Pattern, severity, and treatment outcomes in acute poisoning patients admitted to the Saint Peter Specialized Hospital Toxicology Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023: a retrospective study.

A recent study conducted at Saint Peter Specialized Hospital Toxicology Center aimed to assess treatment outcomes and associated factors among poisoned patients. The study employed a retrospective cohort design, reviewing medical chart records of 553 acutely poisoned patients admitted to the hospital between 2017 and 2023. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Windows version 26, and a binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with treatment outcomes. The study found that the overall mortality rate among poisoned patients was 3.25%, with 18 patients succumbing to their condition. Additionally, four patients developed chronic complications. The study's findings highlighted several factors that predicted treatment outcomes for poisoned patients. Arrival at the toxicology center within 4 hours of poisoning was associated with a higher likelihood of recovery, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 0.43. In contrast, delayed arrival after 8 hours, being hypotensive, needing intubation, and the presence of two or more complications at admission were all predictors of mortality. The presence of two or more complications at admission had the highest AOR of 3.3, indicating a significant increase in the risk of mortality. These findings suggest that timely arrival at the toxicology center, prompt recognition of complications, and aggressive resuscitation of critically ill patients are crucial in minimizing unfavorable outcomes. To address these issues, the study recommends establishing a strong referral link between the toxicology center and regional health institutions, ensuring the availability of advanced clinical setups, and providing early recognition and aggressive resuscitation of critically ill patients. By implementing these measures, healthcare providers can reduce the mortality and morbidity rates associated with poisoning and improve treatment outcomes for affected patients.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40078956/