Self‐Poisoning Treated in the ICU

Abstract

The number and type of self-poisonings admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) at Sahlgren''s Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden during 1972 and 1976 are studied. The number of patients requiring intensive care was unchanged but a change in the pattern of self-poisoning was seen. In 1976 the number of patients requiring intensive care following acute alcohol intoxication had increased whereas the number of barbiturate and methaqualone poisonings decreased. Tricyclic antidepressants formed the largest group in both years. Fewer patients needed endotracheal intubation and [intermittant positive pressure ventilation] in 1976 than in 1972; fewer complications were seen and the death rate among ICU treated patients decreased. In the Gothenburg area, barbiturates accounted for 1/2 of all deaths due to self-poisoning; tricyclic antidepressants for 1/5. Any expected decrease in intensive care as a result of fewer barbiturate and methaqualone poisonings was obscured by an increase in severe alsohol intoxication.