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Accidental poisoning in childhood: a multicentre survey. 1. General epidemiology
Insights
This study found that most childhood poisonings involve medications and household products, with young children being most vulnerable. Fortunately, severe outcomes were rare, and most children recovered without intensive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood poisoning is a significant public health concern.
- The effectiveness of product packaging in preventing poisoning is under investigation.
- Existing epidemiological data provides context for current poisoning trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a prospective survey of suspected accidental poisoning cases in young children.
- To identify the types of products most frequently involved in childhood poisonings.
- To analyze demographic and clinical characteristics of affected children.
Main Methods:
- A prospective survey was coordinated by the National Poisons Information Service.
- Data was collected from 9 Accident and Emergency (A & E) departments and 5 paediatric departments.
- 2043 cases of suspected accidental poisoning in children aged 0-60 months were recorded between July 1982 and February 1984.
Main Results:
- Drugs (59%) and household products (37%) were the most common culprits.
- Analgesics, household cleaners (e.g., bleach), and petroleum distillates were frequently implicated.
- The majority of affected children were 2-3 years old, with 56% being male; most had no serious symptoms on admission.
Conclusions:
- Accidental poisonings in young children primarily involve household and medicinal products.
- Most cases are not severe and require minimal medical intervention.
- The study's findings align with national trends, highlighting the need for continued poison prevention efforts.
Abstract:
As background to a study of the effectiveness of packaging in preventing childhood poisoning, the National Poisons Information Service coordinated a prospective survey, in which 9 Accident and Emergency (A & E) departments and 5 paediatric departments, between July 1982 and February 1984, recorded 2043 cases of suspected accidental poisoning in children aged 0-60 months. The products implicated were drugs (59%), household products (37%) and plants (3%). The drugs most frequently implicated were analgesics, anxiolytics, cough medicines, oral contraceptives and drugs to supplement diet or treat dietary disorders. The most frequently implicated household products were cleaners such as bleach, detergent and disinfectant, and petroleum distillate. Seventy-five per cent of the children were 2 and 3-year-olds. Fifty-six per cent were male. Only 22% of the children had signs or symptoms on admission. In only 2 cases were these serious. Treatment other than ipecacuanha and/or oral fluids was seldom required. Of the cases where outcome was recorded, 56% were discharged from A & E. The rest were admitted to a ward; only 7 children were admitted to intensive care units. No child died. Comparison with HASS and other epidemiological surveys shows that these results are representative of national trends.