Accidental Childhood Poisoning in Enugu; South-East; Nigeria

Background: Accidental childhood poisoning is one of the recognized causes of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of 5 years worldwide. The prevalence and type of substance ingested vary from place to place and over time.Aim: This study was conducted with the aim of ascertaining the frequency and pattern of accidental childhood poisoning in Enugu.Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Emergency Paediatric Unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, South­East, Nigeria from January 2003 to December 2012 (10 years). All the cases of childhood accidental poisoning that presented within the period were reviewed and important information extracted.Results: Sixty­five cases of childhood poisoning were recorded during the 10­year period, giving an incidence rate of 442 per 100,000 children. The mean age was 22.15 ± 11.7 months. Male:female ratio was 1.5:1. The prevalence was higher among those with low socioeconomic background. Kerosene poisoning was the most common agent. The overall mortality rate was 3.1% (2/65).Conclusion: Accidental childhood poisoning is common in Enugu, with appreciable mortality, with kerosene being the most common agent. We advocate regulatory policy on proper ways of storing kerosene and other harmful household chemicals and medications

A Seven - Year Review of Accidental Kerosene Poisoning in Children at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Background: Accidental ingestion of kerosene is a potential source of morbidity and mortality in children. The objectives of the study are to determine to magnitude of the problem and proffer feasible solutions to reduce the frequency of occurrence. Methodology: The medical records of all cases of kerosene poisoning admitted into Paediatric Medical Ward and Emergency Paediatric Unit were identified and relevant data extracted and analysed. Results: Kerosene poisoning constituted 55 (1.2) of cases of all paediatric admissions within the period (Jan 1999 Dec 2005). The study showed that children 4 months to 8 years were affected with peak age of 18 months. Thirty-four (61.8) of the cases were aged below 2 years which conforms to findings in earlier studies in Nigeria. Main clinical feature was cough with difficulty in breathing in 52 (94.5) of cases. Others features noted were central nervous system involvement (14.5); vomiting (20); and fever 16 (29.1). There were 3 deaths giving the mortality of 5.5. Conclusion: The study has revealed that kerosene poisoning is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Government policies that will enhance the standard of living of people and education of parents/care givers are the identified imperatives for reduction of the problem

Kerosine poisoning in childhood : a 6-year prospective study at the Universty of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

In a 6-year prospective study of kerosine poisoning in children admitted to the Department of Paediatrics; University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH); between 1982 and 1987; 109 cases were seen. Severity of that poisoning was influenced by the type of home remedy and the interval between accident and admission. Meanwhile ways of minimizing the risk of kerosine poisoning and its attendant morbidity are debatable