Drug Poisoning Episodes on the Rise: Study Finds Growing Health Concern in Adults and Pediatrics

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have conducted a 7-year retrospective analysis of hospital discharges to examine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of drug poisoning episodes in adult and pediatric patients in Spain. The study, published in Frontiers in Toxicology, reveals a significant increase in poisoning episodes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the need for strengthened toxicovigilance, targeted prevention strategies, and early mental health interventions to mitigate the impact on healthcare systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed 2,989 episodes of drug poisoning, affecting 2,481 patients (85.7% adults, 14.3% pediatric) between 2018 and 2024.
  • The median age was 55 years in adults and 14 years in pediatric patients, with females predominating in both groups.
  • Self-poisoning was the most frequent intentionality (52.4% in adults, 54.7% in pediatric patients), while accidental poisonings were more common in pediatric patients under 12 and adults over 60.
  • Benzodiazepines were the most frequently involved drug-class across all age groups, while in pediatric self-poisoning, paracetamol was most commonly implicated.
  • ICU admission was required in 9.6% of pediatric and 9.2% of adult episodes, with mortality reported in 3.3% of adult and 0.5% of pediatric episodes.
  • Recurrent episodes were experienced by 12.5% of patients, with a significant post-COVID increase in poisoning episodes observed.

Statistics:

  • 2,989 episodes of drug poisoning were identified in 2,481 patients.
  • The median age was 55 years in adults and 14 years in pediatric patients.
  • Females made up a majority of patients in both groups (adults 55.6%, pediatric 60.4%).
  • Self-poisoning accounted for 52.4% of episodes in adults and 54.7% in pediatric patients.
  • ICU admission was required in 9.6% of pediatric episodes and 9.2% of adult episodes.
  • Mortality rates were 3.3% for adults and 0.5% for pediatric patients.
  • Recurrent episodes affected 12.5% of patients.

Sources:

  • Research findings: Hospital admissions for acute drug poisoning in adults and children: a 7-year retrospective analysis of hospital discharges at a tertiary center. Frontiers in Toxicology, 2025;7:1672470.
  • Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Dept. of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Barcelona, Spain.
  • Lina Camacho-Arteaga, Daniel Wang, Rosario Munoz Gallarin, Immaculada Danes, and Antonia Agusti Escasany, authors of the study.
  • NewsRx, Study Data from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona Provide New Insights into Toxicology (Hospital admissions for acute drug poisoning in adults and children: a 7-year retrospective analysis of hospital discharges at a tertiary center). Pediatrics Week. November 1, 2025; p 791.