A study about clinic-epidemiological pattern of acute poisoning in pediatric age group

Abstract

Background: Poisoning is one of the most common causes for emergency hospitalization and mortality in children. Mostly it is accidental in nature and can be prevented by awareness in caregivers. Recently due to increased use of many new chemicals in homes and agriculture clinic etiological profile of poisoning is also changed.
 Aims and Objectives: To study clinic-epidemiological pattern of acute poisoning in hospitalized children and To evaluate association of clinicodemographic factors to age of intoxicated children to evaluate association of clinicodemographic factors to age of intoxicated children.
 Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 in pediatric department of a tertiary care center. Child admitted with alleged history of poisoning included in study. Type and amount of poison, clinical presentation, outcome and demographic profile were recorded from medical records of patients.
 Results: Study was conducted among 50 patients of poisoning. 74% patients were under 5 year of age while 56% were boys and 44% were girls. Patients admitted due to ingestion of Insecticides and pesticides (18%), hydrocarbons (14%), medicines (12%) and agricultural products (8%), plant products ((16%) and others. Maximum number of patients intoxicated with household products (56%). Age was significantly associated with residence (p = 0.02) and place of exposure (p = 0.01) and nature of poisoning (p = 0.05).
 Conclusion: In children below 5 year of age incidences of poisoning are more frequent, most of the cases are accidental in nature and easily preventable. Proper care in this tender age is very important in order to prevent morbidity and mortality due to poisoning.

Patterns of acute pediatric intoxication in Aljouf Province, KSA

“…This higher percentage of intoxication in boys than girls has been shown in other studies in different settings. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 17 This result might be explained by a tendency for boys to be more mobile and adventurous than girls. 9 Furthermore, in certain societies, girls are not encouraged to participate in outdoor pursuits or to take risks.…”

“…This finding was consistent to some extent with those of several studies in different regions in KSA and worldwide, during different time periods. 2 , 3 , 6 , 9 , 12 , 13 , 14 This finding might have been because children become more active at this age and are highly exposed to toxins. They have a proclivity to investigate their environment by placing objects in their mouths, despite their inability to distinguish between harmful and safe agents.…”

“… 5 The advent of novel medications and chemicals for home and agricultural use has altered the patterns of intoxication, and new threats develop on a regular basis. 6 Furthermore, the increasing use of over-the-counter medications has substantially increased the number of intoxicated patients admitted to hospitals. 7 Pharmaceuticals, household items, pesticides, toxic plants, and insect and animal attacks are all common toxic agents in high-income nations.…”

“…Hydrocarbons such as paraffin and kerosene, medications, and cleaning detergents are common toxic agents in low- and middle-income nations. 6 …”

“…Therefore, epidemiological studies investigating the changing patterns of acute pediatric intoxication are essential for future health planning and resource allocation. 6 …”