• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.101-105
• /
• 2004

Purpose: Paraquat is the most commonly used herbicide in Korea. Exposure to paraquat through the skin has resulted in local irritation or inflammation of varying degree, sometimes severe. The purpose of this study was to review the patients with paraquat poisoning by skin absorption. Methods: We analysed retrospectively the clinical and laboratory findings of 45 patients with paraquat poisoning after dermal exposure, who were admitted to Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital from January 1999 to December 2003. Results: Among 870 cases of paraquat poisoning, 45 cases were exposed to paraquat through the skin. The peak incidence was the fifth decade($40\%$). The clinical symptoms were pain, pruritus, nausea, and vomiting. The major skin lesions were generalized vesicobullae and necrotic erosion in face, scrotum, trunk, upper and lower extremities and etc. All patients were survived after skin contact or inhalation of paraquat. Conclusion: This study illustrates the extreme toxicity of paraquat and demonstrates that lethal quantities of paraquat may be absorbed if repeated exposure to it. Stricter precautions, including the mandatory use of protective clothing, should be recommended whenever this material is used.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.406-409
• /
• 2003

We found seventeen dairy cattle with the abnormal signs in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems after feeding of the yew foilage. Among them three cattle were dead due to yew poisoning. Among the remaining fourteen dairy cattle, four cattle showed similar symptoms as did dead cattle. Although the remaining ten dairy cattle did not show any abnormal signs, we conducted a therapy of forced magnesium sulfate infusion because the yew consumption might have been occurred in all cattle. As a result of the therapy, we could not found further signs of yew poisoning. The performance of the therapy and the treatment procedures adapted by the therapy could be concluded as follows: The cardioselective toxicity and inhibition of peristaltic activity by the taxine in yew foilage might be involved in the symptoms of acute poisoning as anorexia, dullness, muscle tremor, dyspnea, and sudden death. We also performed the dose response relationship of taxine to the range of clinical symptoms and examined recovery performances. Through the autopsy of the cattle, we could confirm the presence of yew foilages that might have caused the poisoning in the gastrointestinal tract. However, we could not identify further abnormalities in other organs. In this case report, we demonstrated that practice of the forced magnesium sulfate infusion in yew poisoning was helpful for the attenuating the taxine poisoning by blocking the further proceeding of the toxic effect.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
• /
• v.24 no.8
• /
• pp.123-129
• /
• 2019

This study selected all patients with acute poisoning carried by the 119 emergency services in K-Province from January 1 to December 31, 2015 for complete enumeration. The subjects were 1,627 patients who were classified as poisoning suspected in chemicals and animal/insect poisoning by Rescue Emergency Activity Information System(Emergency Statistics) in fire-fighting portal system of K-province fire-fighting officers. The 119 activity journals were analyzed retrospectively. The major results are as follows. Regarding the demographic characteristics of the elderly and the non-elderly, the most people were unemployed in the elderly group, other job, the non elderly group about their occupations and in both groups, the most people lived in rural areas about their living places. Regarding the poisoning characteristics of the elderly and the non-elderly, the most causing substance was bee sting about the poisoning causing substances and most of patients didn't get drunken about drunken state in both group. Regarding the time factors of the elderly and the non-elderly, both groups had the most accidents in afternoon about the poisoning time and in summer about the seasonal distribution.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.353-358
• /
• 2020

Objectives: An outbreak of pathogenic Escherichia coli food poisoning in Korea was first reported in 1998. They have continued to occure since then. This study was performed to describe the long-term trend in pathogenic E. coli food poisoning occurrences in Korea and examine the relation with climate factors. Methods: Official Korean statistics on food poisoning outbreaks and meteorological data for the period 2002-2017 were used. Pearson's correlation analysis was employed to establish the relationship between outbreaks of pathogenic E. coli food poisoning and meteorological factors. The influence of meteorological factors upon the outbreaks was analyzed by regression analysis. Results: During the study period, pathogenic E. coli food poisoning ranked second for the number of outbreaks (excluding unknowns) and first for the number of cases. Average temperature, the highest and lowest temperatures, precipitation, number of days with rainfall, and humidity all had a significant correlation with monthly number of outbreaks of pathogenic E. coli food poisoning (p<0.001). It was found that the lowest and highest temperatures and precipitation had a significant influence on the monthly number of outbreaks of food poisoning (p<0.001). These variables together explained 42.1% of the total variance, with the lowest temperature having the greatest explanatory power. Conclusion: These results show that food poisoning incidences may have been influenced by climate change, especially warming. The results also suggest that pathogenic E. coli infections are now an important public health issue in Korea since it is one of the countries where climate change is occurring rapidly.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.16-24
• /
• 2008

