Title: A Study of Epidemiology and Outcome of Poisoning in children up to the age of 14 years
Authors: Dr Abrita Chatterjee, Dr Sasmita Devi Agrawal, Dr Sri Harsha Lanke, Dr Dafodil Ghatak
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i4.175
Abstract
Background: Poisoning is the 3rd most common injury treated in emergency rooms for children less than 16 years of age1. The cases range from accidental ingestion in toddlers to intentional overdoses in adolescents. The reported incidence of childhood poisoning in various studies varies as the causes of poisoning depend on many factors. Continuing morbidity and mortality due to poisoning is a serious challenge to the paediatricians and public health officials.2
Material and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted at Hi-Tech Medical College And Hospital over the period of two years. All children below 14 years presenting to the Emergency department and Inpatient department of Paediatrics were included in the study. A detailed history taking and examination were done and their clinical profile and outcome were noted.
Results and Conclusion: Kerosene poisoning was found to be the most common type of poisoning in the study followed by animal bites and household products. Majority of the poisonings were reported from the middle class socioeconomic group and predominantly males.
Keywords:Poisoning, hydrocarbon, epidemiology
References
- Steele P, Spyker DA: Poisonings. Paediatrics clinics of North America. 1985, 32 (1): 77-85.
- Park K. : Park’s Text book of preventive and social medicine. 18th edition, 2005 : 516.
- Peden MK, Sharma G. The Injury Chart Book: A graphical overview of the global burden of injuries.Geneva: World Health Organization; 2002.
- Taft C et al. Childhood unintentional injury worldwide: meeting the challenge. Washington, DC, Safekids Worldwide, 2002 (http://www.safekids.org/pdf/WWStudy-Ltr.pdf, accessed 6 April 2008).
- Murray CJ, Lopez AD, editors. The global burden of disease: A comprehensive assessment of mortality and disability from diseases, injuries, and risk factors in 1990 and projected to 2020. Harvard School of Public Health (on behalf of the World Health Organization and The World Bank) 1996:120–122.
- Surjit Singh, Narang A, Walia B.N.S., Mehta S., LataKumar : Accidental Poisoning in children 10 yrs experience. Indian Pediatr. 1981, Vol. 18: 163-166.
- Desalew M, Aklilu A, Amanuel A, Addisu M, Ethiopia T. Pattern of acute adult poisoning at TikurAnbessa specialized teaching hospital, A retrospective study, Ethiopia. Hum ExpToxicol. 2011;30:523–527.
- Abula T, Wondmikun Y. The pattern of acute poisoning in a teaching hospital, north-west Ethiopia. Ethiop Med J. 2006;44:183–189.