[Epidemiologic study of accidental poisoning cases treated at a pediatric hospital].

A prospective study, by epidemiological survey, was carried out in the 447 children with acute poisoning attended in our hospital between February 1, 1990 and January 31, 1991. All data was processed to analyze the possible associations that would help to better understand the factors that take part in poisoning. We observed a predominance in male infants, with a greater incidence between two and three years of age, and the accidents occurred almost exclusively at home, mainly in the kitchen or bedroom. The child is often not adequately watched and the toxic elements are usually within easy access. There was neither a seasonal nor daily predominance. We noticed an hourly predominance with most accidents occurring between 12 a.m. and 4 p.m. Drugs are the most common agents, followed by household cleaning products. Morbidity was scarce and there was no mortality.