A Retrospective Evaluation of Suicidal and Accidental Drug Intoxication in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We reviewed the demographic characteristics, causes, and prognosis of intoxication cases admitted to the intensive care unit over 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients treated for intoxication in medical and surgical intensive care unit in January 2015– December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, intoxicating drug, length of intensive care unit stay, need for mechanical ventilation, need for hemofiltration, and prognosis were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 3,252 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit during the study period, 202 (6.21%) of whom for intoxication. One hundred fifteen (56.9%) were females and 87 (43.1%) were males. Mean age was 32.8±13.5 years. Suicidal intent was determined in 146 (72.3%) of the cases, while 56 (27.7%) were considered accidental intoxication. The rate of intoxication with suicidal intent was 81.7% (n=71) among females, significantly higher than the rate among males. Need for mechanical ventilation was greater among those with accidental intoxication (32.1%, n=20) compared to those with suicidal intent (13.6%, n=18). The mortality rate was significantly higher among patients who required mechanical ventilation and hemofiltration (p