Accidental poisoning in children: An eight-year experience from a tertiary care institute of north India

Abstract

Introduction: Accidental poisoning is an important Paediatric emergency worldwide resulting in high mortality and morbidity. As no recent data is available from our region regarding the substance responsible for accidental poisoning. So, the present study was planned to describe the profile of accidental poisoning in children. Methodology: A retrospective analysis was conducted on records of children (up to 18 years of age) admitted to Paediatric Emergency from January 2015 to December 2022 with a diagnosis of poisoning was done and information recorded on a data collection form. Results: Two-third of the children (68.4%) belonged to the age group of 1-3 years, were males (62.1%), and from rural background (70%). The mean age was 3.2 + 2.73 years. Highest number of admissions were due to the consumption of hydrocarbons 26.8% followed by mosquito repellent (18%) and prescription drugs (17.3%). In children less than 5 years of age, hydrocarbons were the main reason of poisoning, in those aged 5-10 years, it was insecticides which led to maximum poisoning cases and children over 10 years, pesticides were the leading cause. Mechanical ventilation was required by 9% children with mean duration 0.14 + 0.5 (0-3) days. Mean duration of ICU stay was 0.19 + 0.78 (0-5) days. Mean number of days of hospital stay was 2.91 +2.74 (1-19). Mortality was 3.3%. Conclusion: Hydrocarbons were the leading cause of accidental poisoning. Poisoning in children was caused by the common household chemicals which should not be accessible to the children. So community mass awareness programs can be initiated to educate the parents regarding storage of such poisonous substances.