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A review of accidental poisoning in Barbados--a new perspective (1981-1985)
1Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados, West Indies.
Insights
Accidental poisoning in children, primarily from medications and household products, led to significant healthcare costs but few severe outcomes. Prevention remains crucial to reduce hospital admissions and associated expenses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Accidental poisoning is a significant concern in pediatric admissions.
- Previous studies highlighted kerosene as a primary cause of childhood poisoning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in accidental poisoning among children admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
- To identify common causes and assess the impact on healthcare costs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 348 pediatric admissions for accidental poisoning.
- Data collected over a 5-year period (1981-1985).
Main Results:
- Poisoning represented 4% of pediatric admissions; 56% were boys, 43% girls.
- Most cases involved children aged 13 months to 3 years.
- Medications (34%) and household products (33%) were leading causes; kerosene poisoning decreased to 20%.
- Complications were generally mild, with no recorded deaths.
- Hospital admissions cost over BDS$130,000 during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Accidental poisoning in children, though often mild, incurs substantial healthcare costs.
- A shift in common causes from kerosene to medications and household products is observed.
- Continued emphasis on poisoning prevention is essential to reduce morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure.
Abstract:
A retrospective study is presented of accidental poisoning in 348 children who were admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital during the 5-year period 1981-1985. These cases represented 4% of all admissions to the paediatric medical ward, with 56% of patients being boys and 43% girls. Most fell into the age group 13 months to 3 years, and all were aged between 6 months and 12 years. In the majority of cases, complications were mild or absent and no deaths were recorded. Their admission to hospital, however, did contribute greatly to the National Health Budget, costing more than BDS$130,000 over the 5-year period. Most of the children required only gastric decontamination and supportive treatment. Thirty-four per cent of the poisonings were due to medications prescribed for friends or family. Common household and garden products were involved in a similar number (33%). Fortunately, kerosene poisoning has declined in importance, but still accounted for 20% of cases. These ratings contrast with previous studies where kerosene ingestion was the most frequent cause of poisoning. With the ever increasing variety of toxic drugs and chemicals now available, there is a greater need to continue to stress the prevention of accidental poisoning. This will decrease the likelihood of mortality and morbidity resulting from accidental ingestion and likewise decrease the cost of hospital admissions for a largely preventable condition.