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[Enquiries to the Danish Poison Information Centre concerning children aged 0-14-years during a year]

Cecilie Bryld1, Kim Dalhoff

  • 1Klinisk Farmakologisk Enhed og Giftlinjen, Bispebjerg Hospital, DK-2400 København NV.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|January 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Most childhood drug poisonings are not dangerous, but some cases, especially iron intake, can be life-threatening. Individual assessment is crucial for appropriate risk management and preventing unnecessary hospital visits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Public Health
  • Emergency Medicine

Context:

  • Acute drug poisoning in children is a significant public health concern.
  • The Danish Poison Information Centre (Giftlinjen) handles numerous inquiries regarding childhood poisonings.
  • Understanding the patterns and severity of these poisonings is vital for prevention and intervention.

Purpose:

  • To analyze all inquiries to the Danish Poison Information Centre (Giftlinjen) concerning children aged 0-14 years over a one-year period.
  • To identify the types of drugs and toxicants involved in pediatric poisonings.
  • To assess the severity and outcomes of drug poisonings in children.

Summary:

  • Out of 9,920 total inquiries, 4,399 involved children, with 1,060 related to drug poisonings.
  • Multivitamin intake was the most common reason for inquiry, usually not dangerous.
  • One-third of cases required treatment, and 31 were life-threatening, often due to iron. Suicidal reactions were noted in adolescents.
  • Most poisonings occurred at home in younger children, while older children showed trends towards intentional ingestion.

Impact:

  • Highlights the importance of accurate risk assessment for each poisoning case.
  • Emphasizes the role of poison control centers in guiding appropriate medical care.
  • Informs public health strategies for preventing and managing childhood drug poisonings.
Abstract

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