Hong Kong Poison Information Centre: Annual report 2021

Abstract

IntroductionThe Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) has been providing consultation services to healthcare professionals and collecting epidemiological data on poisoning in Hong Kong since 2005.ObjectiveTo analyse and report the poisoning data from HKPIC in 2021.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on all poisoning cases recorded in the Poison Information and Clinical Management System of HKPIC in 2021.ResultsA total of 3973 poisoning cases were analysed. There was an increase of approximately 10% in total poisoning cases compared to 2020, bringing the total caseload back to the pre‐COVID era. Teenage (13–19 years) poisoning incidence continued to rise, reaching a recorded high of 16.2% of total poisoning cases. Notably, poisoning cases involving selective serotonin receptor inhibitors showed a significant increase, along with the use of the antidote cyproheptadine. The majority of these cases involved individuals under the age of 20 presenting with suspected self‐harm. Compared to 2020, the number of poisoning‐related deaths decreased by 25%, from 48 to 36 deaths in 2021, resulting in a case fatality rate of 1.0%. Additionally, six interesting cases and two poisoning clusters were discussed.ConclusionsThe 16th annual report provides valuable information on poisoning patterns in Hong Kong during the second year of the COVID‐19 pandemic, highlighting significant changes compared to previous reports.