Search
Intentional drug overdose (IDO) can lead to significant morbidity and can increased patient's risk of death. A study was recently performed to identify the predictors of death in a cohort of patient who intentionally overdose on drug(s).
National Self-Harm Registry and National Drug-Related Death Index were reviewed (between January 1st, 2007 and December 31st, 2014) to identify the study cohort.
Results
|
| Non fatal IDO | Fatal IDO |
| Number of cases | 63,831 | 364 |
| Incidence | 148.8/100,000 | 1.01/100,000 |
| Male | 42.0% | 55.2% |
| Age, years (median) | 35 | 44 |
| Multiple drug ingestion | 48.5% | 78.3% |
Risk of death
- 1.7 times higher in MALE compared to female
- 5 times higher in age > 45 years vs. 15-24 years
- 3 times higher in patient who ingested 2 – 5 distinct agents, 6x higher in > 6 agent vs. single agent
- 15 times higher after TCA ingestion
- 12 times higher after opioids ingestion
- 4 times higher after antidepressants or illicit substance ingestion/exposure
Conclusion
- Older age (> 45 years), male gender and ingestion of multiple agents (>2) were associated with higher risk of death from intention drug overdose.
References
International Journal of Drug Policy76https://doi.org/10.