting, nausea, sialorrhea, headache, miosis and sweating. From the treatment initially applied to the patient, 51.91% encompassed gastric lavage, but this procedure was only recommended in 20.01% of cases by the CIATox. Identifying risk factors associated with poor outcome, describing clinical manifestations, and contrasting initial treatment measures adopted against those recommended by the Poison Center can help determine diagnosis, prognosis and ensure appropriate clinical interventions are used in cases of pesticide poisoning.

Guía de actuación y abordaje frente a intoxicación por dióxido de cloro/clorito de sodio, a partir de la experiencia de los CIAT de América Latina / Guidelines for action and approach to chlorine dioxide/sodium chlorite poisoning based on the experience of the CIATs in Latin America

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.

Magnet Injuries in Children: An Analysis of the National Poison Data System from 2008 to 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To examine, using the National Poison Data System (the data warehouse for poison control centers in the US), magnet foreign body injuries in pediatric patients. We sought to report demographic data, outcome data, and case trends between 2008 and 2019. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the National Poison Data System for patients younger than 19 years of age with a magnet "exposure," which poison centers define as an ingestion, inhalation, injection, or dermal exposure to a poison. RESULTS: A total of 5738 magnet exposures were identified. Most were male (3169; 55%), <6 years old (3572; 62%), with an unintentional injury (4828; 84%). There were 222 patients (3.9%) with a confirmed medical "effect," defined as signs, symptoms, and clinical findings not including therapeutic interventions (eg, endoscopy). There was a 33% decrease in cases from 418 (2008-2011) to 281 per year (2012-2017) after high-powered magnet sets were removed from the market. Calls subsequently increased 444% to 1249 per year (2018-2019) after high-powered magnet sets re-entered the market. Cases from 2018 and 2019 increased across all age groups and account for 39% of magnet cases since 2008. CONCLUSIONS: Significant increases in magnet injuries correspond to time periods in which high-powered magnet sets were sold, including a 444% increase since 2018. These results reflect the increased need for preventative or legislative efforts.

SEVERE ACUTE TOXIC EXPOSURES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: CASE SERIES.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case series of severe acute toxic exposures (SATE) in individuals <20 years old followed-up by a regional Poison Control Center (PCC). METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study. All patients who were <20yo and classified as score 3 (severe) and 4 (fatal) following Poisoning Severity Score were included for analysis. According to the outcome, patients were classified as PSS 3 when they developed intense clinical manifestations with risk of death or important sequelae; and as PSS 4 when death had resulted from direct cause or complication of the initial exposure. The data of patients were obtained from the Brazilian electronic database system (DATATOX). RESULTS: During the biennium 2014-2015, Campinas PCC followed up 5,095 patients <20yo, with 30 being classified as SATE (PSS=3, n=24; PSS=4, n=6). The exposures circumstances were unintentional (15); intentional (14; suicide attempt = 11; street drugs consumption = 3); and not explained (1). The exposures were significantly more frequent in adolescents >14yo (n=17; p<0.01). The involved agents were venomous animals (8; scorpions=5); medicines (8; miscellaneous=6); chemicals (6); illegal rodenticides containing acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (chumbinho, 4); drugs of abuse (3); button battery (1). Three patients evolved with sequels (esophageal stricture post-corrosive ingestion). The median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR: 5-12 days); 26 patients were treated in intensive care units, and 22 of them needed mechanical ventilation; 12, inotropic/vasopressors; and 3, renal replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Scorpion stings and poisonings caused by medicines and chemicals were the main causes of SATE. The SATE were significantly more frequent in adolescents, due to deliberate self-poisoning.

Sociodemographic characteristics and exposure patterns of pesticide-related cases reported to a poison service center in Brazil between 2012 and 2016.

Pesticide poisoning is a significant public health problem responsible for an estimated three million poisoning cases per year and more than 250,000 deaths, most of which occur in underdeveloped countries. We evaluated pesticide exposure cases reported to a toxicological service center in Brazil, between 2012 and 2016. There were 3211 cases of pesticide exposure, with a high prevalence in adults aged 20-39 years (41.2%). Attempted suicide was the leading cause of pesticide cases (48%). Occupational exposure to pesticides of agricultural use was more frequently observed among men. Accidental exposure and attempted suicide were more frequently observed in urban areas while occupational exposure was more prevalent in rural areas. A higher exposure rate was observed among men in counties with higher agricultural activities. Establishing prevalence and cause of pesticide exposure is important to provide subsidy for evidence-based interventions in the field.

