Accidental childhood poisoning in Ramadi city

A prospective study of 239 cases of accidental childhood poisoning admitted to Ramadi Maternity and Children Hospital in Ramadi City. Over 75% of cases were within 1-3 year age group with an equal male:female ratio. Kerosene was the most common substance ingested [45.6%], followed in decreasing order by drugs [30.96%], chemicals [12.13%], and unknown [11.3%]. Ingestion occurred with no symptoms in 25.5%, and mild-moderate and server clinical manifestations were 70.5% and 4.0% respectively. Twenty-eight [11.7%] of cases required antidotes. There was 1 fatal case. It is concluded that accidental childhood poisoning is an important cause of morbidity in Ramadi City. Appropriate preventive measures are recommended