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COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Alters Poisoning Epidemiology in Taiwanese Emergency Department

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in the International Journal of General Medicine reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the epidemiology of emergency department (ED) presentations, including those for self-harm and poisoning, in a Taiwanese hospital. The research team found that the pandemic led to a delayed COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan, which resulted in a change in the demographics of poisoning cases. Specifically, the number of poisoned patients increased, with a significant rise in the proportion of severe poisoning cases and prolonged ED stays.

Key Takeaways:

  • During the pandemic, the number of poisoning cases increased from 572 (95.3 per month) in the pre-pandemic period to 145 (48.3 per month), representing a 74.5% decline in monthly cases.
  • Poisoned patients were significantly older (median age: 48 vs 40.5 years, p = 0.009) during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic periods, with a significant decline in pediatric poisoning cases.
  • There was an increase in prescription drug exposures, but the difference was not statistically significant, and the proportion of severe poisoning cases was significantly higher during the pandemic (14.5% vs 7.9%, p = 0.021).
  • ED stays were significantly prolonged during the pandemic, particularly among patients at risk of concurrent COVID-19 infection.
  • Mortality rates remained comparable between the two periods.

Statistics:

  • The number of poisoning cases decreased by 74.5% during the pandemic (145 vs 572) compared to the pre-pandemic period.
  • The median age of poisoned patients increased by 7.5 years (48 vs 40.5 years) during the pandemic.
  • The proportion of severe poisoning cases increased by 86.1% (14.5% vs 7.9%) during the pandemic.
  • The number of intubation and intensive care unit admissions increased during the pandemic.

Sources:

  • Variations in Poisoning Epidemiology and Management During the Initial COVID-19 Outbreak in a Taiwanese Emergency Department. International Journal of General Medicine, 2025,Volume 18(Issue 1):3175-3183. (International Journal of General Medicine - http://www.dovepress.com/international-journal-of-general-medicine-journal).
  • NewsRx. Department of Emergency Medicine Researchers Describe Recent Advances in COVID-19 (Variations in Poisoning Epidemiology and Management During the Initial COVID-19 Outbreak in a Taiwanese Emergency Department). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. July 6, 2025; p 36.

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