Patterns and clinical outcomes of childhood poisoning presenting to a children's emergency department in Yenagoa, Nigeria: a 10-year retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Background: Childhood poisoning, characterised by exposure to toxic substances, poses a global health concern with variations across regions. Despite the importance of having current information about childhood acute poisoning in our region, there is a noticeable gap in such research in our local context. Regularly reviewing the agents responsible for poisoning in our locale is essential for devising prevention strategies and treatment approaches. This study aimed to examine the patterns and outcomes of childhood poisoning at the Children's Emergency Department of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, analysing cases of childhood poisoning in the Children's Emergency Ward, presenting from January 2013 to December 2022. Sociodemographic data, types of poisoning agents, home interventions, clinical features and outcomes were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Of 9389 admissions, 81 (0.8%) cases were admitted for childhood poisoning, but only 69 cases were analysed (total n=69). Children aged under 5 years (52.2%) and who were males (59.4%) were mostly involved. Organophosphates (21.7%) and kerosene (20.3%) were common poisoning agents, often accidental (72.5%) and occurring at home (94.2%). Delayed hospital presentation (>2 hours) was common (68.1%). Vomiting (72.5%) and drooling saliva (56.5%) were prevalent symptoms. Hydration (60.9%) was the main hospital intervention, while antidotes were infrequently used (15.9%). Mortality was 8.7%, predominantly due to kerosene ingestion in young children. CONCLUSION: Organophosphate and kerosene poisoning are the most common in this facility. Enforcement challenges persist, emphasising the importance of safe storage practices and improved poison control measures. Addressing resource constraints for antidote availability and increasing awareness are vital for effective management and prevention.

Paraffin dangers, health and socioeconomic consequences: Urgent need for policy action.

Illuminating paraffin (kerosene) is the primary cooking fuel for approximately two million South Africans. The highly flammable and toxic fuel is burnt in poorly made stoves that are prone to malfunction and are associated with accidental fires, burns and household air pollution. However, the fuel continues to be used as it is easily decanted, widely available in neighbourhood outlets, perceived as affordable, and often the only available option for low-income urban settlements. It is anticipated that increased and enforced home congestion during COVID-19 lockdowns will exacerbate exposure of homebound families to unsafe energy, especially during the cold winter months. Based on an accumulation of evidence on the health and socioeconomic impacts of paraffin, this article advocates for its expedited phase-out and substitution with safer energy.

Liquid Mosquito Repellent Ingestion in Children.

OBJECTIVES: Hydrocarbons are a common cause of accidental poisoning in children, with kerosene being the most implicated agent in rural parts of India. However, lately, liquid mosquito repellent ingestion is emerging as an important cause of hydrocarbon (kerosene) poisoning in urban households. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series over a 5-y period (January 2013 - December 2017) of children with accidental liquid mosquito repellent ingestion presenting to the pediatric emergency. Epidemiology, clinical profile, management and outcomes are discussed. RESULTS: Twenty-three children with median (IQR) age of 24 (18.8-32) mo presented after mean (SD) interval of 6 (3) h from ingestion. Majority (20, 87%) were seen during summer months (March-June) and all were from urban background. Sixteen (70%) had mild-moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring supplemental oxygen with or without positive airway pressure for a mean (SD) duration of 3.3 (1.9) d. All except one survived. CONCLUSIONS: Children with accidental liquid mosquito repellent ingestion had predominant aspiration pneumonitis due to hydrocarbon content rather than neurological complications attributable to synthetic pyrethroids. Ensuring child-proof containers, appropriate storage, regulatory surveillance and parental awareness are must for prevention.

Childhood Drug and Non-Drug Poisoning in Nigeria: An Economic Appraisal.

