Journal articles on the topic 'Accidental poisoning Australia'
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1
Arbaeen, Abrar, Nial J. Wheate, and Rose Cairns. "Poisonings with ADHD medication in children under the age of 5 years in Australia: a retrospective study, 2004–2019." BMJ Paediatrics Open 6, no. 1 (March 2022): e001325. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001325.
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ObjectiveTo describe the temporal relationships in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication poisoning exposures in children; describe patient demographics, medications involved, poisoning exposure reasons and disposition.DesignA population-based, retrospective cohort study of calls to Australia’s largest Poisons Information Centre. Poisoning exposure counts and dispensing-adjusted rates were modelled with Poisson, quasi-Poisson and negative binomial regression where appropriate.SettingCalls to the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre and dispensings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.PatientsChildren under the age of 5 years.ResultsThere were 1175 poisoning exposures to ADHD psychostimulants, 2004–2019; averaging 73 per year. Accidental poisonings accounted for 94% of cases. Methylphenidate was most frequently implicated (63%). Thirty-four per cent of cases were referred to hospital and a further 21% of calls were made by hospital staff. Poisoning exposure counts for all ADHD psychostimulants increased by 2.7% (95% CI=0.42% to 4.9%) per year; however, this differed by agent. Methylphenidate poisoning exposures increased by 5.2% per year (95% CI=4.3% to 6.1%), lisdexamfetamine increased by 62% per year (95% CI=48% to 76%), while dexamphetamine poisoning exposures decreased by 5.5% per year (95% CI=−9.5% to −1.4%). These trends are reflected in the number of dispensings; however, dispensings increased at a faster rate than exposures. When poisoning exposures were expressed as dispensing-adjusted rates, there was a 16% decrease (95% CI=−20% to −13%) per year.ConclusionsADHD medication use has increased, associated with an increased number of paediatric poisoning exposures. However, poisoning exposures per dispensed prescription has decreased. The majority of cases required hospitalisation, indicating the need for further poisoning prevention strategies.
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Old, Julie M., and Hayley J. Stannard. "Corrigendum to: Conservation of quolls (Dasyurus spp.) in captivity – a review." Australian Mammalogy 43, no. 3 (2021): 378. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am20033_co.
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Quolls are carnivorous marsupials in the family Dasyuridae with characteristic white spots. They are distributed throughout Australia and New Guinea, but uncommonly seen due to their mostly nocturnal solitary nature, and large home ranges. All Australian quolls are listed as ‘near threatened' or ‘endangered' at state, national and international levels, largely due to human-induced threats. Threats include introduced predators, habitat loss through clearing and modifications including changed fire regimes, disease, human persecution, vehicle collisions and accidental or targeted poisoning by humans and cane toads (Rhinella marina). Conservation efforts that have focussed on reducing introduced predators, and minimising the impact of cane toads, have aided some translocations, hence species recovery in some local areas of Australia has occurred. Where species conservation has required captive breeding for translocation, successful captive management has been crucial. We summarise research conducted in captivity on aspects of birth and development, health and disease, and blood and nutrition parameters of quolls, and suggest future directions for research. Further research on captive and wild quoll populations will benefit future translocations, reintroductions and conservation through increased knowledge, improved maintenance and husbandry of captive colonies, and monitoring of wild populations.
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Rajanayagam, J., J. R. Bishop, P. J. Lewindon, and Helen M. Evans. "Paracetamol-associated acute liver failure in Australian and New Zealand children: high rate of medication errors." Archives of Disease in Childhood 100, no. 1 (September 16, 2014): 77–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2013-304902.
