Abstract

Background: Poisoning in children is one of the most common emergencies encountered in pediatric practice and it is a worldwide problem leading to morbidity and mortality. Common poisoning agents in low-income and middle-income countries are fuels such as paraffin and kerosene, pharmaceuticals and cleaning agents. Present study was aimed to study etiology & immediate outcome of acute poisoning in children at a tertiary hospital.
Material and Methods: Present study was prospective, observational study, conducted among children of any gender, less than 14 years of age, came with history of poison consumption, irrespective of presence of signs and symptoms, accompanied or unaccompanied by container or poison OR had doubtful history of consumption of poison but with definite signs and symptoms of acute poisoning. Parents willing to participate in present study.
Results: In present study, 104 children admitted with history of poisoning cases, were studied. Majority of children were from 1-5 years age group (50.96 %), male:female ratio was 1.9:1. Common presenting symptoms were vomiting (64.42 %), drowsiness/altered sensorium (30.77 %), respiratory distress (21.15 %), seizures (16.35 %), while 17.31 % patients were asymptomatic. Common route of administration observed was oral route (98.08 %) & only 1.92 % had history of inhalation. Common poisoning agents were organophosphorus (15.38 %), Kerosene (13.46 %), bleaching solution (7.69 %), unknown agent (25.96 %), unknown seeds (16.35 %) & unknown tablets (8.65 %) were also observed. Majority children were discharged uneventfully (87.5 %), 8 children had taken discharge against medical advice & mortality was observed among 5 children.
Conclusion: Poisoning in children is associated with mortality due to various reasons. Regular surveillance is required to recognize trends in specific agents and other variables related to childhood poisoning