BACKGROUND: The dearth of information on the economic cost of childhood poisoning in sub-Saharan Africa necessitated this study. OBJECTIVE: This study has investigated the prevalence of childhood drug and non-drug poisoning, treatment modalities and economic costs in Nigeria. METHOD: A retrospective study of childhood drug and non-drug poisoning cases from January 2007 to June 2014 in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria was carried out. Medical records were analysed for demographic and aetiological characteristics of poisoned children (0-14 years of age), as well as fiscal impact of poisoning cases. FINDINGS: Of the 100 poisoned patients, 46% were male and 54% female, with female/male ratio of 1.17:1. Most of the children were under five years of age. Paracetamol, amitriptyline, chlorpromazine, ferrous sulphate, kerosene, organophosphates, carbon monoxide, snake bite, alcohol and rodenticides were involved in the poisoning. The average cost of poison management per patient was about $168, which is high given the economic status of Nigeria. CONCLUSION: Childhood poisoning is still a significant cause of morbidity among children in Nigeria and accounts for an appreciable amount of health spending, therefore preventive strategies should be considered.

Pattern of Accidental Childhood Poisoning at the Children Emergency Room of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Accidental childhood poisoning contributes significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. A review of the agents which cause poisoning in our locality from time to time is important in planning prevention strategies and treatment modalities. OBJECTIVE: To document the pattern of accidental childhood poisoning at the Children Emergency Room (CHER) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: A retrospective study in which records of admissions as well as case notes of patients admitted because of ingestion of poisons from October 2011 to June 2014 were obtained. Demographic characteristics, type of poison, where poison was kept, route of poisoning and outcome were extracted from medical records of the patients. RESULTS: Fifty-five (1.44%) patients were admitted for accidental poisoning of a total of 3,822 admissions. Thirty-nine (70.9%) were males while 16 (29.1%) were females. The median and modal age at presentation was two years (range of 0.5-7 years). Route of poisoning was by ingestion in 54 (98.2%) patients. The commonest agent of poisoning was kerosene (32.7%); followed by medicines (18.2%), insecticides (16.4%) and caustic soda (12.7%). Forty-nine (89.1%) patients were discharged home with fatality in one (1.8%). CONCLUSION: Kerosene is still the major agent of poisoning in Benin City, although the prevalence has decreased. Alcohol poisoning has also decreased while ingestion of medicines has increased. The use of beverage and disposable water containers to store poisonous substances and keeping them in easily accessible areas in the home is still rampant. Measures to prevent access of children to these substances will greatly reduce the burden of accidental poisoning.

Case of methaemoglobinaemia caused by tree oils and kerosene.

We report a case of a young man who allegedly consumed 100 mL of an indigenous pesticide which is used for the killing of rats in households in India. The constituents were azadirachtin oil (40%), tea oil (15%), pine oil (25%) and kerosene oil (20%). He presented to us with shortness of breath and altered sensorium and was found to have fMetHb (fraction of methaemoglobin) level of 80%, which has been postulated to have a fatal outcome. He responded to a low dose of methylene blue along with intravenous vitamin C and the level of fMetHb came down to 20% within 1 hour. His sensorium improved markedly with a decrease in fMetHb to non-toxic levels and he was discharged 5 days after admission. A literature review pertaining to these constituents individually or in combination causing methaemoglobinaemia is discussed in the context of this case.

Kerosene-a toddler's sin: A five years study at tertiary care hospital in western India.

Acute kerosene poisoning is a preventable health problem in children perceived mainly in developing countries. It influences socioeconomic and cultural status of country due to its contribution in morbidity and mortality. As kerosene is widely used as household energy source in India at rural areas as well as urban, it accounts for significant number of poisoning cases mainly accidental in manner. As there are only handful studies from India on kerosene poisoning in children, we planned this study to evaluate incidence of kerosene poisoning in Western Indian population and its clinico-epidemiotoxicological profile. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we collected data of all the cases of kerosene poisoning diagnosed during five years from 2009 to 2013 at Shri Krishna hospital situated at Karamsad, Gujarat state of Western India. We observed among total 42 cases, all victims were under 3 years of age. Evening in summer months, rural areas, storage of kerosene in household containers, inadequate parental supervision and door-to-hospitalization period emerged as most serious associated factors. Fever, cough, vomiting, tachypnoea and leucocytosis were commonest manifestations while pneumonia was the most common complication. Signs of central nervous system involvement, leucocytosis and vomiting were significantly correlated with pneumonia. Deaths occurred due to pneumonia. Early diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia may reduce mortality and recommendations are made to reduce the incidence of kerosene poisoning.

The efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in the management of children with kerosene-associated pneumonitis: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Hydrocarbons, especially kerosene (paraffin), are the most common agents causing childhood poisoning in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Aspiration of kerosene causes an inflammatory sterile chemical pneumonitis, which may increase susceptibility to secondary lower respiratory tract bacterial infection. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in the management of kerosene-associated pneumonitis in children and to identify risk factors associated with severity or outcome. METHODS: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of prophylactic antibiotics in the management of kerosene-associated pneumonitis of children presenting to a referral hospital was performed from July 2010 to September 2011. Sequential children with a history of kerosene ingestion and mild respiratory illness were randomised to receive placebo or amoxicillin. Each child was followed-up at Day 3 and Day 5 post-ingestion. The primary outcome measure was the number of treatment failures in each group, defined as any child who deteriorated within this time, necessitating a change in treatment regimen. Secondary outcome measures were length of hospital stay and symptoms and signs at follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were enrolled. Thirty-five (47%) received placebo and 39 (53%) active treatment. There was no significant difference in treatment failures between placebo (3/35, 9%; 95% CI, 3-22) and active (2/39, 5%; 95% CI, 1-17) groups (relative risk, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.11-3.37). The median length of hospital stay was identical (placebo 0.5 days; IQR, 0-1.0 and active 0.5 days; IQR, 0.5-1.0). Symptoms and signs at Days 3 and 5 post-ingestion were similar. The only significant risk factor for treatment failure was residence in formal housing. Clinical severity at presentation was similar for treatment successes and failures. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic antibiotics do not improve the outcome in children with mild respiratory illness after kerosene ingestion.

Pattern of acute poisonings in children below 15 years--a study from Mangalore, South India.

Acute poisoning in children is a problem ubiquitous in distribution and is an important paediatric emergency. The present research was aimed to study the pattern and outcome of childhood poisoning under the age of 15 years at a tertiary care centre in South India to characterize the problem of acute paediatric poisoning among the children in different age group in the region. Medical records of all poisoning patients admitted during 2010 and 2011 were reviewed, and the information relating to the sociodemographic and clinical profile of the patients was recorded. Acute poisoning was reported in 81 children aged below 15 years during the study period. 50.6% were boys (n = 41) and 49.4% girls (n = 40). The mean age of the study sample was 6.8 years. Mean age was observed to be higher in females than males. The maximum number of cases were observed in the below 5 years age group (n = 45). A male predominance was evident in the below 5 years age group, while a female predominance in the age group between 10 and 15 years. Kerosene (n = 23, 28.4%) and organophosphate compounds (n = 16, 19.8%) were the most common agents responsible for poisoning in children. The majority of the poisoning cases were reported to the hospital within 12 h of the incident (n = 65, 83.3%). The mortality in paediatric poisoning was observed to be 7.4%. The majority of the children (n = 68, 84.0%) recovered, while seven patients had left the hospital against medical advice (8.6%). The study reports agrochemicals and hydrocarbons to be the most commonly implicated agents in paediatric poisoning. The cause of paediatric poisonings varies in different age groups and hence, preventive strategies should be planned accordingly.

Complicaciones severas por el uso parenteral del kerosene en intento de autólisis: a propósito de tres casos / Severe complications due to the parenteral use of kerosene in autolysis intends: A propose of three cases

El suicidio o intento suicida es un proceder muy antiguo, realizado por el ser humano en contra de sí mismo. Se presentó un estudio descriptivo de tres pacientes, que en intento suicida se auto inocularon kerosene, combustible doméstico, lo que desencadenó severa necrosis tisular y lesión pulmonar aguda en uno de ellos. La falta de previsión desde su inicio en el personal facultativo sobre la envergadura de las complicaciones que posteriormente aparecieron, se puso de manifiesto en el estudio. Se realizaron sugerencias para futuros afectados por esta causa(AU)

Suicide or suicidal intend is a very old procedure, carried out by the human being against himself. We presented the descriptive study of three patients who inoculated themselves kerosene, a domestic combustible, in a suicidal intend, unleashing severe tissue necrosis and acute pulmonary lesion in one of them. In the study it was clear the lack of prevision on the reach of the complications that lately appeared, from the part of the medical staff. We made suggestions for the persons injured for this cause in the future(AU)

