Alarming Increase in Nitrous Oxide and Ketamine Activities
The National Poisons Information Service (NPIS), a crucial toxicology advice service in the UK, has released its 2022 to 2023 annual report, raising concerns over the marked increase in activities related to nitrous oxide and ketamine. This report, which is a reflection of the consultations made by clinicians with NPIS, shows a significant rise of 175% in nitrous oxide-related activities and 25% in ketamine-related activities compared to last year.
The Public Health Challenge of Poisoning
Poisoning remains a significant public health issue in the UK. With over 380,000 hospital presentations in 2019 to 2020 in England alone, and numerous consultations with primary care and NHS advice services, the impact is substantial. In adults, most poisoning cases are due to drug overdose in the context of self-harm, while drug misuse is a notable cause of mortality. Accidental exposures, especially involving household substances, are common in children.
NPIS: Providing Essential Clinical Support
Without specialist clinical toxicology services in most UK hospitals, NPIS’s role becomes indispensable. It offers 24-hour access to expert advice for the safe and effective management of people exposed to drugs and chemicals. NPIS aids healthcare professionals in managing potential toxin exposures and helps in providing appropriate clinical care. This support is crucial in avoiding unnecessary referrals and hospital admissions.
NPIS’s Nationwide Reach and Online Resources
Operating from four NHS hospitals in Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Newcastle, NPIS delivers an integrated national service across the UK. Besides its telephone advice line, NPIS offers TOXBASE and the TOXBASE app, an online database providing information on thousands of drugs and chemicals. This service, available to all UK healthcare professionals, supports informed decision-making in poisoning cases.
Addressing the Issue: Expert Opinions
Professor Raquel Duarte-Davidson, from the UK Health Security Agency, said,
This year’s annual report again demonstrates the value of the close collaboration between the NPIS, UKTIS and UKHSA to address problems of poisoning across the UK and globally.
NPIS goes beyond clinical support, engaging in research, education, and the collection and sharing of surveillance data. This multifaceted approach contributes significantly to public health and health security efforts in the UK and internationally.
NPIS’s Multifaceted Public Health Contribution
The NPIS annual report not only sheds light on the rising misuse of substances like nitrous oxide and ketamine but also highlights the service’s broader contributions. Beyond clinical support, NPIS engages in research, education, and data sharing, significantly contributing to public health and health security efforts in the UK and beyond.
This multifaceted approach is vital in addressing the growing public health challenges related to substance abuse.
Sources: THX News & UK Health Security Agency.
