Background: Incidence of toxicity is increasing among elderly. Presentation of poisoning may be delayed with atypical symptoms and signs, and high mortality rates.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological pattern of poisoning in elderly Egyptian population and to assess the severity of intoxication using poisoning severity score (PSS).
Methods: A retrospective observational study included all patients aged 60 years and older with acute poisoning who attended to the emergency department of Poison Control Center of Ain Shams University hospitals (PCC-ASUH) during the year 2019.
Results: Two hundred and fifty geriatric patients with acute poisoning attended to PCC-ASUH. Males outnumbered female patients (58.8% versus 41.2%, respectively). Most poisoning episodes were suicidal (44.8%) followed by accidental intoxication (40.4%). Antipsychotics were the commonest agents responsible for suicidal poisonings (17%). Poisoning severity score was minor in 131 patients (52.4%), moderate in 37 patients (14.8%), and severe in 32 patients (12.8%). Seven patients (2.8%) died. Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation were needed in 17 patients (6.8%), and four patients (1.6%) underwent hemodialysis.
Conclusion: Attempting suicide was the commonest mode of poisoning in elderly and was mostly caused by antipsychotics, followed by accidental poisoning. Several variables could worsen PSS of poisoned elderly like manner of poisoning and presence of co-morbidities. Therefore, it is recommended to implement suicide prevention programs for the elderly and public awareness for reducing poisoning in this age group.