Pattern of dipyrone exposure in Texas, 1998 to 2004.

INTRODUCTION: Dipyrone is an analgesic and antipyretic agent. The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of dipyrone exposures reported to poison centers.
METHODS: Human dipyrone exposures reported to 6 Texas poison centers from 1998 to 2004 were identified. Isolated and non-isolated cases were compared with respect to various factors.
RESULTS: When compared to the Census, dipyrone exposures were significantly more likely to have been reported from regions closer to the Mexican border (53% vs 9%). Of 81 dipyrone exposures, 52 (64%) were isolated and 29 (36%) were non-isolated. Most of the dipyrone exposures occurred at the patient's own residence (72/76 or 95%) and the patients were more likely to be female (54/81 or 67%). Although the majority of both types of dipyrone exposures were adults (47/78 or 60%), children, less than 6 years of age, accounted for a higher proportion of isolated exposures (33% vs 10%) while a higher proportion of non-isolated exposures involved older children (28% vs 8%). Twenty-two percent (11/51) of isolated cases were intentional while 59% (17/29) of non-isolated cases were intentional. Of those cases with a known medical outcome, the medical outcome was no adverse clinical effect for 76% (16/21) of isolated exposures and 42% (8/19) of non-isolated exposures. The specific adverse clinical effects reported for isolated exposures were primarily neurological (n = 6), gastrointestinal (n = 4), and dermal (n = 3). The most frequently reported treatment for isolated exposures was some form of decontamination (n = 11).
CONCLUSIONS: Isolated and non-isolated dipyrone exposures varied with respect to patient age, exposure reason, management site, medical outcome.