Severe acute toxic exposures in children and adolescents: case series / Exposições tóxicas agudas graves em crianças e adolescentes: série de casos

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe a case series of severe acute toxic exposures (SATE) in individuals <20 years old followed-up by a regional Poison Control Center (PCC). Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. All patients who were <20yo and classified as score 3 (severe) and 4 (fatal) following Poisoning Severity Score were included for analysis. According to the outcome, patients were classified as PSS 3 when they developed intense clinical manifestations with risk of death or important sequelae; and as PSS 4 when death had resulted from direct cause or complication of the initial exposure. The data of patients were obtained from the Brazilian electronic database system (DATATOX). Results: During the biennium 2014-2015, Campinas PCC followed up 5,095 patients <20yo, with 30 being classified as SATE (PSS=3, n=24; PSS=4, n=6). The exposures circumstances were unintentional (15); intentional (14; suicide attempt = 11; street drugs consumption = 3); and not explained (1). The exposures were significantly more frequent in adolescents >14yo (n=17; p<0.01). The involved agents were venomous animals (8; scorpions=5); medicines (8; miscellaneous=6); chemicals (6); illegal rodenticides containing acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (chumbinho, 4); drugs of abuse (3); button battery (1). Three patients evolved with sequels (esophageal stricture post-corrosive ingestion). The median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR: 5-12 days); 26 patients were treated in intensive care units, and 22 of them needed mechanical ventilation; 12, inotropic/vasopressors; and 3, renal replacement therapy. Conclusions: Scorpion stings and poisonings caused by medicines and chemicals were the main causes of SATE. The SATE were significantly more frequent in adolescents, due to deliberate self-poisoning.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever uma série de casos de exposições tóxicas agudas graves (ETAG) em pacientes <20 anos seguidos por um Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica (CIATox) regional. Métodos: Estudo descritivo de corte transversal. Incluídos no estudo todos os casos classificados como escore 3 (graves) e 4 (fatais) de acordo com o escore de gravidade de intoxicações (poisoning severity score - PSS). Segundo o PSS, os casos são classificados em relação ao desfecho como escore 3 quando os pacientes desenvolveram manifestações clínicas intensas, com risco de morte ou que resultaram em sequelas importantes; e escore 4 quando a morte foi resultado de causa direta ou por complicação da exposição. Os dados analisados foram obtidos da base eletrônica brasileira do Sistema Nacional de Informações Tóxico-Farmacológicas DATATOX. Resultados: No biênio 2014-2015 o CIATox de Campinas atendeu 5.095 casos de pacientes <20 anos, dos quais 30 foram classificados como ETAG (PSS=3, n=24; PSS=4, n=6). Quanto à circunstância, 15 foram acidentais, 14 intencionais (11 por tentativas de suicídio e três por abuso de drogas) e um de causa não esclarecida, sendo significativamente mais frequentes nos adolescentes >14 anos (n=17; p<0,01). Os grupos de agentes envolvidos foram: animais peçonhentos (8; escorpiões=5); medicamentos (8; associações=6); produtos químicos de uso domiciliar/industrial (6); rodenticidas inibidores da colinesterase de uso ilegal (chumbinho=4); drogas de abuso (3); e bateria no formato de disco (1). Três pacientes evoluíram com sequelas (estenose esofágica pós-ingestão de corrosivos). O tempo mediano de internação foi de seis dias (mediana, quartis e intervalo interquartil=5-12 dias), sendo 26 pacientes admitidos em unidades de cuidados intensivos, dos quais 22 necessitaram de ventilação mecânica, 12 de inotrópicos/vasopressores e três de terapia de substituição renal. Conclusões: Escorpionismo e intoxicações por medicamentos e por produtos químicos de uso domiciliar/industrial foram as principais causas de ETAG, sendo elas significativamente mais frequentes em adolescentes, principalmente por tentativas de suicídio.

Clinical and epidemiological analysis of suicide attempts in children assisted by a poison control center / Análise clínica e epidemiológica das tentativas de suicídio em crianças atendidas em um centro de informação e assistência toxicológica

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess suicide attempts in children seeking care at a Poison Control Center. Methods: Cross-sectional study with children (<12 years old) that attempted suicide and were cared at the Poison Control Center in Londrina, Paraná, Southern Brazil, from April 1985 to December 2018. Results: We identified 59 children, most of them females (74.6%), who used only one product (77.9%). Among the products involved, medications were the most important ones (88.1%). Neurological/psychiatric/muscular manifestations (61.0%) were the main symptoms presented. The main reason identified for the suicide attempt was conflicts with family and/or friends (27.1%). Suicide attempts were more frequent in 2001-2003 and 2016-2018. Conclusions: Suicide attempts occurred mainly in female children with a single agent (mainly medications), and the main reason was family conflicts..

