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Acute poisoning in children; a population study in isfahan, iran, 2008-2010

Farzad Gheshlaghi1, Mohammad-Reza Piri-Ardakani, Mansooreh Yaraghi

  • 1Department of Clinical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ; Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics
|June 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Acute accidental poisoning in children remains a public health concern. Pharmaceutical drugs are the leading cause, with lethargy as a common symptom, necessitating thorough toxicology screening in emergency departments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Toxicology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acute accidental poisoning in children is a significant global health issue.
  • Epidemiological data is crucial for understanding and addressing poisoning patterns.
  • This study focuses on the current trends of acute poisoning in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological patterns of acute accidental poisoning in children.
  • To identify the most common agents and clinical presentations.
  • To inform public health strategies and clinical management.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study design.
  • Analysis of children under 10 years old admitted to two teaching hospitals' Emergency Departments over two years.
  • Data collection on poisoning agents, clinical signs, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 344 children were admitted for acute accidental poisoning.
  • Pharmaceutical drugs were the most frequent cause (58.1%), followed by hydrocarbons (13.1%) and opioids (9.3%).
  • Neurological signs were common (42.6%), with lethargy being most prevalent (39.1%). Most children were discharged within 6-12 hours without complications.

Conclusions:

  • Accidental poisonings continue to cause significant morbidity in children, particularly in developing nations.
  • The high incidence of pharmaceutical poisoning highlights the need for enhanced preventive measures.
  • Comprehensive toxicology screening is recommended for children presenting with life-threatening events, given the prevalence of drug-induced lethargy.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenEpidemiologyPoisoningToxicology

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