Abstract
Introduction: Poisoning is a major problem in children. The aims of this study were to determine the pattern of poisoning in children along with seasonal incidence, duration of treatment and outcome in referral centre of eastern India.Materials and Methods: All the children admitted to paediatric ward of MKCG Medical college and hospital from 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2016 (1 year) with history or suspicion of poisoning and animal bites were included in the study. Brought dead patients and the children with side effects due to ingested drugs in prescribed amount were excluded from the study.Results: Total 530 cases were documented with highest incidence in rainy season. 1-6 years children were mostly vulnerable (42.6%). Accidental mode was the major cause in small children and suicidal, in older. Animal bites and stings (n=241) were the commonest followed by chemical poisonings. Kraits were commonest culprit in snake envenomation group. Alprazolam was most common drug causing drug overdose. Total numbers of death were 27. Major cause of death was organo- phosphorus poisoning (OP) and snakebite. Mean days of hospitalization was 2.5 days and death after hospitalization was 1.8 days.Conclusion: Most of the childhood poisonings were due to accidental cause. Animal bites were mostly due to snakes. Maximum numbers of deaths were due to OP poisoning. Watchful observation, clean and clear environment, understanding the problems of adolescence, friendly atmosphere in home can prevent most of the poisonings and animal bites in children.
Highlights
Poisoning is a major problem in children
The highest numbers of poisoning cases were seen in 1-6 year age group consisting 42.6% of whole incidence followed by 10-14 year group which add 23.4% to the incidence
Accidental poisoning was most common cause in all the age groups where as homicidal cause of poisoning was seen in one patient
Summary
Poisoning is a major problem in children. The aims of this study were to determine the pattern of poisoning in children along with seasonal incidence, duration of treatment and outcome in referral centre of eastern India. Accidental mode was the major cause in small children and suicidal, in older. Major cause of death was organo- phosphorus poisoning (OP) and snakebite. Clean and clear environment, understanding the problems of adolescence, friendly atmosphere in home can prevent most of the poisonings and animal bites in children. According to WHO data, in 2012 an estimated 193,460 people died worldwide from unintentional poisoning. Out of this 84% occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Whereas it has been estimated that about 5 million snake-bites occur each year, resulting in up to 2.5 million envenoming, at least 100,000 deaths and around three times as many amputations and other permanent disabilities.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
