Epidemiology of acute poisoning in children due to household substances. Mortality and morbidity in Hazara division

ABSTRACT

Acute Poisoning in children due to house hold substances is a global problem, however mortality and morbidity is nowadays very less in developed countries due to precautionary measures and better treatment facilities while situation in developing countries like Pakistan is alarming one. The present study was conducted to know about the death and injuries due to household poisoning in children in Hazara Division. The purpose of study was also too seek measures to reduce the risk factor. This prospective study was carried out in the Paedriatic unit of Ayub Hospital Complex and Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad from July to 2008 to September 2009. A total number of 6 leases of acute poisoning of children were brought to emergency department of Ayub Hospital Complex. 45 cases were admitted in Paedriatic unit while 16 were treated in emergency department were sent back to home. There were 37 male children [60.65%] and 24 [39.34%] female. The maximum number of cases were between age group 1-5 years 43 [70.49%]. 99% percent cases in our this study were of accidental nature only one case was homicidal nature while suicidal was none. Insecticide / rodenticide were the commonist agent ingested, followed by pharmacutical products. Kerosene oil was the third commonist agent ingested in our studies. Mortality rate was 3.27%. Organo-phosphorus compound [insecticide], rodentcide and kerosene oil [petroleum products] and pharmaceutical products are common source of household accidental poison globally. In developed countries there frequencies is decreasing rapidly due to health education and precautionary measures adopted mandatorily by manufacturers but in developing countries like Pakistan the situation is same as 50 years back. The risk factor can be reduced by adopting preventive measures at national level through health education of masses and parents and making products safety measures mandatory for manufacturers, moreover parents must be educated about the harms of some Herbal agents containing Opiates and on safe storage of medicines and house hold poisonous agents