Poisoning In Children Research Articles

Clinico-epidemiological Profile of Paraquat Poisoning in Children at a Tertiary Care Centre: Case Series

Aims and objectives: This case series is done to know the Clinico-epidemiological profile of paraquat poisoningin children and also the implication of available treatment guidelines in improving outcomes in the paediatricpopulation as there are no standard treatment guidelines available.Materials and Methods: Nine children were selected during the study period of October 2021 to February 2023,demographic data were collected, clinical parameters were assessed with details such as time of presentation,symptoms and first aid received, laboratory parameters such as LFT, RFT, chest radiographs obtained and serialvalues monitored. Treatment as per the available recommendation was initiated with immunosuppressive therapyand haemodialysis on a case-to-case basis.Results: Among the 9 children, there were 6 females (67%) with an average age group of 15–18 years. eight (89%)of the 9 children developed acute renal failure. Seven children underwent haemodialysis. Five (55%) childrendeveloped hepatic dysfunction. Among the 9 children, 3 (67%) survived.Conclusion: The study reveals that the mortality rate can be reduced, if the child presented to the hospital within8 hours of ingestion of the compound, amount ingested is less than 20 ml, and early initiation of Haemodialysiswithin 8 hours and a trail of immunosuppressive therapy.

Побочные эффекты лидокаина в амбулаторной педиатрии

Lidocaine poisoning with parenteral administration, accompanied by systemic toxic effects, is quite rare in pediatric practice, but even single cases may cause the development of critical conditions that require treatment in the intensive care unit. Objective. To demonstrate a clinical case of severe lidocaine poisoning in two children and the main measures to stabilize the condition of patients with overdoses of local anesthetics. The article presents the basic historical data on the creation of lidocaine, its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in children. The maximum single dose was indicated based on the patient's weight. The main principles of intensive therapy for lidocaine poisoning in children were considered, and the algorithm of actions in the development of a life-threatening state was provided. Special attention was paid to the use of the «lipid rescue protocol» in hemodynamic disorders and cardiac arrest. Conclusion. When prescribing local anesthetics in children, one should take into account the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the child, the age characteristics of the pharmacological effects of the drugs, and the maximum permissible single dose, which will prevent the occurrence of iatrogenic life-threatening complications. Key words: lidocaine, poisoning, systemic toxic effects, intensive care, pediatric

First lead, now no bed? The unintended impacts of lead abatement laws on eviction

Lead paint in old houses is the leading cause of lead poisoning in children under 6 today. To combat this problem, several states have passed lead abatement laws, forcing landlords to remove lead in the homes they rent if tenants have children under the age of 6. However, these laws have unintended consequences, causing landlords to evict tenants rather than abate lead. I use a difference-in-differences approach while employing various model specifications with various fixed effects and sets of controls to examine the impact of Ohio’s 2003 lead abatement law on eviction rates. Using newly collected data from the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, I find that the passage of Ohio’s lead abatement law sharply increased targeted evictions. Due to the law’s passage, the average census district in Ohio faced an increased eviction rate of roughly 0.457 points, corresponding to an additional 13.93 evictions a year. These impacts are highly statistically significant, sizeable, and economically meaningful, indicating that policy makers should incorporate distributional consequences when designing future lead abatement laws in order to avoid unintended consequences and ensure equitable outcomes.

ACCIDENTAL DATURA POISONING IN A CHILD, A CASE REPORT FROM CENTRAL NEPAL

Datura stramonium is a common plant found all over Nepal. It contains alkaloids like atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine which can produce severe anti-cholinergic effects upon intoxication. It is mostly consumed during Mahashivaratri as a means of recreation and sacred blessing from lord Shiva. We would like to present a case of accidental poisoning in children by consuming sacred food mixed with D. stramonium during Mahashivaratri. Careful history taking and physical examination is important for early diagnosis. Presence of eye witness and early presentation to hospital contributes to favorable outcome. It may be more beneficial if we become more cautious and follow safety measures while performing cultural rituals and celebrating festivals. Also, we need to be aware of the possible fatal complications of Datura poisoning.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Safe Disposal of Unused and Expired Pharmaceutical Products among Pharmacy Students

