Pattern of Poisoning in Children, an Experience From a Teaching Hospital in Northern India

Poisoning is a global problem. Most recent estimate of World Health Organization (WHO) suggests 180 thousands deaths in 2010 due to various poisoning agents (1). Poisoning is relatively less common in children and is mostly accidental than adults. Poisoning account for 16% of bed occupancy in children hospitals and 3.9% in pediatric intensive care unit in India (2-4). Poisoning is predominantly accidental particularly in < 5 years but might be increasingly self-inflicted in older children (5). Poisoning agent varies, between the countries as well as within the country, according to children accessibility of poison which is influenced by socio-economic status, education, local beliefs' and customs of the community. Understanding about nature and severity of poisoning is crucial for appropriate and effective management. We have nationwide data from developed countries about the profile of poisoning in children but similar statistics is lacking from resource poor countries such as India. However, available limited data suggests childhood poisoning as a considerable cause of morbidity or mortality in India. The present study was carried out with an objective to assess the profile of childhood poisoning at our center. Material and Method This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital Introduction Abstract Poisoning is a common medical emergency in children. Most of the poisoning in children is accidental. Unfortunately, the incidence of deliberate poisoning among adolescents is increasing due to changing familial and social conditions in our society. Study design: prospective analysis of poisoning seen in children between January 2010 and December 2013 in an academic center of northern India.Results: Eighty one children (Boys 45, 55%; age median [range] 13 [1-18]) were included. All poisoning episodes were either suicidal (38, 46.9%) or accidental (43, 53.1%). Most of the poisoning events in pre-adolescent children were accidental (34/35, 97%) and among adolescents (13-18 years age group) were suicidal (37/45, 80.4%). The most commonly ingested poisoning agent was kerosene (10/35, 28.6%) in <12 age group and organo-phosphorus compound (8/37, 21.6%) in adolescents. Conclusion: We need to take preventive measures for accidental and intentional poisoning in pre-adolescents and adolescents age group respectively.