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BackgroundIn children, paracetamol overdose due to deliberate self-poisoning, accidental exposure or medication errors can lead to paediatric acute liver failure and death. In Australia and New Zealand, the nature of ingestion and outcomes of paracetamol-associated paediatric acute liver failure have not been described.ObjectiveTo describe the nature and outcomes of paracetamol-associated paediatric acute liver failure.DesignRetrospective analysis of paracetamol-associated paediatric acute liver failure cases presenting 2002–2012.SettingNew Zealand and Queensland Paediatric Liver Transplant Services.Results14 of 54 cases of paediatric acute liver failure were attributed to paracetamol, the majority were secondary to medication errors. 12 of the 14 children were under the age of 5 years. Seven children received doses in excess of 120 mg/kg/day. Many of the other children received either a double dose, too frequent administration, coadministration of other medicines containing paracetamol or regular paracetamol for up to 24 days. Three children underwent transplant. One of these and one other child died.ConclusionsIn Australia and New Zealand, paracetamol overdose secondary to medication errors is the leading cause of paediatric acute liver failure. A review of regional safety practices surrounding paracetamol use in children is indicated.
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Peden, Amy E., and Richard C. Franklin. "Exploring the Impact of Remoteness and Socio-Economic Status on Child and Adolescent Injury-Related Mortality in Australia." Children 8, no. 1 (December 24, 2020): 5. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/children8010005.
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Injuries are a leading cause of harm for children. This study explores the impact of determinants of health on children (0–19 years) injury-related mortality (namely remoteness and socio-economic disadvantage, calculated using the index of relative socio-economic advantage and disadvantage (IRSAD)). Cause of death data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics were sourced for children in Australia between 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2017. Fifteen injury categories (ICD-10-AM external cause codes) were used. Burden and trends by injury mechanism were explored. A total of 5153 children died; with road traffic incidents (3.39 per 100,000 population), intentional self-harm (2.46) and drowning (0.72) being the leading mechanisms. Female fatality rates in very remote areas (8.73) were nine times higher than in major cities (Relative Risk [RR] = 8.73; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 4.23–18.00). Fatality rates increased with remoteness; very remote areas recording an injury-related fatality rated six times (RR = 5.84; 95% CI: 3.76–9.12) that of major city residents. Accidental poisoning and intentional self-harm fatalities were more likely in high IRSAD areas, while road traffic fatalities were more likely in low and mid socio-economic areas (X2 = 69.1; p < 0.001). People residing in regional and remote areas and from low socio-economic backgrounds already face significant health and lifestyle challenges associated with disadvantage. It is time to invest in injury prevention interventions for these populations, as well as upstream policy strategies to minimize any further preventable loss of life.
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Wells, Kathleen, Andrew Butterworth, and Ngaio Richards. "A review of secondary pentobarbital poisoning in scavenging wildlife, companion animals and captive carnivores." Journal of Veterinary Forensic Sciences 1, no. 1 (December 23, 2019): 1–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.32473/jvfs.v1i1.128307.
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Sodium pentobarbital is a veterinary drug commonly employed to euthanize different animal species humanely. Cases of secondary pentobarbital poisoning have been documented in scavenging wildlife, companion animals and captive carnivores. Since the extent of such poisonings remains mostly unknown, a review was undertaken to consolidate cases published, recorded, only locally reported or shared anecdotally. A questionnaire was distributed to veterinary surgery and wildlife rehabilitation centers, and zoos. About 125 cases affecting 432 animals across the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and France were collated, with 76.8% obtained outside the published literature. Our findings support that pentobarbital poisoning affects a range of wild species (e.g., griffon vultures, canids) and companion animals (especially dogs and captive carnivores), and although a known source of toxicosis, pentobarbital-related poisonings continue to present day. Carcass disposal methods were considered in regard to associated incidents of secondary poisoning. Wild scavengers and companion animals were mainly affected after feeding on livestock carcasses that were insufficiently buried or left uncovered. Captive carnivores were accidentally poisoned after being fed pentobarbital-euthanized animals. Euthanized carcasses of stranded whales, provision of euthanized carcasses to dogs at hunt kennels, sourcing of meat from fisheries and laboratories, and use of barbiturates in baits to deliberately harm wildlife emerged as noteworthy sources of risk or exposure. The ongoing presence of pentobarbital residues in pet food as a threat to companion animals was incidentally considered. Additional recommendations for follow-up research, to increase awareness of this issue and prevent exposure, were suggested.
