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Epidemiology of children poisoning: comparison between telephone inquiries and emergency room visits
A G Marchi1, G Messi, S Renier
1Servizio di Pronto Soccorso, IRCCS Istituto per l'Infanzia, Trieste, Italy.
Insights
Analyzing pediatric poisonings in Trieste (1985-1989), this study found that Poison Control Centre data primarily involved young children with non-toxic exposures, while Emergency Room visits often confirmed poisonings, especially in older children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health Surveillance
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Poisoning is a significant concern in childhood.
- Understanding the epidemiology of childhood poisonings is crucial for prevention and management.
- Data from Poison Control Centres and Emergency Rooms offer distinct insights into poisoning incidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the characteristics of pediatric poisoning cases reported to a Poison Information Centre versus those presenting to Emergency Rooms.
- To identify differences in age distribution, toxic substances, and outcomes between the two data sources.
- To highlight the importance of integrating data from multiple sources for comprehensive poisoning surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection of 674 telephone inquiries to a Poison Information Centre and 532 Emergency Room visits for suspected poisonings.
- Study population comprised 1018 children under 16 years of age residing in Trieste.
- Data recorded between 1985 and 1989.
Main Results:
- Telephone inquiries predominantly involved children under 5 years, with most exposures deemed non-toxic.
- Emergency Room visits included a notable proportion (22.2%) of children over 10 years old.
- Confirmed poisonings were high among older children presenting to the ER (79.7%).
Conclusions:
- Poison Control Centre and Emergency Room data capture different facets of childhood poisoning events.
- Integrating both data streams provides a more accurate picture of poisoning occurrence and severity in children.
- Effective public health strategies require a dual approach to poisoning surveillance.
Abstract:
We studied 674 telephone inquiries to the Poison Information Centre and 532 Emergency Room (ER) visits due to suspected poisonings in 1018 children below the age of 16 y and living at Trieste. The cases were prospectively recorded during 1985-1989. Age distribution, toxic substances and consequences were different in the 2 groups. Telephone inquiries concerned children below the age of 5 y more frequently, and most of the exposures were assessed as non-toxic. Among children admitted to the hospital ER, 22.2% were more than 10-y old, and of these 79.7% were confirmed poisonings. This study demonstrated the need to take account of both Poison Control Centre and ER data to get reliable information on the occurrence of poisonings in children.