Epidemiologic study of children hospitalized with addictive substance intoxication

Abstract

Introduction: Today, with the increasing prevalence of drug addiction in society, the number of children admitted to pediatric hospitals due to intoxication is increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of children hospitalized with narcotic drug intoxication. Material and methods: It was retrospective study, the records of 300 children under 14 years (including 179 boys and 114 girls) were evaluated who were admitted to Ahvaz Abuzar and Razi hospitals following intoxication with a variety of addictive substances (opium, methadone, heroin, etc.) in 2011-2016. Demographic data, patient records, poisoning information, paraclinical and treatment information and plans were recorded. Results: Most common causes of poisoning were Methadone 40.3%, novan (a type of sleeping Medicin) 32%, and opium 8.7%. The most common symptoms among patients were drowsiness 10.3%, decreased level of consciousness 8.3%, fever , seizures and eloquence 7.3% and patients with asymptomatic were 1.3%. GE infection was the most common underlying disease (1%), and 96% of patients did not have an underlying disease. Percentage of of patients hospitalized were 77% for 1-3 days and 3% were not hospitalized for reasons such as death. Main treatment plans were Ampul Naloxan (Maximim 10 mg) + NG Washing 16.3%, only Ampul Naloxan 9.3% and Charcol + Sorbitol + Ampul Naloxan + NG Washing 8.3%. 61% of patients were discharged with favorable conditions and 30.3% of patients were discharged with personal consent. Conclusions: Finding has shown that children aged 0-2 years were the most exposed to poisoning, and that methadone was the most important drug used. Given the risk of dying in poisoned children, it is necessary to prevent such intoxications, which may be deliberate, by formulating laws, while raising awareness.