Trends and Characteristics of Pediatric Acute Poisoning in Ordos, China: A Decade-Long Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND Acute poisoning is a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide, with epidemiological patterns varying by region. This retrospective study aimed to depict the characteristics of 793 children aged 0 to 14 years admitted to Ordos Central Hospital, China, between 2014 and 2024 with acute poisoning, including accidental and intentional cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using the hospital information system and International Classification of Diseases standard coding ICD-10 codes T36-T65, we retrospectively reviewed medical records of children hospitalized for acute poisoning between January 2014 and December 2024. Data collected included age, sex, toxic substances, route of exposure, location, intent, and outcomes. RESULTS A total of 793 cases were included (362 boys, 431 girls). The mean age was 6.76 ± 5.02 years. Age distribution showed a bimodal pattern with peaks at 3 years or younger (329 cases, 41.5%) and 10 to 14 years (295 cases, 37.2%). Cases remained stable between 2014 and 2021 but increased significantly between 2022 and 2024, primarily due to increased cases in the 10- to 14-year age group. Drug poisoning was the most common cause (516 cases, 65.1%). Ingestion was the predominant route (90.3%). Most incidents occurred at home (91.2%). All patients aged 6 years and younger experienced accidental poisoning, while 78.6% of cases aged 10 to 14 years involved intentional ingestion. Five patients died (0.6%). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric acute poisoning incidence in Ordos has increased since 2022, mainly due to intentional poisoning among adolescents aged 10 to 14 years. Prevention should focus on safe storage of drugs for young children and enhanced mental health screening and suicide prevention for adolescents.