SUMMARYObjectives: The aim of our study was to elucidate the current pattern of acute poisoning among children admitted to a regional University Hospital in the prefecture of Evros in Northern Greece. We also compared the obtained findings with those of two previous studies performed in the same region.Methods: Demographic and clinical data, management, and outcome of children with acute poisoning were recorded in our region, during the past 5-years (2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009), period C) and compared to similar studies carried out in the periods 1985-1989 (period A) and 1995-1999 (period B).Results: Comparison between the three periods showed that in period A the lower incidence of children's acute poisoning (CAP) was observed. Also this revealed a 20%-reduction in the frequency of poisoning over the past 5-years (period C) compared to period B (p=0.219), a significant increase in tobacco intoxication over the years (in the order A-C; p<0.001 for comparisons of periods A and B, and periods B and C), while poisoning from insecticides-pesticides decreased (p<0.001). The incidence of poisoning via salicylates significantly reduced from 9.7% in period A to 6.2% in period B, and further to 4.7% in period C (p=0.016), whereas during the same periods poisoning via paracetamol increased from 2.3% to 5.1% and then to 10.4%, respectively (p<0.001). A trend toward a higher incidence of suicide attempt via poisoning was found during the three periods (from 3.0% in period A to 4.7% and 6.6%, in periods B and C, respectively; p=0.049).Conclusions: The frequency of acute poisoning among children has decreased over the past 5 years. The incidences of poisoning via paracetamol and tobacco, and attempted suicide have increased in recent years. Targeted and continuous educational preventive programs are mandatory.

Passive smoking has an unfavorable effect in respiratory function of children and predisposes them to respiratory tract infections. Every effort should be undertaken in order to avoid exposure of children to environmental tobacco smoke.

Here we present the first reported case of an ingested open safety‐pin in a 7‐mo‐old boy that migrated from the stomach to the oesophagus. Conclusion: This rare complication is probably due to a gastro‐oesophageal reflux effect, and for this reason we propose that all infants with safety‐pins and other sharp objects in the stomach should be positioned in a semi‐upright position.

This rare complication is probably due to a gastro-oesophageal reflux effect, and for this reason we propose that all infants with safety-pins and other sharp objects in the stomach should be positioned in a semi-upright position.