Clinical profile of poisoning in children presenting to pediatric intensive care unit

Abstract

Introduction: Poisoning in pediatric age group became a challenging emergency in world that might be accidental, incidental or with snake bite or scorpion sting. In spite of many measures proposed by several organizations still the cases of poisoning are increasing. Methods: In this study above 1 month to 18 years of age children were included. Cases of food poisoning, allergic drug reactions were included along with scorpion sting and snake bite. Various parameter analyzed were age, sex, time of ingestion, type of poison, signs and symptoms, time taken to reach hospital, treatment offered, and complications underwent by the patient. Results: All the children who came with complaints of poisoning were admitted in the PICU. Total PICU admissions for 2 years were 693 out of which 27 cases were poisoning. Of total admissions 3.89% were poisoning cases. In total poisoning cases admitted female are 12 and males were 15. Accidentally ingested poisoning cases were 13, intentional ingested were 4 and poisoning due snake bite were 3, scorpion sting were 7. In accidental ingested poisoning 1 is by Datura seeds. Poisoning by ingestion was of total 17 cases and other (scorpion sting and snake bite) are 10. On comparing with age 1-5 years children were more effected i.e, 15. Conclusion: It is retrospective study which showed accidental poisoning is commonly seen in under 5 age group children and incidental poisoning seen in above 10 age group children. In both groups parental counselling and safety measures improve the outcome. Early intervention of pediatric poisoning decreases morbidity and mortality in children.