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Juan, Stephen. "Accidental Injury and Young Australian Children." Australasian Journal of Early Childhood 20, no. 2 (June 1995): 27–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/183693919502000206.
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An average of 200 Australian children are admitted to hospital and more than one child dies each day as a result of accidental injuries. This has an emotional cost to families and communities. It also has an economic cost estimated at $190 million per year. The sources of these accidental injuries are several. Between two and three children are treated at hospitals each day for injuries due to a dog attack. Falls are the most common cause of injury to Australian children. For children under age five, 50% of all unintentional injury deaths and 75% of non-fatal injuries occur in the home. Over 100 Australian children have died in the last five years as a result of fire, burns, or scalds. A further 100 children are killed each year as pedestrians. Yet another 100 children drown each year. Between five and 10 children die each year from poisoning. Every accident we prevent aids child development.
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Byard, Roger W. "Accidental Childhood Death and the Role of the Pathologist." Pediatric and Developmental Pathology 3, no. 5 (September 2000): 405–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s100240010089.
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The following study provides an overview of accidental childhood death. This study is based on a review of 369 cases of fatal childhood accidents taken from the records of the Department of Histopathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia, over a 34-year period from 1963 to 1996. Data provide information on deaths due to motor vehicle accidents, drownings, accidental asphyxia, burns, poisonings, electrocution, and miscellaneous trauma. In addition, certain categories have undergone further examination, including asphyxial deaths due to unsafe sleeping environments and unsafe eating practices, drowning deaths, and deaths on farms, following identification of significant child safety problems in these areas as part of the “Keeping Your Baby and Child Safe” program. Previously unrecognized dangers to children detected through this program include mesh-sided cots, V-shaped pillows, and certain types of stroller-prams. The production of information pamphlets and packages for parents and the recall of certain dangerous products following recommendations made by pathologists demonstrate that pediatric and forensic pathologists have an important role to play in preventive medicine issues and in formulating public health strategies.
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Pokrywka, Andrzej, Zbigniew Obmiński, Jadwiga Malczewska-Lenczowska, Zbigniew Fijatek, Ewa Turek-Lepa, and Ryszard Grucza. "Insights into Supplements with Tribulus Terrestris used by Athletes." Journal of Human Kinetics 41, no. 1 (July 8, 2014): 99–105. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2014-0037.
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AbstractHerbal and nutritional supplements are more and more popular in the western population. One of them is an extract of an exotic plant, named Tribulus terrestris (TT). TT is a component of several supplements that are available over-the-counter and widely recommended, generally as enhancers of human vitality. TT is touted as a testosterone booster and remedy for impaired erectile function; therefore, it is targeted at physically active men, including male athletes. Based on the scientific literature describing the results of clinical trials, this review attempted to verify information on marketing TT with particular reference to the needs of athletes. It was found that there are few reliable data on the usefulness of TT in competitive sport. In humans, a TT extract used alone without additional components does not improve androgenic status or physical performance among athletes. The results of a few studies have showed that the combination of TT with other pharmacological components increases testosterone levels, but it was not discovered which components of the mixture contributed to that effect. TT contains several organic compounds including alkaloids and steroidal glycosides, of which pharmacological action in humans is not completely explained. One anti-doping study reported an incident with a TT supplement contaminated by a banned steroid. Toxicological studies regarding TT have been carried out on animals only, however, one accidental poisoning of a man was described. The Australian Institute of Sport does not recommend athletes’ usage of TT. So far, the published data concerning TT do not provide strong evidence for either usefulness or safe usage in sport.
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Marks, Clive A., Frank Gigliotti, and Frank Busana. "Assuring that 1080 toxicosis in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is humane. II. Analgesic drugs produce better welfare outcomes." Wildlife Research 36, no. 2 (2009): 98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr05018.