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as tentativas de suicídio em crianças atendidas em um Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica (CIATox-Londrina). Métodos: Estudo transversal com crianças (<12 anos) atendidas no CIATox-Londrina, Paraná, de abril/1985 a dezembro/2018, com tentativa de suicídio. Resultados: Identificaram-se 59 crianças, com predomínio do sexo feminino (74,6%) e com o uso de apenas um produto (77,9%). Entre os produtos envolvidos, destacaram-se os medicamentos (88,1%). As manifestações neurológicas/psíquicas/musculares (61,0%) foram os principais sintomas apresentados. O principal motivo identificado da tentativa de suicídio foram os conflitos com familiares e/ou amigos (27,1%). Houve maior frequência de tentativas de suicídio nos triênios 2001-2003 e 2016-2018. Conclusões: As tentativas de suicídio ocorreram predominantemente nas crianças do sexo feminino, com um único agente (em geral, medicamentos), em que o principal motivo foram os conflitos familiares, observando-se um aumento ao longo dos anos.

Caracterización epidemiológica de las exposiciones a dióxido de cloro/clorito de sodio en el contexto de la pandemia COVID-19: Reporte de los centros toxicológicos de América Latina / Epidemiological characterization of exposures to chlorine dioxide/ sodium chlorite in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: Report of Poison Control Centers in Latin America

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.

CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SUICIDE ATTEMPTS IN CHILDREN ASSISTED BY A POISON CONTROL CENTER.

OBJECTIVE: To assess suicide attempts in children seeking care at a Poison Control Center. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with children (<12 years old) that attempted suicide and were cared at the Poison Control Center in Londrina, Paraná, Southern Brazil, from April 1985 to December 2018. RESULTS: We identified 59 children, most of them females (74.6%), who used only one product (77.9%). Among the products involved, medications were the most important ones (88.1%). Neurological/psychiatric/muscular manifestations (61.0%) were the main symptoms presented. The main reason identified for the suicide attempt was conflicts with family and/or friends (27.1%). Suicide attempts were more frequent in 2001-2003 and 2016-2018. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide attempts occurred mainly in female children with a single agent (mainly medications), and the main reason was family conflicts..

Multivariate analysis applied in dataset of Poison Control Center of São Paulo, Brazil.

Multivariate analysis techniques could be used to identify possible intercorrelations in intoxications cases. The statistical analyses used were a multiple logistic regression, multiple correspondence analysis, principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis. Of the 320 samples analysed, 192 samples were positive for some of the investigated toxic agents, of which 100 were positive for ethanol and 131 were positive for other substances. It was possible to group the patients into 3 clusters, which appears 66.5% of this information in the three first factorial axes. On the first axis, the male patients were separated from the female patients. Patients exposed to drugs, between 30 and 39 years old were grouped in the same cluster. On the second factorial axis, patients who were intoxicated with ethanol and who became intoxicated with diazepam were grouped. This work contributed to the mapping of intoxication cases at the Poison Control Centre of the São Paulo city, Brazil (CCI-SP) and serves as an initial study for the creation of a database that could be updated constantly and thus could provide a toxicovigilance system for educational policies.

Illicit Drug Exposures in Young Pediatric Patients Reported to the National Poison Data System, 2006-2016.

This retrospective review of poison center calls found that there were 9122 illicit drug exposures reported in children <10 years of age between 2006 and 2016. Marijuana and methamphetamine were reported most frequently, with significant increases over the study period; methamphetamine was associated with the most deaths.

Characterization of the phone-calls made to a poison center related to household and cosmetics products exposition in pediatrics. / Caracterización de las consultas realizadas a un Centro de Información Toxicológica por productos de aseo y productos cosméticos en niños.

