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Clinical profile and outcome of children presenting with poisoning or intoxication: a hospital based study

S Budhathoki1, P Poudel, D Shah

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. bb2sunil@yahoo.com

Nepal Medical College Journal : NMCJ
|March 26, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Childhood poisoning, often accidental, is a significant health concern. Organophosphorus compounds are the most frequent cause, but timely hospital presentation and absence of coma improve survival rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Toxicology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood poisoning is a preventable cause of illness and death.
  • Accidental poisonings are most common in children under five.
  • Understanding clinical profiles and outcomes is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of childhood poisoning and intoxication.
  • To identify common poisoning agents and treatment modalities.
  • To analyze factors influencing mortality in pediatric poisoning cases.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 122 children admitted to pediatric wards and the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
  • Data collected from January 2005 to June 2008.
  • Statistical analysis using SPSS 12.0 software.

Main Results:

  • Organophosphorus poisoning was the most common (45.1%), followed by hydrocarbon, mushroom, and organochlorine poisoning.
  • Overall survival was 87.4%.
  • Factors like delayed hospital presentation and presence of coma (Glasgow Coma Scale <8) were significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Organophosphorus compounds are the leading cause of childhood poisoning.
  • The overall outcome for childhood poisoning in this hospital setting is favorable.
  • Prompt medical attention and monitoring neurological status are critical for improving survival rates.

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