Hong Kong Poison Information Centre: Annual report 2022

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Abstract
Background: The Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) has been providing consultation services to healthcare professionals and collecting epidemiological data on poisoning in Hong Kong since 2005. Objective: To analyse and report the poisoning data from HKPIC in 2022. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on all poisoning cases recorded in the Poison Information and Clinical Management System of HKPIC in 2022. Results: A total of 3226 poisoning cases were analysed. There was a decrease of approximately 20% in total poisoning cases compared to 2021. Despite the decrease in the total poisoning caseload, there was an increase in the absolute number of poisoning‐related deaths by 14% (from 36 to 41) and cases with major outcomes by 31% (from 146 to 191), resulting in an increase in the case‐fatality rate from 1.0% in 2021 to 1.4% in 2022. More decontamination was performed and more antidotes were used in 2022 in comparison with the previous 5‐year average. Teenage (13–19 years) poisoning incidence continued to be high (16.3% of total poisoning cases). Additionally, four interesting cases and a few poisoning clusters were discussed. Conclusions: This 17th annual report provides valuable information on poisoning patterns in Hong Kong, highlighting the changes in local poisoning epidemiology during the third year of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

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