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[A multicenter study of child poisonings. Preliminary epidemiological results]
A G Marchi1, G Messi, L De Santis
1Servizio di Accettazione-Pronto Soccorso e Primo Accoglimento, IRCCS Istituto per l'Infanzia-Trieste, Italia.
Insights
This multicentre study on childhood poisoning in Italy reveals a concerning rise in poisonings among children under 3 years old, with household products becoming a leading cause. Enhanced supervision and safety measures are crucial.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood poisoning remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding evolving trends in pediatric poisonings is essential for effective prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological and clinical patterns of childhood poisoning in Italy.
- To identify trends in toxic agents and age groups affected over time.
- To evaluate diagnostic-therapeutic protocols and hospital care quality.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre retrospective (1975-1990) and prospective (1991-1992) study design.
- Classification of poisonings by confirmation status, symptoms, and severity.
- Analysis of 1831 patients (0-13 years) for temporal trends and 1044 children (<5 years) for common agents.
Main Results:
- A decrease in drug-related poisonings and an increase in poisonings among children under 3 years were observed in recent periods.
- Household products were identified as the primary cause of poisoning in young children (under 5 years).
- Lack of parental supervision and limited use of child-resistant packaging (only for drugs) were highlighted.
Conclusions:
- The study underscores the need for targeted health education campaigns for the general population.
- Recommendations include the implementation of safety devices for common household hazardous products.
- Improved parental supervision and broader application of child-resistant packaging are suggested.
Abstract:
The project of a multicentre study of poisoning in children planned by 4 Italian pediatric departments to get epidemiologic and clinic information is presented. The study is carried out retrospectively on admissions during 1975-90 and prospectively during 1991-92. Poisonings are classified as not-confirmed, asymptomatic because of early treatment or symptomatic. In the latter group three degrees of severity are assessed. Diagnostic-therapeutic protocols will be elaborated and quality of the hospital care evaluated according to peer review methodology. Preliminary data on changing pattern of poisoning over the time and on main toxic agents involved in younger children are also reported. The first topic has been studied taking into account 1831 patients aged 0-13 years, admitted during 1977-79 and 1987-89. A decrease of exposures to drugs and an increase of poisonings under the age of 3 years have been observed in more recent period. On the other hand household products resulted to be the main poisoning agents in 1044 children under the age of 5 years during 1984-86. Lack of infant supervision by parents and possible influence of compulsory child resistant containers only for drugs are stressed. The findings suggest the need of health education campaigns in general population as well of safety devices for some domestic harmful products.