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Accidental poisoning in south west Maharashtra
1Department of Pediatrics, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Satara, Maharashtra.
Insights
Accidental poisoning in children is a significant concern, with kerosene being the most common oral poison. Rural children and those under five years old were most affected by oral poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Accidental poisoning is a major cause of pediatric morbidity.
- Understanding poisoning patterns is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, patterns, and characteristics of accidental poisoning in children.
- To identify common poison types, age groups, and seasonal variations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric admissions over five years (1984-1988).
- Data collected on poisoning type (oral/parenteral), age, sex, poison, season, and location.
- Incidence rates and demographic factors were calculated.
Main Results:
- Overall incidence of accidental poisoning was 1.8% (oral 1%, parenteral 0.8%).
- Kerosene was the most frequent oral poison (30%). Oral poisoning was more common in children under 5, while parenteral poisoning occurred more in those over 5.
- Oral poisoning peaked in summer (61%), parenteral in the rainy season (51%). Rural children were more affected than urban children (5:2 ratio).
- Gastrointestinal symptoms were common with oral poisons. No mortality from oral poisons; 3% died from snake bites.
Conclusions:
- Accidental poisoning in children requires targeted prevention strategies, especially for kerosene and in rural settings.
- Age and seasonal factors influence the type of poisoning, necessitating tailored public health interventions.
Abstract:
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.