Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Acute Poisoning in Children in Southwestern China: A Review of 1755 Cases from 2014 to 2020

Abstract

Purpose Acute poisoning is a major cause of disability and death in children, but there is a lack of large-scale and multicenter epidemiological data on acute poisoning in children. Patients and Methods The current study was a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 1755 children aged 0 to 14 years who were hospitalized between 01 January 2014 and 31 December 2020 in southwestern China. Results Acute poisoning was common in childhood, particularly in early childhood (607; 34.6%) and preschool (655; 37.3%), and most cases occurred in rural areas (1191; 67.9%). It was more common in boys (934; 53.2%) than in girls (821; 46.8%). In urban areas, poisoning was mainly caused by drugs (266; 47.2%), chemical agents (59; 10.5%), and alcohol (54; 9.6%). In rural areas, it was mainly caused by pesticides (620; 52.1%) and medications (213; 17.9%), the route of poisoning was usually the digestive tract (1671; 95.2%), in most cases the poisoning was accidental (1618; 92.3%), and pesticides (659; 37.5%) and medications (479; 27.3%) predominated. After timely treatment, the majority of patients had no substantial organ damage, sequelae, or disabilities, and mortality was low (17; 1.0%). Conclusion Acute poisoning is a frequent accident in childhood, mainly in infants and preschool children, mostly in rural areas, and poisoning mostly occurs via the digestive tract. Family and community education should be conducted to prevent poisoning.

Acute Poisoning in children in Chengdu, China: A Retrospective Study (2019- 2022)

“…Reports from some regions also indicate that children treated in pediatric emergency centers for poisoning are primarily due to medication ingestion [12; 13]. In contrast to the United States, the most common substances in children reported in China were medications, followed by pesticides, household cleaning products, and personal care products [14]. In this study, the most common substance ingested was also medications, followed by pesticides, household cleaning agents, personal care products, mercury, desiccants, plants, and other substances.…”

Acute Poisoning Among Children Admitted to Alexandria Poison Center, Egypt: Patterns and Predisposing Factors

“…In the USA, the prevalence of opioid poisoning among children was 47%, where it was the most common substance contributing to death, followed by over-the-counter (OTC) pain, cold, and allergy medications (14%) [ 12 ]. Meanwhile, in Southwest China, most of the medication poisoning cases involved prescribed drugs such as anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-diabetic drugs, psychotropic drugs, anti-allergic drugs, contraceptives, and drugs for common cold [ 13 ].…”

Childhood Acute Poisoning at Haiphong Children’s Hospital: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

“…As a result, acute poisoning in children remains a major public health concern that requires special attention, particularly in hospital emergency departments. Acute poisoning has become the primary cause of harm to children, resulting in disability and death [ 1 ]. According to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2008 [ 2 ], an estimated 45,000 deaths among children and young people (under the age of 20) are caused by acute poisoning each year.…”