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Fluoroacetic acid (1080) is a widely used vertebrate pesticide in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia it is used in meat baits as the primary method of control for the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Subsequent to the onset of initial signs, collapse and convulsions are associated with central nervous system disruptions where the animal is unresponsive to external stimuli, making an assessment of humaneness difficult. Prior to collapse and unconsciousness it would appear that there is potential for suffering to occur although its extent and nature during the entire toxicosis remains unclear. We investigated various formulations of 1080 with either analgesic or anxiolytic drugs in order to manage possible suffering experienced during 1080 poisoning of red foxes. Oral doses of 0.5 mg kg−1 1080 alone produced no visible signs for a mean of 205.3 min (±28 min, P < 0.05), but were lethal after signs that lasted a mean of 103 min (±16 min, P < 0.05). Combinations of 0.5 mg kg−1 1080 with either 10 mg kg−1 carprofen (CA), 0.4 mg kg−1 copper indomethacin (CI) or 10 mg kg−1 buspirone (BS) were assessed in pen trials and compared with a group that received 0.5 mg kg−1 1080 only and one that received the drug dose only. CI reduced the time between the onset of signs and death (P < 0.01) and CA reduced the overall intensity of activity from dosage to death (P < 0.05). A significant reduction in the incidence of retching during the onset of signs was observed in foxes that were coadministered CA (P < 0.05) or CI (P < 0.01) with 1080 compared with 1080 alone. The combination of BS and 1080 halved the mean activity from first signs to death, but was not statistically significant. In a separate trial, drug and 1080 combinations were delivered to penned foxes using an M-44 ejector. Neither 70 mg CA nor 2.8 mg CI appeared to affect the lethality of 1080 doses, although 70 mg BS produced a result that was equivocal and warrants further investigation. Coadministration of 70 mg diazepam was associated with the survival of six of nine foxes and suggests that there may be the potential for diazepam to act in the treatment of accidentally poisoned domestic dogs and this is discussed briefly. Given evidence for both central and peripheral analgesia, its potential to reduce the duration of signs and incidence of retching, CI shows immediate potential to be used with 1080 fox baits and to assist in delivering better welfare outcomes in fox control.
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Heslop, David. "<p><strong>Tropane alkaloids and the potential for accidental or non-accidental mass outbreaks of anti-cholinergic toxidrome</strong></p>." Global Biosecurity 5 (January 3, 2023). http://dx.doi.org/10.31646/gbio.193.
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In December 2022 a large outbreak of anti-cholinergic toxidrome was reported in Australia associated with contamination of baby spinach leaves with Datura stramonium. Over 100 individuals around Australia experienced symptoms consistent with intoxication with the primary plant derived tropane alkaloids scopolamine, hyoscyamine and atropine. Tropane alkaloids are part of a wider group of incapacitating chemical substances that includes the chemical weapon BZ that results in the characteristic anti-cholinergic toxidrome. Human food production and manufacturing processes are prone to accidental and non-accidental contamination with tropane alkaloids, and food quality standards and measures are essential to protecting food security where incorporation of tropane alkaloids is possible. While mass non-accidental contamination of human food production and manufacture is a possibility, historically exposure scenarios involving tropane alkaloids have usually been limited to small scale poisoning events dating back to antiquity. This article summarises the risks of accidental and non-accidental exposure to tropane alkaloids with particular focus on the potential for mass exposure events.
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Kelty, Erin, Anwyn Pyle, and David B. Preen. "Opioid poisoning during pregnancy: prevalence, characteristics, and neonatal outcomes." Archives of Women's Mental Health, August 19, 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00737-022-01260-6.
