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Pediatric Acute Poisoning: The Bipolar Evolution of the Poisoning Spectrum from 2019 to 2024 in Southwest China

Shunli Liu1,2, Yan Wang1,2, Lan Huang2,3

  • 1Department of Emergency, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|July 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric poisoning cases rose from 2019-2024, showing a bipolarization trend. Unintentional household chemical ingestions occurred in young children, while adolescents increasingly used psychotropic drugs for intentional self-poisoning.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pediatric poisoning remains a significant public health concern.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced poisoning trends.
  • Understanding evolving patterns is crucial for effective prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Analyze pediatric poisoning epidemiology in Southwest China (2019-2024).
  • Investigate post-pandemic poisoning patterns.
  • Inform prevention and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 3923 pediatric poisoning cases.
  • Descriptive statistics on demographics, substances, and causes.
  • Chi-square trend test and multivariate Poisson regression for risk factor identification.

Main Results:

  • Total cases increased significantly (544 in 2019 to 1006 in 2024).
  • Observed "bipolarization": unintentional household chemical ingestion in 1-3 year olds; 580% surge in intentional psychotropic drug poisoning in 12-14 year olds.
  • Increased intentional poisoning, psychotropic drug use, psychiatric comorbidity, and delayed presentations noted.

Conclusions:

  • Post-COVID-19 pandemic, adolescent mental health issues are prominent, driving a bipolarization in pediatric poisoning.
  • Risk factors for intentional poisoning include the post-pandemic period, psychiatric comorbidity, and psychotropic drug exposure.
  • Prevention strategies must evolve from emergency treatment to early intervention and psychological support.

Keywords:
epidemiological characteristicsintentional self-harmpediatric poisoningpsychotropic drugs

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