Pharmaceuticals are produced and consumed in greater quantities every year. Unfortunately, not all medicines given to patients are used up; significant amounts are left unused or expired. The accumulation of medications in the home and the improper Disposal of unused medications can result in inappropriate medication sharing, unintentional childhood poisonings, and the diversion of medicines for illegal use.
 Aims: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice on safe Disposal of unused and expired pharmaceutical products among pharmacy students, and to assess the most common categories of drug products that are kept unused at home, the reasons for stocking up and the most preferred ways to dispose of them.
 Study Design: A Descriptive Cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacy students during the period of March 2022 to August 2022.
 Methodology: We included 402 students (209 male, 193 females; age range 18-25 years) from different pharmacy departments (D. Pharm, B, Pharm and Pharm. D). Data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, mean, standard deviation and percentages were used to summarize the data.
 Results: A total of 402 pharmacy students participated in the study. Among the study participants, approximately 81% of the respondents had leftover medicines at home and the most common types of medicines kept in households were NSAIDS (29.89%) followed by antibiotics (24.06%). The most preferred ways of disposing of both unused and expired medicines among the study population were throwing them away in household garbage (55.5%) and disposing of them in their original package and dosage form (22.60%).
 Conclusion: The majority of the students were aware of the adverse effects of unsafe Disposal of leftover medicines and they mentioned the need for schemes like drug takeback programs to encourage safe Disposal. Though respondents had good knowledge, the right attitude toward and practice of safe Disposal of medicines were lacking.

Acute poisoning in children: a retrospective case study

Introduction. Acute exposure to chemicals is the most common cause of poisoning in pediatric practice and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]. In the available domestic literature, we have not found publications concerning up-to-date data on the etiological structure, clinical characteristics of patients and outcomes of acute poisoning in children. Knowledge of clinical manifestations and prognosis for various poisoning in children will help doctors of the outpatient level and the reception department of hospitals to quickly determine the tactics of patient management and prevent serious consequences. Material and methods. In this retrospective study, the case histories of 300 children aged 0 to 18 years who were admitted to the emergency department of the third - level hospital - the Children’s Republican Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan with acute poisoning for the period from 2018 to 2020 were studied. Results. The study included 176 boys (58.6%) and 124 girls (41.4%). Poisoning was most common in the age periods from 1 to 3 years - 127 (42.3%) and from 12 to 18 years - 76 (25.3%). 67% of poisoning were unintentional, and in 33% of cases - intentional. The largest number of poisonings - 248 (82.7%) occurred at home, and 52 (17.3%) were poisoned outside the home. Of the 300 cases of poisoning, 70 (23.3%) were of mild severity, 151 (50.3%) of moderate severity, 79 (26.3%) of severe severity. The most common toxic substances were: chemical detergents, carbon monoxide, vasoconstrictor drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. All 300 patients survived. Limitations of the study. The data of patients living in the Republic of Tatarstan who were admitted to the emergency department of the DRKB for the time period from 2018 to 2020 were studied. Conclusion. Over the past 2 years, there has been an increase in the frequency of poisoning in the city of Kazan. Most patients had mild to moderate poisoning, more often unintentional. A serious condition was observed in adolescents when the cause of poisoning was a suicide attempt. The increase in the number of poisonings can be associated with the over-the-counter sale of a large number of drugs, their aggressive advertising, as well as improper storage at home.

Successful Treatment of Severe Lead Poisoning Children with Low Dosage of CaNa2EDTA -A Retrospective Study of 8 Cases from China

Background: To analyze the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of 8 Chinese children with severe lead poisoning. Methods: 8 children with blood lead levels (BLLs) over 45ug/dL hospitalized at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2015 to December 2019 were diagnosed as severe lead poisoning. Detailed medical data were retrospectively studied. All patients accepted the chelation therapy with calcium disodium ethyleneaminetetraacetate (CaNa2 EDTA). Results: The onset age ranged from 3 months to 12 years old. BLLs ranged from 46.6ug/dL to 120.2ug/dL. The sources of lead exposure were different while 3 cases had taken Chinese herbs. 3 cases had symptoms of nervous system. 3 cases had anemia. 2 cases had abnormal liver function. All patients had normal renal function. All cases accepted the repeated treatment of consecutive intravenous CaNa2 EDTA (20mg/kg/d, 5 days every month), until BLLs remained below 40ug/dL. 1 case One case got rash and one patient got transient elevated serum transaminase during the courses. All cases had BLLs under 45ug/dL on followup. Conclusion: Chinese herbs containing lead might be one of the attributing factors of lead poisoning in children. Low dosage of CaNa2 EDTA was relatively safe and effective in dealing with lead poisoning in children.

