Poisoning Among Children In A Tertiary Care Centre Of Andhra Pradesh.

ABSTRACT

Abstracts Background & Aim: Accidental Poisoning in children focuses on the effect of substances caused by accidental poisonings from drugs of abuse, household products, or various other chemicals. Aim is to analyze children with accidental poisoning for the epidemiological factors; type of poison, time elapsed to reach the hospital, mode of poisoning, socioeconomic status and outcome. Methodology: This was a hospital based prospective observational study carried out at department of pediatrics, SVRR Government General Hospital during the periods of November 2011 to October 2013 . Total of 127 children admitted in the hospital were studied. Results: Most common cause of poisoning in children was kerosene (37.8%) followed by organophosphates(24.4%). 54.3%of the poisoned cases were in the age group1month-5year, compared to 37% and 8.6% of the age groups 6-10 and 11-12 yr respectively. Overall incidence of poisoning in males was much higher than females, but in the age group above 10 years there is increased incidence in females. Conclusion: outcome of poisoning is directly related to the interval between poisoning and presentation to emergency care. Immediate access to the medical management , responsible monitoring of the poisoned patients, rapid treatment and follow-ups are essential to improve the condition of these poisoned children.