Epidemiology from 1988 to 2020 of domestic and drug poisonings: analysis of the CIGUE database of Lille Poison Control Centre

AI Summary

Paediatric cases concentrated in ages 1–5; domestic accidents 67.9%, household detergents the most frequent exposure.
Adolescent self-poisoning persisted, comprising most suicidal cases; benzodiazepines and paracetamol common, opioid exposures rose nearly fourfold.
Most incidents were asymptomatic or mild; severe or fatal outcomes under 1% (574 deaths). Therapeutic errors increased steadily.

Br J Gen Pract. 2026 May 14;76(suppl 1):bjgp26X745473. doi: 10.3399/bjgp26X745473. Print 2026 May.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Poisonings are a common reason for consultation, yet long-run large-scale French epidemiology is scarce. The Lille Poison Control Centre’s historic CIGUE database, curated from 1988 to 2020, offers a 33-year window on exposures across ages and contexts.

AIM: To improve primary care prevention by characterising trends, risk groups, and substances in cases reported to the Centre, using indicators aligned with international studies.

METHOD: Retrospective descriptive analysis (1988-2020) of the CIGUE (Centrale d’Informations et de Gestion en Urgences des Empoisonnements) database (SQL extraction). Age, circumstances, and substances were mapped to identify trends and emerging risks.

RESULTS: Among 662 179 cases, calls increased until 2013. Children aged 1-5 years were most affected (46.6%). Circumstances were dominated by domestic accidents (67.9%), followed by suicidal ingestions (12.7%), and therapeutic errors (12.1%). Suicidal poisonings mainly involved adolescents (56% in those aged 13-20 years). Domestic accidents remained stable, mostly in children. Frequent substances were household detergents (9.1%), benzodiazepines (7.3%), and paracetamol (5.7%). Detergent exposures were almost exclusively accidental (65.8% for those aged <5 years; 91.8% accidental). Benzodiazepines and paracetamol were often linked to suicidal intent. Over time, domestic accidents remained stable, while adolescent suicidal poisonings persisted and therapeutic errors rose steadily. Opioid exposures increased nearly fourfold, mostly with suicidal intent (48.6%). Most cases were asymptomatic or mild; severe/fatal cases were <1% (n = 574 deaths).

CONCLUSION: This is the largest longitudinal poisoning study in France. It reveals enduring paediatric domestic risk, sustained adolescent self-harm, and a rising opioid signal. Insights can guide GPs’ anticipatory guidance, safe-use counselling, and early intervention.

PMID:42134911 | DOI:10.3399/bjgp26X745473

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