Complicaciones severas por el uso parenteral del Kerosene en intento de autólisis: a propósito de tres casos / Severe complications due to the parenteral use ofKerosene in autolysis intends: a propose of three cases

El suicidio o intento suicida es un proceder muy antiguo, realizado por el ser humano en contra de sí mismo. Se presentó un estudio descriptivo de tres pacientes, que en intento suicida se auto inocularon kerosene, combustible doméstico, lo que desencadenó severa necrosis tisular y lesión pulmonar aguda en uno de ellos. La falta de previsión desde su inicio en el personal facultativo sobre la envergadura de las complicaciones que posteriormente aparecieron, se puso de manifiesto en el estudio. Se realizaron sugerencias para futuros afectados por esta causa.

Suicide or suicidal intend is a very old procedure, carried out by the human being against himself. We presented the descriptive study of three patients who inoculated themselves kerosene, a domestic combustible, in a suicidal intend, unleashing severe tissue necrosis and acute pulmonary lesion in one of them. In the study it was clear the lack of prevision on the reach of the complications that lately appeared, from the part of the medical staff. We made suggestions for the persons injured for this cause in the future.

Acute exogenous lipoid pneumonia caused by accidental kerosene ingestion in an elderly patient with dementia: a case report.

Acute exogenous lipoid pneumonia is an uncommon condition caused by aspiration of oil-based substances, occurring mainly in children. Here, we report the case of an 83-year-old patient with Alzheimer's disease who presented with coughing and hypoxia. The diagnosis of acute exogenous lipoid pneumonia caused by accidental kerosene ingestion was made on the basis of the patient's clinical history, and typical radiological and cytological findings. The patient's cognitive impairment and an unsafe environment, in which the patient's 91-year-old husband stored kerosene in an old shochu bottle, were responsible for the accidental ingestion. Acute exogenous lipoid pneumonia should be considered in the differential diagnosis for acute respiratory disorders in the rapidly aging population.

Pattern of pediatric poisoning and accident in Patan Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Kerosene, drugs, pesticides are chemicals used in home and farms. But because of parents' or caretakers' negligence, accidents and poisoning in children may take life of a child. OBJECTIVE: To study the common causes and outcome of pediatric accident and poisoning cases admitted in Patan Hospital. METHOD: A prospective (2068-69) and retrospective (2066-67) studies of pediatric accident and poisoning cases admitted in Patan Hospital (2066-chaitra 2069) were done. RESULT: Out of 44 registered cases total 35 cases were collected in last 4 years. Twenty one in prospective and 14 in retrospective study. Male female ratio was 1.2:1. Most vulnerable age group was 1-5 years (21) and 11-15 yrs (8). Most common poison was pesticide (11), kerosene (9) and drugs (7). Twenty percent were suicidal, 3% were homicidal and rest was accidental. Suicidal poisoning was common in 11-14 years. Accidental poisoning was: taking kerosene from mineral water bottle for water. Small children took drugs and pesticides due its easy availability or careless storing. Five common accidents were near drowning (2), hot water scald, hanging and fall from height. Outcome was 2 expired; 1 Organo-phosphorous and 1 food poisoning. Mortality was 6%. One hanging survived as vegetation. CONCLUSION: Accident and poisoning are preventable. We need to make our home and surrounding poison and accident proof. Small children should never be left unattended. Drugs, pesticides, hot things, and sharp instruments should be kept out of reach of children and in child proof container in separate places. Pesticide should not be sold to children.

Clinical profile of children with kerosene aspiration.

Accidental aspiration of kerosene is a common problem among children in developing countries. This descriptive study involved the retrospective analysis of children admitted with kerosene aspiration in a tertiary care hospital in South India for a year. Kerosene aspiration contributed to 60.4% of poisoning cases. Boys aged less than three years and from a rural background formed a significant proportion. Tachypnoea, cough and crepitations were the predominant clinical findings. Male gender and malnutrition (weight for age <80%) were significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay.