Accidental poisoning in south west Maharashtra

A retrospective analysis of accidental poisoning (oral and parenteral) in children admitted to the Pediatric Ward of Krishna Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Karad over the past five years (1984-1988) was done. Overall incidence of accidental poisoning in children was 1.8% (oral 1%, parenteral 0.8%). Mean age of children was 6.5 years, with male-female ratio 2:1. Oral poisoning was more common in children below 5 years whereas parenteral poisoning was common in children above 5 years. Kerosene oil was the commonest oral poison (30%). Oral poisoning was more common in summer (61%) and parenteral in the rainy season (51%). Rural children were more commonly involved than urban children (ratio being 5:2). Gastrointestinal symptoms were commoner with oral poisons. No mortality was noted with oral poisons; 3% children died due to snake bite.