Purpose: There has been no nationwide surveillance survey of poisoning cases in Korea. This study examined the clinical characteristics of poisoning admissions in order to obtain preliminary data for future planning. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed the data on poisoning admissions of 150 hospitals based on the hospital discharge injury surveillance data of Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Korea from January to December in 2004. The demographic data, poisons used, causes of poisoning, reasons for attempted suicide and mortality rate was investigated according to the age group. The factors associated with mortality were also evaluated. Results: A total 836 patients admitted for poisoning were analyzed. Their mean age was $46.5{\pm}19.5$ years (male 415, female 421). The most frequent age group was the 4th and 5th decades. The most common poisons involved were pesticides (45%) and medications (23%). The majority (64%) involved intentional poisoning except for those in the 1st decade. The most common reason for the attempted suicide was family problems. However, individual disease was the most common reason in those over 60 years. The overall mortality rate was 8.7% (73/836). Pesticides and being elderly (over 65 years old) were strongly correlated with fatality. Conclusion: The incidence of intentional poisoning increases from the 2nd decade making it a preventable injury. "Overall, the incidence of intentional poisoning increases from the 2nd decade". Therefore, there is a need to frame a prevention policy corresponding to each factor related to fatality, such as an elderly population and pesticides.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.77-82
• /
• 2004

Backgrounds: Deaths from pesticides poisoning has increased annually, but no studies have been reported. Especially paraquat is suspected to be a major material in pesticide poisoning deaths. In Korea, simple epidemiology of pesticides poisoning is not well known. So, there is no effective method to prevent pesticides poisoning. We tried to investigate the present status of pesticides poisoning with data from Korea National Statistical Office and suggest an effective counterplan. Methods: We analysed death cause data derived from Korean Statistical association, deaths causes being pesticides poisoning in the year 2002. Also, we investigated data from internet, mainly from Korea National Statistical Office home page. Results: Total 2,875 persons died after pesticides poisoning in 2002 year. Average age is 54.2 year, standard deviation being 17.7 year. Many victims (about $41\%$) died during the herbicides' non-necessary period (JanuaryMarch, October-December) Conclusion: Herbicides sale should be restricted only during herbicides' necessary period, and so called a pesticides safety supervisor system shall effectively prevent herbicides poisoning.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.21-39
• /
• 2010

Objectives & Method : We investigated toxicity, poisoning symptoms, poisoning treatment and prevention against poisoning of herbal medicines used to activate blood flow and remove blood stasis(活血祛瘀藥) in order to use herbal medicines accurately. Result : Cnidii Rhizoma(川芎), Olibanum(乳香), Myrrha(沒藥), Corydalis Tuber(玄胡索), Zedoariae Rhizoma(莪朮), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix(丹參), Polygoni Cuspidati Radix(虎杖根), Leonuri Herba(益母草), Persicae Semen(桃仁), Carthami Flos(紅花), Manitis Squama(穿山甲), Eupolyphaga(蟅蟲), Hirudo(水蛭), Vaccariae Semen(王不留行), Sappan Lignum(蘇木), Lacca Sinica Exsiccata(乾漆), Draconis Resina(血竭) and Leonuri Semen(茺蔚子) may give rise to some side effects or toxic symptoms in herbal medicines used to activate blood flow and remove blood stasis(活血祛瘀藥). The representative methods of poisoning treatment in western medicines are washing out the stomach, promotion of vomiting, causing diarrhea, supplies of grape sugar and symptomatic treatment, etc. The representative methods of poisoning treatment in oriental medicine take advantage of herbs. And Oriental medical doctor should meet symptoms as patients call for attention. In order to prevent against poisoning of herbal medicines used to activate blood flow and remove blood stasis (活血祛瘀藥), the patients should keep usage, dosage and notes and oriental medical doctors should do processing drugs. Conclusion : We should pay attention to clinical using of Cnidii Rhizoma(川芎), Olibanum(乳香), Myrrha(沒藥), Corydalis Tuber(玄胡索), Zedoariae Rhizoma(莪朮), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix(丹參), Polygoni Cuspidati Radix(虎杖根), Leonuri Herba(益母草), Persicae Semen(桃仁), Carthami Flos(紅花), Manitis Squama(穿山甲), Eupolyphaga(蟅蟲), Hirudo(水蛭), Vaccariae Semen(王不留行), Sappan Lignum(蘇木), Lacca Sinica Exsiccata(乾漆), Draconis Resina(血竭) and Leonuri Semen(茺蔚子) in herbal medicines used to activate blood flow and remove blood stasis(活血祛瘀藥).

