Hong Kong Poison Information Centre: Annual report 2021

Introduction: The Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) has been providing consultation services to healthcare professionals and collecting epidemiological data on poisoning in Hong Kong since 2005. Objective: To analyse and report the poisoning data from HKPIC in 2021. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on all poisoning cases recorded in the Poison Information and Clinical Management System of HKPIC in 2021. Results: A total of 3973 poisoning cases were analysed. There was an increase of approximately 10% in total poisoning cases compared to 2020, bringing the total caseload back to the pre-COVID era. Teenage (13-19 years) poisoning incidence continued to rise, reaching a recorded high of 16.2% of total poisoning cases. Notably, poisoning cases involving selective serotonin receptor inhibitors showed a significant increase, along with the use of the antidote cyproheptadine. The majority of these cases involved individuals under the age of 20 presenting with suspected self-harm. Compared to 2020, the number of poisoning-related deaths decreased by 25%, from 48 to 36 deaths in 2021, resulting in a case fatality rate of 1.0%. Additionally, six interesting cases and two poisoning clusters were discussed. Conclusions: The 16th annual report provides valuable information on poisoning patterns in Hong Kong during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting significant changes compared to previous reports.