Pediatric Poisonings and Risk Markers for Hospital Admission in a Major Emergency Department in Romania

Abstract

To identify the prevalence, characteristics, and risk markers for childhood poisonings treated in the emergency department of a large Romanian hospital. Trauma registry data using ICD-10 codes and case summaries were studied to identify poisonings among children aged 0–18. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with hospital admission. Between 1999 and 2003, 1,173 pediatric trauma cases were seen in the emergency department; 437 (37.3%) were treated for poisoning, including medication (35%), alcohol (26%), chemical products (19%), and carbon monoxide (14%). Half of all poisonings were unintentional, primarily affecting children < 10 years. Half were intentional, mainly affecting children 10–18. Females were three times more likely than males to have documented suicidal intent (P < .0001). Over 30% of suicide attempts were among children ages 10–14 (P < .0001). We report significantly increased adjusted odds ratios (P < .05) of hospital admission for children 10–18, and for chemical substance poisoning, and suicidal intent. Pediatric poisoning is a serious public health issue in Romania, and we suggest these findings are relevant across other eastern European countries with limited resources. Poisonings result in morbidity and hospital admissions, yet there are few prevention resources available. Health education programs and consumer product safety policies are needed in Romania and eastern Europe.

The Risk of Accidental Chemical Poisoning Cases among Children (≤12 Years Old) Admitted to Hospital University Sains Malaysia: 5 Years Review

“…For such actions, epidemiology and etiology data are essential for healthcare providers to enable them to take appropriate measures for both prevention and treatment. However, in developing countries, data on epidemiology study on paediatric poisoning such as age, sex, number of siblings, socioeconomic status, type of poisonous substance, educational level, presenting symptoms and the patients' outcome are scarce compared to developed countries [6,7]. Similar patterns also had been observed in Malaysia, where annual nationwide data on poisoning patterns are scarce and incomplete.…”

“…Generally, accidental poisoning is more common among children, whereas most of the intentional poisoning mainly comes from young adults (15-19 years old) [5,6]. More than 1 million cases pertaining to acute poisoning among children had been reported to the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS) of the American Association of Poison Control Centres (AAPCC).…”

The Comparison of Accidental Poisonings Between Pharmaceuticals and Nonpharmaceuticals in Children Younger than 3 Years

“…In addition, the epidemiology and characteristics of poisonings in children vary from country to country and from urban to rural areas as well as in the same region at different times. [5][6][7][8][9]16 The investigation of the epidemiological aspects and risk factors in childhood poisonings is of great importance for the determination of effective preventive measures. The epidemiology data in the present study could be the cornerstone for a preventive policy in South Korea.…”

“…The identification of the epidemiology and risk factors in childhood poisonings is important for decisions regarding effective preventive measures; however, the epidemiology and characteristics of poisonings in children vary among different nations. [5][6][7][8][9] In addition, little information has been published regarding the differences in poisonings by pharmaceuticals and nonpharmaceuticals in children.…”

Evaluation of Cases of Poisoning Presenting to a Pediatric Emergency Department

“…Son yıllarda ülkemizde özkıyım amaçlı zehirlenme yaşının 8 yaşa düştüğü gösterilmiş olup (2) çalışmamızda da en erken 9 yaşında özkıyım görülmüştür. Çalışmamızda da diğer çalışmalara benzer şekilde özkıyım amaçlı zehirlenme kız çocuklarında daha sık görülmektedir (1,2,22,23). Özkıyım girişimi birtakım sosyal neden ve sorumluluklar nedeniyle artmış bulunmakla birlikte özkıyımın erken yaşta görülmeye başlaması ve sıklığının artması gerekli önlemlerin alınması gerektiğini göstermektedir.…”