Acute Poisoning in Children; a Population Study in Isfahan, Iran, 2008-2010

Farzad Gheshlaghi; Mohammad-Reza Piri-Ardakani; Mansooreh Yaraghi; Faranak Shafiei; Mohaddaseh Behjati

IJ Pediatrics

The Scientific Journal of Growth & Development Research Center

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Acute Poisoning in Children; a Population Study in Isfahan, Iran, 2008-2010

Author(s):

Farzad Gheshlaghi^1,*,

Mohammad-Reza Piri-Ardakani²,

Mansooreh Yaraghi³,

Faranak Shafiei⁴,

Mohaddaseh Behjati⁵

IJ Pediatrics:Vol. 23, issue 2; 189-193

Published online:Jan 25, 2013

Article type:Research Article

Received:Jul 16, 2012

Accepted:Jan 08, 2013

How to Cite:Farzad GheshlaghiMohammad-Reza Piri-ArdakaniMansooreh YaraghiFaranak ShafieiMohaddaseh BehjatiAcute Poisoning in Children; a Population Study in Isfahan, Iran, 2008-2010.Iran J Pediatr.23(2):189-193.

Abstract

Objective: Acute accidental poisoning in children is still an important public health problem. The epidemiological investigation specific for each country is necessary to determine the extent and characteristics of the problem. The aim of our study was to elucidate the current pattern of acute poisoning among children.
Methods: The present retrospective study describes the epidemiology of acute accidental poisoning in children (less than 10 years old) admitted to the Emergency Department of two teaching hospitals during a period of two years.
Findings: Three hundred and forty four children under 10 years old were admitted to emergency department of two teaching hospitals due to acute accidental poisoning. Drugs were the most common agents causing the poisoning (58.1%), followed by Hydrocarbons (13.1%), and opioids (9.3%). Common signs were neurological (42.6%) with lethargy being the most common (39.1%). 50.6% of cases were discharged from hospital within 6-12 hours, 91.6% of them without any complication.
Conclusion: Accidental poisonings are still a significant cause of morbidity among children in developing countries. Regarding the high prevalence of pharmaceutical drug poisoning and because lethargic was the most frequent neurological sign, comprehensive toxicology screen tests should be included as part of the routine evaluation of children presenting to an ED with an apparent life-threatening event.

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