Pediatric Poisoning: Clinical Analysis and Severity Grading

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To find out characteristics and classification of toxic agents by clinical analysis of pediatric poisoning and to determine the clinical availability of grading by using MSPC score. METHOD: Subjects were patients under 15 years exposed to toxic agents, who visited Ajou university hospital emergency center from June, 1994 to October, 1997. The study was performed retrospectively. RESULTS: The subjects were 126 cases and male to female sex ratio was 1.21. Mean age was 29+/-30 months old. The most common route of exposure was ingestion, following contact, inhalation and bite. The most common reason was mistake by the patient, following mistake by caregiver, suicide attempt and accident. The MSPC score distribution of symptomatic patient was as follows; 1 point 26 cases(63.4%), 2 point 12 cases(29.2%), 3 point 1 case(2.4%), 4 point 2 cases(4.8%). The classification of exposed poison was as follows; therapeutic drugs 29 cases(23.0%), non-therapeutic drugs 97 cases(73.0%). The most common exposed poison was household products 23 patients(18.3%) were admitted to hospital. CONCLUSION: There was statistically significant difference in the classification of poison, MSPC score, treatment modality at hospital, first follow up period after discharge between admitted group and non-admitted group. There was statistically significant difference in the reason of exposure, route of exposure, MSPC score, admission period according to patient's age. severity grading according to MSPC score is regarded as an available method to determine the modality of management.