Clinical spectrum and outcome of accidental poisoning in children

ABSTRACT

Childhood poisoning is an important health problem which is usually accidental and is responsible for serious morbidity with mortality all over the world. Accidental poisoning is the second most common cause of death in Iran. This descriptive study is designed to assess the clinical spectrum and outcome of poisoning among children. This study was conducted in Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad over a period of one year from 1[st] January 2007 to 31[st] December 2007. A total of 62 children up to 12 years of age admitted for acute poisoning to children ward were included. The cases were studied to see the clinical spectrum, complication and outcome of the poisoning. In one year period a total of 62 children including 35 [56.45%] boys' and 27 [43.54%] girls presented with acute poisoning. Maximum number of cases with poisoning was seen in the age group 1-5 year. Kerosene oil was the commonest form of ingredient used followed by drugs. The most common systems involved were cultural nervous system [CNS], respiratory and GIT. Over the period 2 [3.22%] children died, one of them was poisoned by lice killer liquid and other by insecticide. Most of the cases of poisoning are due to common household products and drugs. It is therefore necessary to educate the population on preventive measure: