L'épidémiologie des intoxications médicamenteuses aiguës dans les wilayas de Laghouat et de de Djelfa de l'année 2021 -2023

Abstract

Acute drug intoxications are often a common cause of admission to intensive care units, resulting from inappropriate or excessive intake of one or more medications, whether accidental or intentional. Symptoms vary depending on the medication and the amount ingested. Symptomatic treatment and administration of specific antidotes are generally preferred. Prevention, awareness, and access to emergency medical assistance are crucial for reducing risks and ensuring favorable outcomes. The objective of this study is to analyze the epidemiology of acute drug intoxications in the wilayas of Laghouat and Djelfa from the year 2021 to 2023. It is a retrospective non-interventional monocentric study conducted over a period of three years. It involved 30 cases of acute drug intoxications received and recorded in the intensive care units of the Djelfa Regional Hospital and the 240-bed Mixed Hospital of Laghouat. Over the studied period of three years, 30 patients were admitted to the intensive care units of the Djelfa Regional Hospital and the Mixed Hospital of Laghouat for acute drug intoxication, representing 2.02% of all hospitalizations during the same period. A male predominance was observed, with 19 men and 11 women, resulting in a sex ratio of 1.72. Accidental cases were the most frequent, accounting for 67% of patients, among which 75% were suicide attempts and 15% were related to drug abuse. Cardiovascular symptoms were the most common, observed in 25% of patients. Digestive symptoms were present in 7 patients (22%), while neurological manifestations were reported in 5 patients (18%). Among the studied cases, 09 patients presented with hypotension, representing 28% of cases, followed by tachycardia, also at 28%. Signs of hypertension, collapse, and bradycardia were present in 08% of patients each. Cardiorespiratory arrest was observed in 03% of patients, while rhythm disturbances were present in 10%. Finally, 07% of patients reported precordial pain. Among the patients studied, 12 underwent blood sampling, representing 39% of the total, while 11 underwent urine sampling, representing 37%. Only 07 patients underwent gastric sampling, which accounts for 24% of cases. All patients received symptomatic treatment, and 06 of them also received specific treatment, representing 20% of the study group