A retrospective study of clinical profile and outcome of children admitted with poisoning in tertiary care hospital, Port Blair

Abstract

Background: Poisoning is one of the most common causes for mortality and morbidity in children. Knowledge about the demographic profile, clinical characteristics and outcome of children hospitalized with poisoning will aid in better case management and optimizing appropriate preventive measures. Methods: A retrospective study of poisoning in children was conducted at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, between January 2016 to June 2020. Clinical profile and outcome details were entered in standardized proforma and descriptive analysis was performed. Results: Poisoning accounts for nearly 0.7% of total paediatric admissions. Eighty eight percent of accidental poisoning occurred in children younger than five years of age. Kerosene (50%) and drugs (15%) are the leading causes of poisoning in children. Twenty three percent (23%) of children with Kerosene poisoning had chemical pneumonitis. The average length of hospital stays for children hospitalized for poisoning was 2 days. Conclusions: Children under five years of age are more prone for accidental poisoning. Kerosene is the commonest cause of poisoning in children. This study highlights the importance of creating public awareness about poisoning in children and the need for sensitising parents about the appropriate preventive measures.