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Pharmaceutical and chemical pediatric poisoning in Kuwait: a retrospective survey

Eman A Abahussain1, Douglas E Ball2

  • 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University . Kwait ( Kwait ).

Pharmacy Practice
|August 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric poisoning in Kuwait shows hospital-level differences in toxic agents. Targeted public health interventions are needed, especially for household chemicals and kerosene exposures, to improve child safety.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Past studies indicated hospital-level variations in pediatric poisoning cases in Kuwait.
  • These differences may affect the effectiveness of public health interventions.
  • Understanding these variations is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare pediatric poisoning admissions across general hospitals in Kuwait.
  • To identify variations in the types of poisoning agents and their distribution.
  • To inform the development of localized public health interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective survey of pediatric poisoning cases from January 2004 to December 2005.
  • Data collected from six public general hospitals using ICD-10 criteria and poisoning severity score.
  • Aggregated data also included from five private hospitals for comparison.

Main Results:

  • 978 pediatric poisoning admissions in public hospitals (1.8% of total pediatric admissions); 293 in private hospitals.
  • Majority of cases (over 35%) originated from Jahra hospital; 93% of patients were under 6 years old.
  • Two-thirds of poisonings involved pharmaceuticals, with significant variation between hospitals; chemical poisonings, particularly kerosene at Jahra hospital, were more severe.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric poisoning demographics are similar across hospitals, but the nature of toxic agents differs.
  • Targeted preventive and educational programs are recommended for specific areas.
  • Focusing on household chemical and kerosene exposures can maximize the impact of interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
AccidentsChildHomeInfantKuwaitPoisons

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