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Three decades of pediatric drug intoxication trends in Taiwan (1985-2020)

Chih-Wei Lin1, Wei-Yu Chen2,3,4, Yu-Jia Lin5

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan, ROC.

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
|February 12, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric drug intoxication shows two peaks: young children from accidental exposure and adolescent girls from intentional poisoning. Pharmaceuticals are the main cause, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Pediatric drug intoxication is a global public health concern.
  • Understanding its epidemiology and outcomes is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology, exposure circumstances, and outcome severity of pediatric drug intoxication in Taiwan over 36 years.
  • To identify trends and risk factors for targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study using the Taiwan Poison Control Center (PCC-Taiwan) database (1985-2020).
  • Analysis of patient demographics, toxic substances, exposure conditions, and outcomes.
  • Descriptive statistical analysis.

Main Results:

  • 19,893 cases reported; highest incidence in 0-2 year olds (boys) and a second peak in adolescent girls.
  • Pharmaceuticals were the primary toxic agents (70.3%), with most poisonings occurring acutely at home.
  • Outcomes were mostly mild; severe complications (0.76%) and mortality (0.37%) were rare. Unintentional poisoning dominated (85.4%), while intentional cases (12.1%) were linked to suicide attempts in adolescent girls.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric drug intoxication exhibits bimodal trends: unintentional in young children and intentional in adolescent girls.
  • Pharmaceuticals are the leading cause, necessitating age- and sex-specific prevention and public education on medication safety.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenDrugPoison control centerSuicide

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