IMAJ

Click here for article written by Yedidia Bentur, MD, Yael Lurie, MD, Alfred Cahana, MD, Ophir Lavon, MD, Nona Kovler, MD, Anna Bloom-Krasik, MD,Bella Gurevych, MD and Bianca Raikhlin-Eisenkraft, PhD.
IMAJ 2008: 11: November: 749-756

Abstract
Background: The Israel National Poison Information Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, provides telephone consultations on clinical toxicology as well as drug and teratogen information around the clock. The Center participates in research, teaching and regulatory activities, and also provides laboratory services.
Objectives: To analyze data on the epidemiology of poisonings and poison exposures in Israel.
Methods: We conducted computerized queries and a descriptive analysis of the medical records database of the IPIC[1] during 2007.
Results: Overall, 26,738 poison exposure cases were recorded, a 118.5% increase compared to 1995. Children under 6 years old were involved in 45% of cases 73% of the calls were made by the public and 25.5% by physicians 74.4% of exposures were unintentional and 9.2% intentional. Chemicals were involved in 37.9% of cases, pharmaceuticals in 44.2%, bites and stings in 4.3% and poisonous plants in 1.2%. Substances most frequently involved were analgesics, cleaning products and antimicrobials. Clinical severity was moderate/major in 3.5%. Substances most frequently involved in moderate/major exposures were insecticides, drugs of abuse and corrosives. Eight fatalities were recorded – three unintentional exposures (all chemicals) and five intentional (chemicals, medications, drugs of abuse).
Conclusions: The rates of poison exposures and poisonings in Israel have increased significantly, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. The IPIC database is a valuable national resource for collecting and monitoring cases of poison exposure and can be used as a real-time surveillance system. It is recommended that reporting to the IPIC become mandatory and that its activities be adequately supported by national resources.

[1] IPIC = Israel National Poison Information Center

Vol. 10 >> November 2008 >> Toxicology
	Poisoning in Israel: Annual Report of the Israel Poison Information Center, 2007	View File

	Click here for article written by Yedidia Bentur, MD, Yael Lurie, MD, Alfred Cahana, MD, Ophir Lavon, MD, Nona Kovler, MD, Anna Bloom-Krasik, MD,Bella Gurevych, MD and Bianca Raikhlin-Eisenkraft, PhD. *IMAJ 2008: 11: November: 749-756* Abstract Background: The Israel National Poison Information Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, provides telephone consultations on clinical toxicology as well as drug and teratogen information around the clock. The Center participates in research, teaching and regulatory activities, and also provides laboratory services. Objectives: To analyze data on the epidemiology of poisonings and poison exposures in Israel. Methods: We conducted computerized queries and a descriptive analysis of the medical records database of the IPIC[1] during 2007. Results: Overall, 26,738 poison exposure cases were recorded, a 118.5% increase compared to 1995. Children under 6 years old were involved in 45% of cases 73% of the calls were made by the public and 25.5% by physicians 74.4% of exposures were unintentional and 9.2% intentional. Chemicals were involved in 37.9% of cases, pharmaceuticals in 44.2%, bites and stings in 4.3% and poisonous plants in 1.2%. Substances most frequently involved were analgesics, cleaning products and antimicrobials. Clinical severity was moderate/major in 3.5%. Substances most frequently involved in moderate/major exposures were insecticides, drugs of abuse and corrosives. Eight fatalities were recorded – three unintentional exposures (all chemicals) and five intentional (chemicals, medications, drugs of abuse). Conclusions: The rates of poison exposures and poisonings in Israel have increased significantly, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. The IPIC database is a valuable national resource for collecting and monitoring cases of poison exposure and can be used as a real-time surveillance system. It is recommended that reporting to the IPIC become mandatory and that its activities be adequately supported by national resources. [1] IPIC = Israel National Poison Information Center