Clinical Profile of Poisoning in Children and it’s short-term Outcomes

Abstract

Poisoning in children is a neglected health problem. Curiosity and tendency of exploration in children drives them to consume poisons  accidentally. It can cause significant morbidity and mortality. To describe the epidemiology and clinical profile of children brought to  hospital with history of poisoning and to determine the short-term outcomes at discharge. Hospital records of children, age 1 month to 15  years, admitted with history of acute poisoning in Paediatric ICU over an 8-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Institutional ethics  committee approval was taken. Relevant information was collected in proforma and analysed statistically. Of the 200 children, majority  were boys aged less than 5 years, consumed poisons accidentally at home. Most commonly found poisons were chemicals especially  kerosene, mosquito repellents followed by medicines used by family members. Among medicines, paracetamol was most common.  Intentional poisoning was seen in adolescents. The poisons were typically kept in unsafe and handy locations. Majority of the children  were asymptomatic; while others presented with vomiting, drowsiness, pain abdomen and cough. Most of the children survived, with  14.5% being discharged against medical advice. There were 2 deaths among the 200 children. The children were usually hospitalised for  less than 7 days. Majority of poisoning were accidental in small children. Kerosene was the most commonly used followed by mosquito  repellents and medications. Paracetamol was the most common medication noted. All poisoning in adolescents were with the intent of  self-harm. Chemicals kept in soft drink bottles contributed to poisoning in children.