Spectrum of accidental poisonings among children in Afghanistan

The present study was conducted to reveal the spectrum of accidental poisonings along with their outcome in Afghanistan. Two hundred and eighty nine cases of poisoning were seen over the 2 years. They accounted for 1.5% of total medical admissions to hospital. The incidence of poisoning was highest in patients below 5 years of age. It was due to over-administration of therapeutic drugs in 50.2%, followed by hydrocarbons in 21.3%, and by organophosphorus in 14.5% of patients. The overall mortality rate was 6.2% while maximum deaths were seen following organophosphorus poisoning in 21.4%. Organophosphorus poisoning alone was responsible for 50% of the total deaths. Possible measures for prevention of poisoning have been discussed.