Poisoning-related emergency department visits in children with autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, and its prevalence has increased markedly in the past two decades. Research indicates that people with ASD are at increased risk for premature mortality from injuries. Often, children with ASD are prescribed multiple medications, increasing their risk for intentional and unintentional poisonings. We examined the epidemiologic patterns of emergency department (ED)-treated poisonings in children with ASD and the association of ED-treated poisonings with ASD according to common co-occurring conditions.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for 2016–2018 to estimate the frequencies of ED-treated poisonings among autistic children aged 1–20 years and adjusted odds ratios of ED-treated poisoning associated with ASD in the presence or absence of co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disability (ID). The ICD-10-CM external cause-of-injury matrix was utilized to identify poisoning cases.ResultsDuring 2016–2018, there were an estimated 523,232 ED visits in children with ASD aged 1–20 years, including 12,152 (2.3%) visits for poisoning. Of ED-treated poisonings in children with ASD, 73.6% were related to pharmaceutical drugs, such as psychotropic medications and prescription opioids, 16.6% were intentional, 36.5% were unintentional, and 47.0% were undetermined. Among children with ASD, those aged 5–9 had the highest odds of poisoning-related ED visits compared to all other age-groups (adjusted OR = 3.41; 95% CI 3.15, 3.68). The odds of poisoning for children with ASD were 59.0% greater than for their peers (adjusted OR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.53, 1.66) and varied significantly with age and co-occurring ADHD or ID.ConclusionsChildren with ASD are at a significantly increased risk of poisoning, particularly among those aged 5–9 years. Co-occurring ADHD or ID with ASD further increases the risk of poisoning. Interventions to reduce poisoning in children with ASD should prioritize the safety of prescription medications.

Paraphenylene diamine (Kala Pathar) poisoning in children of Bahawalpur and surrounding areas

Background: Paraphenylene diamine (commonly known as Kala Pathar in Pakistan) poisoning is a common presentation in adults as well as pediatric patients in Southern Punjab. The study was carried out to assess paraphenylene diamine poisoning in pediatric cases.
 Patients and methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out at Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur. All the pediatric cases (<15 years age) of paraphenylene diamine poisoning reported during April 2021 to April 2022. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS.
 Results: Total 84 children presented at pediatric department of the hospital. Out of these, 43 (51.2%) were males and 41 (48.8%) were females. Age range was between 02 months and 15 years, mean age being 9.4 + 4.49 years. Majority of cases (46.6%) ingested paraphenylene diamine accidentally, followed by suicidal intention (29.8%), homicidal intent (21.4%) and unknown motive in 2.4% cases. Of all, 49 (58.3%) died of poisoning and 35 (41.7%) survived. Of all the cases, 44 (52.4%) underwent emergency tracheostomy.
 Conclusions: Paraphenylene diamine poisoning in children is an alarming trend. Although majority of the cases ingested it accidently but intake due to suicidal or homicidal reason were also high. Positive outcome was associated with higher age, carrying out early tracheostomy and mode of poisoning (homicidal cases had poorest outcome whereas accidental and suicidal pediatric cases had more chances of survival).

Repeated episodes of seizures in an infant following accidental administration of tramadol suppository: a case report

Tramadol has become a popular analgesic in last few years. Number of studies has reported tramadol poisoning in children. Here, we report a case of tramadol poisoning in a one and half month old infant who presented with repeated seizures and apnea following accidental administration of tramadol suppository. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(1): 010. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.010 *Correspondence: Israt Zahan Ima, Department of Pediatrics, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), 1/A Ibrahim Sarani, Segunbagicha, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email: imaisratzahan@gmail.com

Streamlining referral decisions for childhood poisoning: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary children's hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.

