The Study of Children Poisoning in 3895 Patients Residing in Tehran

Background: Poisoning is a health hazard in every country and is currently responsible for 7% of world mortalities and this proportion is predicted to rise. This study was performed to determine the incidence of unintentional children poisoning in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study which was performed in one year (2003). Clinical and para clinical investigations were performed including WBC count, BG, and determination of the blood level of drugs. Chest-x-ray was taken if needed.
Results: A total number of 3895 patients were admitted and investigated, out of which 3790 were out patients (97.3%). Most cases were at the age range of 2-3 years. 25% were under 6 years of age. kerosene was the most common cause of poisoning in 908 patients (23.5%)followed by whitening products (whitex) in 331 (8.5%) patients.
Conclusion: During the past years, morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases have been controlled in Iran. However at present a high proportion of children are victims of unintentional poisoning because all age groups are at risk of poisoning. Since in most cases poisoning is preventable it must be considered as a priority in health control programs in Iran.