Drug Poisoning in Slovenia

Objective: The Slovenian Register of Intoxications managed by the Poison Control Centre at Ljubljana University Medical Centre was established in 2001. It offers a continuous review of poisoning in Slovenia. Our aim was to study the epidemiology of acute drug poisoning in adult patients admitted to hospitals in Slovenia. Methods: We analyzed the data reported for acutely poisoned patients older than 16 years who were treated in hospitals in Slovenia between 2001 and 2005. Results: A total of 1,838 adult acutely poisoned patients were reported in the Register of Intoxications between 2001 and 2005, of whom 1,234 (67%) were poisoned by drags. 67% of patients poisoned by drugs were women and 76% of patients ingested drugs at home. 85% of patients ingested drugs in suicide attempts. Anxiolytics, hypnotics, sedatives, antipsychotics and antidepressants represented 68% of all ingested drugs due to self-poisoning. Drugs for the musculo-skeletal system and drugs for the cardiovascular system followed poisoning by these drugs. There were 6 benzodiazepines and related drugs among the 10 most commonly ingested drugs due to self-poisoning. The most common signs of acute drug poisoning were somnolence and coma (75%). Gastric lavage was performed in 64% of patients, activated charcoal was given to 73% of patients and 35% of patients were treated with an antidote. Conclusions: Poisoning by drugs for the nervous system, particularly benzodiazepines, is the most common form of poisoning by drugs in Slovenia. It is necessary to report all acutely poisoned patients to the Register of Intoxications, since we need data about all poisoning in Slovenia to improve their prophylaxis and treatment.