The study objectives were to report on current paediatric poisoning figures from South Africa, and to better understand this patient population to contribute suggestions for streamlining local triage and referral criteria. A retrospective review of children presenting to Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH) with poisoning between January 2009 and December 2019 was performed. Data were extracted from the Poisons Information Centre's Clinical Poisonings Database. There were 3699 incidents, involving 3662 patients; 3011 (81%) patients were under 5 years (median 29 months, IQR 19 to 49 months). There was a slight decline in numbers over the 11-year period.Most patients were referred (n=2542, 69%), which included a greater proportion that were symptomatic (p < 0.001). There were 8 deaths (case fatality rate 0.2%).Medications were the most common single toxin group (n=1270, 38%), followed by handyman and industrial (HI) products (n=889, 27%), household products (n=451, 14%), and pesticides (n=445, 13%). There was a significant relationship between toxin type and referral patterns (p < 0.001) as well as clinical severity (p < 0.001): pesticides and HI products (paraffin, n=486/568, 86%) had a greater proportion of referrals, and pesticides more moderate to fatal poisonings (n=132/445, 30%), all due to cholinergic (organophosphates and carbamates) and formamidine pesticides.The medication subgroups anticonvulsants (n=21/78, 27%), anti-infectives (n=4/34, 12%), multi-vitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements (n=17/84, 20%), neuropsychiatric medications (n=50/350, 14%) and substances of abuse (n=13/47, 28%) had larger proportions of moderate to severe poisonings (p < 0.001), as did the small group of biological toxins (n=17/55, 31%; p < 0.001). Certain medication, pesticide, and biological toxin subgroups, should be flagged for early referral. The goal is to improve patient outcomes as well as optimize the use of limited resources.

Environmental and Human Health Risks of Lead Accumulation in Soil Samples from Solid Waste Dumpsites within Abuja, Nigeria

The environmental risks associated with heavy metal pollutions are becoming worrisome. Hence, this study evaluated the environmental and human health risks of lead (Pb) accumulation in soil samples from solid waste dumpsites within Abuja, Nigeria. Soil samples (n=72) were collected (0-45 cm depth) from Abaji, Bwari, Gosa, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali dumpsites and 2 km away (control), and then analyzed for Pb using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The risks of Pb contaminations were then evaluated in soils and in individuals (Children and Adults) via inhalation and dermal contacts with soil using ecological and health risk equations. Pb concentrations in the dumpsites were below the permissible limits set by environmental protection agencies and were highest in Kuje dumpsite and lowest in Abaji dumpsite. The ecological pollution indices ranged from ‘low risks’ (at Bwari, Gosa, Gwagwalada dumpsites) to ‘very contamination risks’ (at Kuje and Kwali dumpsites). Daily dose for Pb via dermal contact pathways were higher and no significant lifetime health (non-carcer and cancer) risks were observed suggesting that inhalation and dermal routes pose very low health risk of Pb poisoning in both children (≤ 15 years) and adults (≤ 70 years). This study suggests that the concentration of Pb in the study dumpsites might cause more ecological risks than health hazards in exposed individuals via inhalation and dermal pathways.

Acute poisoning in children in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Acute poisoning is a global pediatric emergency problem. However, a wide variation in patterns of acute poisoning and associated factors across different geographical regions was stated. As a result, our research focused on the investigation of acute poisoning in children. An Institutional-based Retrospective study design was conducted at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital from October 2016 to October 2020. The analysis of the data was performed via SPSS Version 25. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis was recruited. A P-value ≤ 0.05 was declared as statistically significant. Our study's prevalence of acute poisoning was 82/5489 (1.5%). 53 (64.6%) of patients were males. Of the total patients who had the diagnosis of poisoning, 54 (65.9%) came from rural areas. Venom was the most frequent offending agent (26.8%) and oral ingestion was the most common route of exposure (70.7%). Of the total patients who had the diagnosis of poisoning, 54 (65.9%) came from rural areas. Venom was the most frequent offending agent (26.8%), followed by insecticides (organophosphates) (21.5%). Accidental poisoning was the most common mode of poisoning more often than intentional (75.6–24.4%). The digestive tract (oral ingestion) (69.5%) was the commonest route of poisoning, followed by the cutaneous (skin bite) (24.4%). Death was three times more likely in the rural population than in urban residents [AOR 2.9 (1.21–13.7); P value 0.046]. Appropriate emergency care is the mainstay of the supportive management protocol for childhood poisoning.