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Abstract While it has been postulated that opioid poisoning during pregnancy may cause adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, the harm associated with opioid poisoning during pregnancy has not been robustly examined. Pregnant women admitted to hospital or presenting to the emergency department (ED) in Western Australia (WA) with a diagnosis of opioid poisoning were identified by linking state midwifery records with hospital and ED administrative data. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared with opioid poisoning that occurred in the 12 months prior to conception or the 12 months following birth. Between 2003 and 2018, 57 neonates were born to women who had experienced opioid poisoning during pregnancy (14.1 per 100,000 births) in WA. The incidence of opioid poisoning in the year prior to pregnancy (IRR: 3.04, 95%CI: 2.30, 4.02) and the year following pregnancy (IRR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.46, 2.64) was significantly higher than during pregnancy. Opioid poisoning during pregnancy was less likely to involve multiple substances and be intentional (rather than accidental). Neonatal conditions associated with in utero hypoxia were significantly less common in neonates born to women who experience opioid poisoning prior to pregnancy compared with during pregnancy (OR: 0.17, 95%CI: 0.04, 0.80). Opioid poisoning in pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of other serious adverse neonatal outcomes. Opioid poisoning during pregnancy is uncommon and less likely to be intentional and involve multiple substances. Opioid poisoning during pregnancy is likely associated with an increased risk of conditions associated with in utero hypoxia.
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Bishop, Karen, Saliu Balogun, James Eynston-Hinkins, Lauren Moran, Margarita Moreno-Betancur, Rosemary Korda, Chalapati Rao, Emily Banks, and Grace Joshy. "923Quantifying multiple causes of death: Observed patterns in Australia, 2006–2017." International Journal of Epidemiology 50, Supplement_1 (September 1, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyab168.084.
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Abstract Background Four fifths of deaths in Australia involve multiple causes, but statistics typically use a single underlying cause of death (UC). The UC approach alone is insufficient for understanding the impact of non-underlying causes and identifying comorbid disease associations at death. Analysis of multiple causes of death (MC) is needed to measure the impact of all causes. We described MC patterns, considering cause-of-death coding and certification practices in Australia. Methods Using deaths registered in Australia from 2006 to 2017 (n = 1773525) coded to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and an extended classification (n = 136 causes) based on a World Health Organization short list, we described MCoD data by cause. Age-standardised rates based on UC and MC were compared using the standardised ratio of multiple to underlying causes (SRMU) to estimate the contribution of the cause to mortality compared to using the UC approach. Comorbidity was explored using the cause of death association indicator (CDAI) to compare the observed joint frequency of a contributory-underlying cause combined with expected frequency of the contributory cause (with any UC). Results On average 3.4 conditions caused each death and 24.4% of deaths had 5 plus causes. Largest SRMUs were for genitourinary diseases (8.0), blood diseases (7.8) and musculoskeletal conditions (6.7). CDAIs showed high associations between, for example, accidental alcohol and opioid poisoning, septicaemia and skin infections, and traumatic brain injury and falls. Conclusions MC indicators enhance measures of mortality and reassess the role of causes of death for descriptive and analytical epidemiology. Key messages This research demonstrates the value of MC analysis for Australian mortality data.
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Adamski, Michał, Ewelina Chrapusta, Beata Bober, Ariel Kamiński, and Jan Białczyk. "Cylindrospermopsin: cyanobacterial secondary metabolite. Biological aspects and potential risk for human health and life." Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies 43, no. 4 (January 1, 2014). http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/s13545-014-0148-5.
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AbstractCylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a cytotoxin produced by several species of cyanobacteria, which occur all over the world. It was demonstrated that CYN has a wide spectrum of biological activity in animal cells, involving hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and carcinogenic potential, and is considered as one of the factors that caused human poisoning in Palm Island (Australia) and in Caruaru (Brazil). This compound may be introduced into organism by several ways, including consumption of water, fishes and seafood as well as accidental swallowing or aerosol spray inhalation during recreational using of reservoirs covered by cyanobacterial blooms. The information about the CYN impact on environment and its degradation processes under natural conditions is scant. Taking this into consideration CYN should be regarded as a potential threat to human health and life. This review presents physicochemical characteristic and biological activity of CYN, occurrence in freshwaters and its sensitivity to the influence of some environmental factors.