INTRODUCTION: Household cleaning products and cosmetics are necessary for daily life and widely used by the population. However, their use may not be risk-free, especially when they are not used or stored as recommended. It is important to characterize exposures, as this is useful for developing stra tegies to reduce morbidity, mortality, and health costs associated, especially in the child population. OBJECTIVE: To describe reports associated with household cleaning products and cosmetics exposure in patients under the age of 12, reported to the Poison Information Center of the Catholic University of Chile (CITUC). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study of phone calls to CITUC during 2016. The analyzed variables were age, sex, product, caller, caller and incident location, ex posure circumstances, exposure route(s), symptoms, and severity from manual records and from the WHO's electronic record software 'INTOX Data Management System'. RESULTS: 3,415 cases met the inclusion criteria. Children under the age of five represented 91% of the exposures, and 58.5% were male. 99.4% were accidental exposures, and 98.6% occurred at home. Family members (57%) and health personnel (42%) made the calls. 68.3% of the patients had no symptoms after exposure. The four products with the highest incidence were household bleach (27.6%), floor cleaners and polishers (13.1%), dish soap (7.9%), and perfume/cologne (5.8%). The main exposure route was by ingestion (89.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Household cleaning products and cosmetics are common causes of exposures especially in children under the age of five. Although these products have a low morbidity and mortality rate, it is important to educate the population to prevent possible poisonings in the child population.

Caracterización de las consultas realizadas a un Centro de Información Toxicológica por productos de aseo y productos cosméticos en niños / Characterization of the phone-calls made to a poison center related to household and cosmetics products exposition in pediatrics

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los productos de aseo y cosméticos son necesarios en el diario vivir y ampliamente utilizados por la población. Sin embargo, su uso puede no estar exento de riesgos, especialmente cuando no se utilizan o almacenan según lo recomendado. Es importante caracterizar las exposiciones, ya que eso es útil para implementar estrategias para reducir la morbilidad, mortalidad y costos asociados, especialmente en la población infantil. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar los reportes asociados a exposiciones a productos de aseo y productos cosméticos en pacientes menores de 12 años reportados al Centro de Información Toxicológica de la Universidad Católica de Chile (CITUC). PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo transversal de llamados telefónicos reportados a CITUC durante el año 2016. Se analizaron las variables: edad, sexo, agente, interlocutor, localización del interlocutor e inciden te, circunstancia de exposición, vía(s) de exposición, sintomatología, y severidad, mediante fichas de registro manual y desde el software de registro electrónico denominado "INTOX Data Manage ment System" de la OMS. RESULTADOS: Cumplieron criterios de inclusión 3.415 casos. Los menores de 5 años representaron el 91% de las exposiciones y el 58,5% correspondió al sexo masculino. Un 99,4% correspondió a exposiciones accidentales y el 98,6% ocurrieron en el hogar. El 68,3% no presentó síntomas, tras la exposición. Las llamadas fueron realizadas por familiares (57%) y personal de salud (42%). Los 4 agentes con mayor incidencia fueron cloro doméstico (27,6%), limpiadores y lustres de pisos (13,1%), lavalozas (7,9%) y perfumes/colonias (5,8%). La principal vía de exposición fue digestiva (89,4%). CONCLUSIONES: Los productos de aseo y cosméticos son causas comunes de exposiciones especialmente en menores de 5 años. Si bien son productos de baja mortalidad y morbilidad, es importante educar a la población para prevenir posibles intoxicaciones en la población infantil.

INTRODUCTION: Household cleaning products and cosmetics are necessary for daily life and widely used by the population. However, their use may not be risk-free, especially when they are not used or stored as recommended. It is important to characterize exposures, as this is useful for developing stra tegies to reduce morbidity, mortality, and health costs associated, especially in the child population. OBJECTIVE: To describe reports associated with household cleaning products and cosmetics exposure in patients under the age of 12, reported to the Poison Information Center of the Catholic University of Chile (CITUC). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study of phone calls to CITUC during 2016. The analyzed variables were age, sex, product, caller, caller and incident location, ex posure circumstances, exposure route(s), symptoms, and severity from manual records and from the WHO's electronic record software 'INTOX Data Management System'. RESULTS: 3,415 cases met the inclusion criteria. Children under the age of five represented 91% of the exposures, and 58.5% were male. 99.4% were accidental exposures, and 98.6% occurred at home. Family members (57%) and health personnel (42%) made the calls. 68.3% of the patients had no symptoms after exposure. The four products with the highest incidence were household bleach (27.6%), floor cleaners and polishers (13.1%), dish soap (7.9%), and perfume/cologne (5.8%). The main exposure route was by ingestion (89.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Household cleaning products and cosmetics are common causes of exposures especially in children under the age of five. Although these products have a low morbidity and mortality rate, it is important to educate the population to prevent possible poisonings in the child population.

