Investigation of Deaths Caused by Poisoning in Razi Educational-Therapeutic-Research Hospital in Northern Iran during the Years 1390-1394 (2011-2015)

Background The development of experimental science had resulted in more access to drugs and chemicals, which consequently has caused many problems. Poisons, whether pharmaceutical or chemical, can lead to the death of people who are severely poisoned. In this study, we investigated the cause of deaths in the poisoning department of educational-therapeutic centers during 1390 and 1394. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, all records of patients visiting the poisoning department of RaziHospital in Rasht from the beginning of 1390 until the end of 1394 were analyzed who were hospitalized in this center after being diagnosed with poisoning and then died. Ethical Considerations Honesty and fidelity in writing the text have been observed. Findings In this study, the most common cause of death was related to opioids; on the other hand, deaths caused by opioids can be prevented to a great extent. Therefore, it is necessary to consider therapeutic policies for developing facilities, timely diagnosis and providing proper and careful care in order to reduce mortality rates due to poisoning with these substances. Conclusion In this study, 330 patients died from poisoning (including 226 males and 104 females) were examined. The highest percentage of deaths belonged to married people who died of poisoning (80.3%). 44.8% of people who died of poisoning had a history of drug addiction. 95.5% of patients who died in poisoning department tried to commit suicide. The most common cause of death was related to opium consumption (21.2%), followed by methadone consumption (17%) and then consumption of rice tablet (aluminum phosphide, 14.8%).