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Ly, Jennifer, Jared A. Brown, Nicholas A. Buckley, and Rose Cairns. "Paediatric poisoning exposures in schools: reports to Australia’s largest poisons centre." Archives of Disease in Childhood, November 2, 2020, archdischild—2020–319919. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2020-319919.
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ObjectiveTo describe poisoning exposures occurring at school in a large sample of Australian children.DesignA population-based retrospective cohort study.SettingCases reported to the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSWPIC), Australia’s largest poisons information centre, taking 50% of the nation’s poisoning calls.PatientsPoisoning exposures occurring in children and adolescents while at school were included, over a 4.5-year period (January 2014 to June 2018).Main outcome measuresTime trends in poisonings, demographics, exposure characteristics, substances involved, disposition.ResultsThere were 1751 calls relating to exposures at school made to NSWPIC. Most calls concerned accidental exposures (60.8%, n=1064), followed by deliberate self-poisonings (self-harm, 12.3%, n=216). Over a quarter of cases were hospitalised (n=468), where the call originated from hospital or patients referred to hospital by NSWPIC. Disposition varied by exposure type, and hospitalisation was highest with deliberate self-poisonings (92.6%, n=200), recreational exposures (57.1%, n=12) and other intentional exposures (32.6%, n=45). The median age was 12 (IQR 8–15 years), and 54.7% were male (n=958). The most common pharmaceutical exposures were to paracetamol (n=100), methylphenidate (n=78) and ibuprofen (n=53), with the majority being deliberate self-poisonings. Copper sulfate was responsible for 55 science class cases, 45% of which were hospitalised. Cases may be increasing, with 81.3 (±8.2) calls per quarter, 2014–2016, and 129.3 (±24.3) calls per quarter, 2017–2018.ConclusionsPoisoning exposures occurring at school are common, with disposition and substances involved varying considerably by exposure reason. The relatively high number of referrals to hospital highlights the need for investigation into preventative measures.
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Karanikolos, M., S. Rajan, A. Murphy, and M. McKee. "No change in life expectancy: the devil is in the detail." European Journal of Public Health 30, Supplement_5 (September 1, 2020). http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.926.
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Abstract Background The rate of improvement in life expectancy in high income countries has slowed down over the past few years, and instances where life expectancy is lower than a year before are increasingly common. This paper aims to analyse changes in life expectancy over the last decade to better understand what causes and age groups contribute to the slowdown. Methods We use WHO mortality data by age and cause to construct life tables, and we use Arriaga decomposition method to analyse the contribution of specific causes and age groups to changes in life expectancy in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States of America. We look at the change between 2007-2012 and 2012-2017 (or latest available). Results All countries experienced a slowdown in life expectancy in the past 5 years (2012-2017), in comparison to the preceding period. Slowdown in under 65s was particularly pronounced, with younger age groups only contributing minimally (between 0.4 years for males in Germany and -0.4 years for males in the United States) to changes in life expectancy. Among people aged 65 and over, gains ranged between 0.05 years for females in France and 0.6 years for males in the Netherlands. Certain causes of death contributed negatively to change in life expectancy between 2012 and 2017, with notable increases in deaths from accidental poisonings in males (up to -0.09 year in the UK and Canada, and -0.34 in the US) and suicides (up to -0.08 year in Australia and -0.07 in the US). Conclusions While recent slowdown in life expectancy gains in high income countries is often attributed to lack of improvement in people of older ages, we show that, beyond this, there are increases in mortality in younger age groups from external causes, that contribute negatively to change in life expectancy in some countries. This pattern is of a particular concern, as deterioration in preventable mortality points to broader worsening of socio-economic climate. Key messages Improvements in life expectancy in high income countries slowed down markedly over the past few years, but contributing mortality patterns differ for age groups and causes of death across countries. Persistent increases in preventable mortality from certain external causes in younger age groups in Australia, Canada, US and UK point to broader deterioration of socio-economic climate.