Sex- and Age-specific Increases in Suicide Attempts by Self-Poisoning in the United States among Youth and Young Adults from 2000 to 2018.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and outcomes from intentional suspected-suicide self-poisoning in children and young adults ages 10-24 years old from 2000 to 2018. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of intentional suspected-suicide self-poisoning cases reported to the National Poison Data System from US poison centers from 2000 to 2018 for patients 10-24 years old. For comparison of annual rates, population data by year of age were obtained from the US Census Bureau. We evaluated changes in the annual incidence, the annual rate per 100 000 population, and the medical outcome by patient age and sex. RESULTS: There were 1 627 825 intentional suspected-suicide self-poisoning cases, of which 1 162 147 (71%) were female. In children 10-15 years old from 2000 to 2010, there was a decrease in number and rate per 100 000 population followed by a significant increase (from 125% to 299%) from 2011 to 2018. In children 10-18 years old, the increase from 2011 to 2018 was driven predominantly by females. In 19-24 years old age groups, there was a temporal delay and reduced increase in slope compared with the younger groups. There were 340 563 moderate outcomes, 45 857 major outcomes, and 1404 deaths. The percentage of cases with a serious outcome, major effect, or death increased over time and with age. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and rate of suicide attempts using self-poisoning in children less than 19 years old increased significantly after 2011, occurring predominantly in young girls. There has been an increase in the severity of outcomes independent of age or sex.

Trends of drug-related poisoning cases attended to at a poison control center. / Tendências de eventos toxicológicos relacionados a medicamentos atendidos por um Centro de Informações Toxicológicas.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-related poisonings have a high impact on morbidity and mortality, representing the first cause of intoxication in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends of cases of drug-related poisonings attended to by a poison control center. METHOD: A quantitative approach (cross-sectional trend study) with data analysis of cases of drug-related poisonings attended to at the Poison Control Center of University Hospital of the State University of Londrina. Data were collected from service notification records for the period 1985 to 2014. For statistical analysis, a simple linear regression model was used. RESULTS: Of the 36,707 cases attended to by the service, 22.5% (n = 8,608) were drug-related poisonings. There was an increase in the proportion of cases for both sexes (R2 = 0.195, p = 0.014) and males (R2 = 0.403, p < 0.001). There was a trend towards a higher proportion of cases involving the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug classes (R2 = 0.521, p = 0.018), antidepressants (R2 = 0.923, p < 0.001) and antipsychotics (R2 = 0.869; p < 0.001). Antibiotics showed a trend toward a lower proportion of cases (R2 = 0.773, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a trend for a higher proportion of cases of drug-related poisonings in males. Also, there was an increased trend towards cases involving analgesics/anti-inflammatories/immunosuppressants, antidepressants and antipsychotics.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os eventos toxicológicos relacionados a medicamentos têm alto impacto na morbimortalidade, representando a primeira causa de intoxicação no Brasil. OBJETIVO: Descrever as tendências de casos de eventos toxicológicos relacionados a medicamentos atendidos por um Centro de Informações Toxicológicas. MÉTODO: Estudo com abordagem quantitativa (transversal e de tendência), com análise dos dados referentes aos casos de eventos toxicológicos relacionados a medicamentos atendidos pelo Centro de Informações Toxicológicas do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Os dados foram coletados das fichas de atendimento, referentes ao período de 1985 a 2014. Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se um modelo de regressão linear simples. RESULTADOS: Dos 36.707 casos atendidos pelo serviço, 22,5% (n = 8.608) foram eventos toxicológicos relacionados a medicamentos. Houve um aumento da proporção de casos em ambos os sexos (R2 = 0,195; p = 0,014) e no sexo masculino (R2 = 0,403; p < 0,001). Detectou-se tendência de elevação da proporção de casos envolvendo a classe de analgésicos, anti-inflamatórios e imunossupressores (R2 = 0,521; p = 0,018), antidepressivos (R2 = 0,923; p < 001) e antipsicóticos (R2 = 0,869; p < 0,001). Os antimicrobianos apresentaram tendência de redução da proporção de casos (R2 = 0,773; p = 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se tendência de aumento da proporção de casos de eventos toxicológicos relacionados a medicamentos no sexo masculino. Também houve aumento nas tendências envolvendo analgésicos/anti-inflamatórios/imunossupressores, antidepressivos e antipsicóticos.