Psycho-social and psychiatric co-morbidity among children with poisoning

Background: The poisoning in children results from exposures to toxic agents that may lead to harmful effects based on the reaction of the body to these agents. Poisoning can be accidental or suicidal in intent. To assess any psycho-social factor that leads to poisoning and to determine any underlying psychiatric co-morbidity among children with acute poisoning.Methods: A hospital-based prospective observational study conducted in postgraduate department of pediatrics, G. B. Pant children’s hospital an associated hospital of government medical college Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir India. This study was conducted over 2 years with effect from November 2019 to November 2021. Psychiatric co-morbidity was determined by using the MINI- KID scale. Results: In our study, 572 cases with poisoning were studied over two years; the mean age of childhood poisoning was 3.8 years. The majority of the poisoning cases were accidental, with male to female ratio of 1.6:1. Most of the cases were seen in lower-middle-class families (65.7%). Organophosphorus was the most common agent involved. Oral ingestion was the predominant route of poisoning. A total of 46 subjects had a psychiatric diagnosis as assessed by MINI-KID. Among which, 34.7% of the subjects had the diagnosis of panic disorder, followed by depressive episodes (MDD) amounting to 26%, and ADHD in 13%. A total of 53 were having underlying psychosocial factors. Adolescent self-poisoning is commonly associated with underlying psychiatric illness.Conclusions: The underlying psychosocial and psychiatric disorders need proper identification and management.

Evaluation of Clinical, Socioeconomic, and Demographic Factors in Different Poisoning Agents in Pediatric Population

Background: Poisoning is a critical global health problem, especially among children. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological features, clinical signs, and risk factors of childhood poisoning in the southeastern region of Iran. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 636 children and adolescents admitted to the Emergency Department of Ali Ebne Abitaleb Teaching Hospital in Zahedan, Iran, within 2014 to 2020. The collected data were clinical symptoms at the time of admission, socioeconomic and demographic determinants, poisoning agents, admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), using antidote, hospital stay in days, discharge status from the hospital, self-poisoning, gender, and place of residency. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18). Mean and standard deviation, Pearson and chi-square were used to assess the association between two specific categorical variables, and the level of significance was considered 0.05. Results: Opium was the most common poisoning agent with the age of 8 years and femalepriority. Among poisoned subjects by chemical agents, the highlighted symptoms were respiratory distress, decreased peripheral oxygen saturation (SPO2), nausea and vomiting, fever, and a decrease in heart rate in the given order. Among poisoned subjects by medicinal agents with a decrease in SPO2, a decrease in consciousness and blood pressure was common. More frequent symptoms in children poisoned by opium were a decrease in SPO2, myosis, a decrease in heart rate, a decrease in respiratory rate, seizures, and nausea and vomiting. The factors, including antidote, gender, place of residency, poisoning by accidental events, admission to PICU, and days stayed in the hospital, were the significant factors in poisoning. Conclusions: Poisoning by opium agents was more common than other agents in Iran in lower age groups. Poisoned children by opium agents had severe symptoms with higher frequency than other agents. Antidote, gender, place of residency, poisoning by accidental events, admission to PICU, and days stayed in the hospital were significant factors in agent poisoning.

Alcohol and children: clinical and forensic study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the clinical pictures in the group of alcohol intoxication (without the loss of conscious) and alcohol poisoning (with the loss of conscious).&#x0D; AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the clinical differences in the groups of alcohol intoxication (without loss of consciousness) and alcohol poisoning (with loss of consciousness) and determine the level of blood ethanol concentrations in children and adolescents from alcohol intake that causes a loss of consciousness, which means ethanol poisoning occurrence, and finally, offer practical recommendations for forensic doctors in cases of alcohol poisoning in children.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The total amount of data was a combination of two studied populations: population No. 1 from the archive of the Bureau and population No. 2 from the Childrens Clinical Hospital No. 13 named after N.F. Filatov. The study is a retrospective population-based and prospective (observational) cross-sectional study. Data were grouped as (1) persons whose alcohol intake did not cause significant health disorders (alcohol intoxication) and (2) persons whose alcohol intake caused the onset of coma, respiratory arrest, or death (alcohol poisoning). Urine screening for psychoactive and narcotic substances was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.&#x0D; RESULTS: The data set included 67 minors aged 1117 years. Blood and urine ethanol levels of males and blood of females were significantly higher than in patients with alcohol intoxication. The objective status of patients was the same. No differences were found in alcohol pharmacokinetics (resorption and elimination), as well as the instrumental parameter readings. The present study revealed that alcohol intoxication and poisoning were not associated with dangerous changes in such parameters as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The results showed that ethanol poisoning in children aged 1117 years old developed at an ethanol concentration of 2.61 g/L in the blood and 3.01 g/L in the urine. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the instrumental parameters.

