Wu Jc

Taiwan National Poison Center: Epidemiologic Data 1985–1993

UNLABELLED The Taiwan National Poison Center has received more than 30,000 telephone calls since its establishment in July 1985. OBJECTIVE To obtain more information about poisoning exposures in Taiwan, a retrospective analysis was conducted of all telephone calls to the center concerning human poisoning exposures July 1985 through December 1993. METHODS The following data were tabulated: age, sex, intent of exposure, route of exposure, substances ingested and clinical severity. RESULTS During the eight years (1985-1993), 23,436 telephone calls concerning human poisoning exposure were recorded. Adults accounted for most cases (75.2%) and exposures involving males (54.2%) were somewhat more prevalent than female poisoning exposures (44.7%). Intentional poisonings (54.6%) were more common than unintentional poisonings (40.1%), with an inverse relationship in pediatric poisoning exposures. After amphetamines, the most frequently ingested poisons were pesticides, benzodiazepines, and cleaning products. Fatalities occurred most frequently following ingestion of pesticides. The mortality rate was 5.7% for all exposures. CONCLUSIONS Human poisoning is a serious problem in Taiwan. The reduction of suicide attempts is a major objective. Childhood poisonings are underreported and of high mortality.

Acute renal failure after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study of the incidence, risk factors, clinical course and long-term outcome

Background : Transarterial chemoembolization is effective for hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute renal failure may occur after transarterial chemoembolization because of radiocontrast agent, but its clinical aspects are unknown.

Children poisoning in Taiwan

Poisoning is a well known cause of morbidity and mortality in children. In Taiwan, little information has been published regarding the status of pediatric poisoning exposures. To provide more information on pediatric poisoning exposures for the purpose of poison prevention, a retrospective study was designed and conducted to analyse the data of National Poison Centre (NPC), Taiwan. All telephone inquiries concerning poisoning exposures in those under 19 years of age, received by NPC-Taiwan from July 1985 through December 1993, were included in this study. The age, sex, reason for exposure, route of exposure, substances involved and clinical outcome of those telephone calls were then analyzed. A total of 5,812 inquiries concerning poisoning exposures in children were recorded. Male exposures were more prevalent than females (59%)Vs. 41%) Accidental exposures accounted for 77.7% of the cases and most were exposed by the oral route. Substances most frequently ingested were household products, benzodiazepines and pesticides. The data revealed a mortality rate of 1.4%.Accidental poisoning exposures from household products and drugs remain a significant problem for those younger than 6 years of age. Further education of parents and care takers and the employment of child-resistant containers are needed to prevent cases of pediatric poisoning. Reduction of amphetamine abuse in adolescents is also of major concern and deserves more attention.

Comparison of transarterial chemoembolization and percutaneous acetic acid injection as the primary loco-regional therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective survey

Background : Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and percutaneous acetic acid injection (PAI) are effective loco‐regional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).