Accidental poisoning in children.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the pattern of acute poisoning in children at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi.

METHODS

The one-year descriptive study was conducted in the Paediatric Emergency Unit of the Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007, involving all patients under 12 years of age who visited the unit with a history of accidental exposure to toxic substances. Demographic data and all other relevant information were obtained mainly by retrieving hospital records and the admission register. Immediate outcomes were analysed in terms of admission, discharge and 'left against medical advice' (LAMA).

RESULTS

During the study period, 43 cases of accidental poisoning were registered, constituting 0.58% of the total emergency visits. Most (46.5%) were less than 3 years of age. Pharmaceutical products (34.9%) were the leading cause of ingestion followed by kerosene oil (25.6%), organophosphorous (16.3%), alkali (9.3%) and acid (7%). Regarding the outcome of these cases, 29 were admitted, 7 were discharged and 7 patients left against medical advice.

CONCLUSION

In our study, a small percentage of children presented with acute poisoning. Pharmacologic agents were a common source of poisoning in children. There is a need to further study and identify risk factors of acute poisoning in children.