[Caseload of poisoning among children treated by the Rio Grande do Sul State Toxicology Information Center (CIT/RS), Brazil].

This was an analytical, descriptive, cross-sectional study to establish the profile of poisonings among children 0 to 4 years of age reported to the Rio Grande do Sul State Toxicology Information Center (CIT/RS) in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 2003. A total of 1,311 cases were selected and data were extracted on children who had suffered individual accidental poisoning inside the home. From a systematic random sample of 286 patients, 21 interviews were held with the children's parents or guardians, using a structured instrument. The typical profile of poisoning featured: < or=1 year age bracket; male gender; oral exposure; poisonous agent located on living room or bedroom floor; furniture height < 30cm; time of poisoning from 18:01 to 22:00; time between poisoning and search for emergency medical care less than 30 minutes; analgesics as poisonous agent; medical assessment of purported poisoning as non-toxic, evolving to cure. The data indicate relevant characteristics as to the time of poisoning and place where poisonous agents were located. Definition of a profile helps promote and expand childhood poisoning prevention campaigns by public health agencies.