Acute poisoning in children: Etiology, structure, treatment tactics and outcomes

Introduction: Acute poisoning is often observed in children and can have serious consequences since it is character­ized by rapid development of symptoms and obvious disfunction of vital organs.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of the case histories of the children with acute poisoning admitted to Voronezh Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital No. 1 in 2016–2019 was carried out. Anamnesis, clinical and lab­oratory studies and effective treatment criteria were entered into electronic spreadsheets and served as the basis for a database on children’s poisoning.&#x0D; Results and discussion: Analysis of 183 case histories of children with intoxication aged 4 months to 17 years old was performed. Distribution per age showed bimodal peaks at 1–2 years and 13–14 years. Poisoning was accidental in 96.2% of the cases, and 3.8% of the adolescents reported suicide cases. In the group of young children, acute drug poisoning is more frequent in girls (P &lt; 0.05). In the older groups, there is no gender difference in frequency of poisoning cases.&#x0D; Early call for medical help is typical for the adolescent age group. Correlation between time of help-seeking and chil­dren’s age is statistically significant (correlation coefficient r = 0.38, P &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Study of poisoning issue in children will allow to carry out targeted preventive measures to reduce the number of poisoning cases, prevent their consequences and to determine the most rational modus operandi for medical personnel for effective and safe pharmacotherapy.&#x0D; Graphical abstract:&#x0D; In pediatric practice, intoxication by poisons and drugs is among the most common reasons for seeking medical help and hospitalization in intensive care units. It is important to study and record dynamics, structure and frequency of acute poisoning with subsequent development of prevention and treatment methods.

Signs of Phenotypic Changes in Children Constantly Exposed to Elevated Environmental Levels of Chemical Pollutants in the City of Nizhny Tagil

Background: Environmental epigenetics plays an important role in developing a phenotype of diseases. Objective: To identify signs of phenotypic changes in children constantly exposed to high environmental levels of chemical pollutants in the city of Nizhny Tagil. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in a specialized kindergarten for children suffering from different allergic diseases in the city of Nizhny Tagil. To detect phenotypic signs of environmental exposure, we used data on clinical diagnoses, medical history, and pediatric physical examination, as well as the results of a parent survey on allergies. We then measured blood and urinary levels of some metals and total IgE as a marker of lead poisoning in children. Results: According to clinical diagnoses, food intolerance was noted in 97.7 % of the children, 91.2 % suffered from allergic dermatitis, and almost 20 % were allergic to house dust. Phenotypic manifestations of food intolerance testified to the predominance of its skin phenotype. Every third child had symptoms of psychological disorders. The questionnaire-based survey revealed a positive allergic status in 83.1 % of the parents, mainly with skin manifestations. High blood levels of lead, nickel, cobalt, and cadmium exceeding the safe level by 23.6–240 % were observed in the study population. The syndrome of chronic xenogeneic intoxication was established in 57.3 % of cases and the syndrome of sensitization to low doses of chemicals – in 41.6 % of them. Almost 25 % of the children were underweight, which was associated with their blood cadmium levels. Conclusions: Our findings confirm the few literature data on such health effects of heavy metals in children as asthma, eczema and food allergies, as well as low body weight and height. Studies of the signs of phenotypic changes in the group of children suffering from allergies and exposed to environmental hazards are most likely to indicate the adverse impact of heavy metals on the immune system, manifestations of epigenetic mechanisms forming the allergy phenotype, which can potentially lead to transgenerational inheritance.

Acute child poisoning and its related risk factors during the COVID era

Acute child poisoning and its related risk factors during the COVID era

Study on acute hydrocarbon poisoning in pediatric age group in a tertiary care centre

Introduction: Hydrocarbons represent a diverse group of substances and occasionally the terms “hydrocarbon” and “petroleum distillate” are used interchangeably. Ingestion of hydrocarbons is a common cause of childhood poisoning in low- and middle-income countries. In clinical practice, the term “hydrocarbon ingestion” refers to the oral intake of petroleum distillates such as motor oil, mineral oil, kerosene, gasoline, lamp oil, cigarette lighter fluid and naphtha. Aim &amp; Objective : To study the factors associated with hydrocarbon ingestion and its outcome in children presenting to a tertiary care centre in age group of 1 – 14 years. Material &amp; Method :The study has been carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, S.C.B. Medical College &amp; SVPPGIP, Cuttack, from December, 2019 to November, 2021. It’s a hospital based direct observational study. Observation: The most common age of presentation was 1 to 4 years. Among hydrocarbons most commonly ingested hydrocarbon was kerosene. Conclusion: Acute hydrocarbon poisoning is a prevalent household accidental toxic hazard among rural male children of upper lower and lower economic classes. Symptomatic treatment is effective in management of hydrocarbon ingestion.