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

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Dr Sasmita Devi Agrawal

Professor and Head of the Department, Paediatric, HMCH

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