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New Trends in Pediatric Hospitalizations for Acute Intoxications: A Single-Center Long-Term Retrospective Study
Ivona Vrkić Boban1,2, Marijan Saraga2
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Hospitalizations for acute alcohol intoxications (AAIs) in children decreased significantly from 2016-2021. However, non-medical drug and medicament poisonings, including suicide attempts, are rising, highlighting a need for increased mental health support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric emergency medicine
- Toxicology
- Public health
Background:
- Alcohol and drugs are leading causes of acute pediatric intoxications.
- This study analyzes trends in hospitalizations for acute intoxications, focusing on acute alcohol intoxications (AAIs), in children aged 0-18.
- Data was collected from the Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Split, between 2016 and 2021.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine changes in pediatric hospitalizations for acute intoxications, particularly AAIs.
- To compare current trends with previous findings from the same institution.
- To identify patterns in intoxications based on substance type and age groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospital medical records from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021.
- Classification of patients into acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) and non-alcohol intoxication (non-AAI) groups.
- Stratification into four age groups: 0-5, 6-9, 10-13, and 14-18 years; statistical analysis using SPSS 25.
Main Results:
- A total of 218 children were hospitalized; 71 for AAIs and 147 for non-AAIs.
- Medicaments (41.29%) were the most frequent cause, followed by alcohol (32.57%).
- Non-AAIs were most prevalent in the youngest (0-5) and oldest (14-18) groups, while AAIs were most common in adolescent boys (14-18). A significant decrease in AAIs was observed, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalizations for AAIs in children show a declining trend.
- There is a concerning rise in intoxications from non-medical drugs and medications, with a significant proportion being intentional suicide attempts, especially among girls.
- Intensified focus on child and adolescent mental health services is crucial to address these trends.
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