Poisoning in Children – A Study from Tertiary Care General Hospital

Abstract

The World Health Organization considers poisoning among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Poisoning in India is among the highest in the world. Childhood poisoning ranges 0.33-7.6%. Most commonly observed among the children in the age group of 1-5 years. The mortality rate due to poisoning is 3-5%. Accidental exposure is considered the most common reason for poisoning. However, there is a scarcity of studies in India which explores the nature of poisoning in children. A retrospective registerbased study was carried out in a tertiary care urban hospital. Information about children who were admitted in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of tertiary care hospital, between the time periods of December 2016 and December 2018 with a history of poison consumption was included in the study. Seventy-six children were admitted for poisoning; the majorities were of the male gender. Almost half of them were <2 years. The common compound implicated in poisoning was thinner, a solvent used for paints. Majority were recorded as accidental exposure. Some were suspected to be of intentional nature. Poisoning in Indian children is an area of concern. Most of the studies among children are on accidental poisoning. Intentional poisoning is not reported. This study highlight, the need for comprehensive assessment involving pediatricians, psychiatrists, and forensic medicine experts for prevention and management of childhood poisoning and the need for more research, especially in relation to intentional poisoning.