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[Drug-related problems in an emergency department in the center of Amsterdam, June-November 2000].

OBJECTIVE
To gain insight into the nature and magnitude of drug-related problems in the emergency department (ED) of a hospital (Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.


DESIGN
Prospective, observational.


METHOD
During the period from June through to November 2000, the following data were recorded for all patients visiting the ED with drug-related problems: age, sex, nationality, form of presentation, presenting complaint, drugs used, diagnostics performed, treatment in the ED and clinical course leaving the ED.


RESULTS
During the study period, 214 (1%) patients were seen with drug-related problems. The largest group consisted mainly of young, foreign occasional users of soft drugs (117 patients, 55%). Their complaints were aspecific and harmless. The need for additional diagnostics was limited, with no additional diagnostic tests being carried out in 178 patients (83%). Treatment consisted of reassurance (50 patients, 23%), observation (123 patients, 58%) and medication (85 patients, 40%). Nineteen patients (9%) needed additional treatment (suturing, plastering, etc.). Ten patients (5%) were admitted to the hospital. Reasons for admission were psychotic episodes, prolonged unconsciousness or respiratory problems.


CONCLUSION
The magnitude of the drug problem in an emergency department in the centre of Amsterdam and the use of medical resources were limited. The nature of the problem consisted mainly of mild symptoms following the use of soft drugs, usually by young, foreign occasional users.