Comparison of poisoning patterns during COVID-19 pandemic with the trend analysis-predicted models

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a reduced number of acute poisonings and changes in poisoning pattern in some countries. The aim of our study is to compare the profile of acute poisonings in 2020–2021 with the registered poisoning pattern in the previous 10-year period (2010–2019). Methods: Data from the Poisons Information Centre (PIC), University Clinic of Toxicology, Skopje, North Macedonia were analysed in a two-year retrospective study including data of 2212 acutely poisoned patients compared to the data from the trend analysis of registered poisonings in the past 10-year period (2010–2019). Results: During 2020 and 2021, a continuous decrease in poisonings was registered (23.6 and 25.7%, respectively), with a more significant decrease in females (30.5 and 26.8%, respectively) than in males (17.5 and 24.8%, respectively) compared to the predicted values. Beside the increased poisoning in males, there was no significant difference in gender distribution between the two observed years (v2¼2.304, df ¼1, p ¼ 0.129). There was significant partial association of females and recovery outcome in the last two years (v2¼ 5.743, df ¼1, p ¼ 0.017). The smallest decrease expressed in percentage change for 2020 and 2021 was registered for alcohol poisoning (17.8 and 15.7%, respectively), and psychoactive substance (PAS) use (22.4 and 23.3%) while the largest decrease was observed in drug poisoning (26.4 and 28.7%) followed by poisoning with chemicals (24.0 and 26.3%). During 2020, the biggest decrease compared to the predicted values was observed among adolescents (27.7%), then among the elderly (25.6%) and the smallest among adults (18.8%). In 2021, adolescents and the elderly had a smaller decrease compared to the predicted values (22.7 and 22.0%, respectively) and to the previous year. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, acute poisonings maintained a decreasing trend in comparison with predicated values according to the trend line statistic based on data from the previous 10 years. We registered a smaller decrease in the number of acute alcohol intoxications and use of PAS comparing to other types of poisoning, and an increase in poisonings in men. All of this indicates a changed intoxication pattern and an increased need to direct more medical attention to the treatment of PAS and alcohol abuse.