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.79-87
• /
• 2010

Purpose: The previous studies on $H_1$ antihistamine overdose have generally been limited to cases of acute doxylamine succinate (DS) poisoning, yet there have been some studies on diphenhydramine (DPH) overdosing. But many clinicians consider the two drugs to be very similar and to have similar ingredients. The purpose of this study was to clarify the toxicologic characteristics and clinical outcomes between DS and DPH poisoning/overdose. Methods: We reviewed the medical and intensive care records of the patients with acute DS or DPH poisoning and who admitted to our emergency department from January 2008 and April 2010. We collected patient information regarding the features of the poisoning and the clinical and demographic characteristics. The patients were assessed for the clinical outcomes, the GCS, the PSS (Poisoning Severity Score) and the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment). Results: Fifty seven patients (45 cases of DS poisoning and 12 cases of DPH poisoning) were enrolled. Compared with the DS group, the DPH group had higher incidences of intubation, serious mental change, QTc prolongation and ECG conduction abnormality (p=0.041, <0.001, 0.014 and 0.044, respectively). The DPH group had a higher PSS and a longer ICU stay. The peak CPK time and the CPK normalization time were longer for the patients with rhabdomyolysis due to DS poisoning. Conclusion: Two common $H_1$ antihistamines, doxylamine and diphenhydramine, are in the same ethanolamine-structural class, but the toxico-clinical outcomes are different according to many aspects. Therefore, clinicians could take a careful approach for the differential diagnosis and management between DS and DPH poisoning.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.27-35
• /
• 2007

Purpose: Organophosphate (OP) compounds insecticides are the most commonly associated with serious human toxicity all over the world. The aim of this study was to identify sociocultural factors that contribute to high incidence of pure OP poisoning and prevent OP poisoning in order to reduce the factors responsible for deaths in South Korea. Methods: This is the 38 multi-centers survey and prospective study of pure OP poisoning by structural reporting system and hospital records from August 2005 to July 2006. 238 patients with acute pure OP poisoning were enrolled. We collected patient information regarding poisoning, clinical, and demographic features. Results: The mean age was $55.32{\pm}17.3$ years old. The most frequent site of exposure was their own residence(85.7%). Frequent compounds involving pure OP poisoning were dichlorvos(22.7%), methidathion(8.4%), and phosphamidon(6.7%). Intentional poisoning was 77.9%. The most frequently route of exposure was ingestion(94.5%). The mean arrival time to hospital after poisoning was 12.7 hours and mean hospitalization duration was 12.9 days. 2-PAM was administered to 101 patients in mean doses of 6.3 g/day intravenously. Atropine was administered to 81 patients in mean doses of 74.6 mg/day (maximal 910 mg/day). The presence of lower level of GCS score, respiratory complications, hypotension, acute renal failure, and serious dysrhythmia was associated with serious and fatal poisoning. Overall final mortality in pure OP poisoning was 9.7%(23/238). Conclusion: This study highlights the problem of pure OP poisoning in South Korea as a basic national survey. Futhermore this might help the establishment of strict policies availability of OP and the statistics of OP poison exposure in South Korea.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.28-34
• /
• 1983

In spite of the world-wide increase of incidence of pesticide poisoning due to greater use of pesticides, the epidemiological study of pesticide poisoning in Korea has been grossly neglected. The author gained access to the medical records for two year period (1981 through 1982) from local clinics, hospitals and health centers of Kyungpook area to investigate the status of the pesticide poisoning. During these two years, there were 1,618 cases of documented pesticide poisoning, of which in 1981 were 765 and in 1982 were 853. Those in the twenties decade of age was the most frequent and the male(70%) was more liable than the female (30%). In view of manner of poisoning, occupational poisoning was 27.8%, accidental 5.6%, and suicidal 66.6%. There are three distinct groups which make up the large majority of both fatal and nonfatal cases; young children who accidentally ingest pesticides, young to middle age adult who are occupationally poisoned, and middle age to older adults who suicidally ingest pesticides. The seasonal distribution of these poisonings disclosed the peak month to be July, with August next, followed by June and September. Only 11% of cases occurred during the three-month winter season of December to February. Thus pesticide caused poison- ing was primarily a summer and early fall occurrence. During these two years, average of 67 cases of poisoning was observed monthly. Of the pesticide poisoning documented, 49% were treated with poisoning patients from local clinic and 43% from hospital. The case fatality rate of occupational poisoning was 0.9%, accidental 5.6% and suicidal 20.3%. The mean overall case fatality rate was 14.1%. Annual incidence of pesticide poisoning was 25.4 per 100,000 population in the study area. There is a nationwide need for more reliable date on pesticide poisoning. This need can only grow more acute with the passage of time because of the increasing importance of pesticides as a cause of morbidity and mortality.