There are substantial epidemiological differences in acute poisonings among children in different countries and regions of the globe. International best practices need to be identified for prevention of acute poisonings in childhood.

No abstract

We aim to describe the characteristics and the management of the paediatric poisonings registered in the Toxicology Surveillance System created by the Intoxications Working Group of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Emergencies. We reviewed 130 episodes registered during 1 year. The main involved substances were drugs (73, 56.2%), household products (24,18.5%) and ethanol (16, 12.3%). Most common mechanisms were accidental poisonings at home in children of less than 5 years (91, 70%; principally, paracetamol or anticatharrals) and patients of 12-18 years (24.6%), with recreational alcohol consumption or suicide attempt. Approximately 10% received prehospital treatment and 56.9% received treatment in the paediatric emergency department (PED), which mainly activated charcoal. Approximately 50% were managed as outpatients, and all did well. Although intoxications are infrequent in PED and the short-term prognosis is good, the consumption of healthcare resources is high.

Globally, there are substantial differences in the use and appropriateness of GID procedures in the management of pediatric poisonings. International best practices need to be better implemented.