[Epidemiologic survey of acute poisoning in the south area of the Community of Madrid: the VEIA 2004 study].

Abstract

Objective: VEIA study is an evolutional registry of acute poisonings (AP) attended in the Emergency Room of the Doce de Octubre Hospital in Madrid (Spain) in a whole year (1979, 1985, 1990, 1994,1997 and 2000). We present the 2004 study and compare the results with the previous years.

Methods and results: Methodology has been identical across VEIA STUDY. Of 1508 AP, 610 are suicide attempts (IAVIS), 319 ethylic, (IAVE), and 218 by illicit drugs (IAVD). Of the 2,259 toxics involved, 48% are medications (50% benzodiacepines) alcohol 25% and illicit drugs 13%.

Conclusions: There is an important increase (34%) of cases and the incidence surpasses all published in our country. There are no gender differences nor in the whole neither the Health Area Census, but there are differences in IAVIS, IAVE and IAVD. IAVIS increase in 35%. Benzodiacepines poisoning increases two-fold as well as antidepressive drugs do in women. In men also increase, but in a minor extent. Acetaminophen remains the same in 23%. NSAID's, adjuvants and myorelaxants increase in women as do also alcohol and other poisons that almost equal men's. There are 13 cases of IAVIS in patients with alimentary disorders. Among men, a quarter are illicit drug abusers. In IAVE, the group without alcoholism grows and the total decreases. Illicit drugs duplicate the number of the former year. Cocaine supposes already 2/3 of the cases, MDMA ascends to 22 cases and they appear new substances as glue, without doubt as an effect of immigration and ketamine. Finally 205 household accidents and 57 industrial injuries complete the series.