Evaluation of etiological factors in childhood poisonings

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify regional, familial, socioeconomic and economic characteristics of intoxications and investigate the factors that may facilitate such intoxications.

Method: 318 poisoning cases aged between 1 month-17 years (44±18 months on average) who were taken to the Pediatric Emergency Service of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine were evaluated retrospectively.

Results: The ratio of poisoning cases to all pediatric emergency admissions was 5.1%. 65.1% of the cases were males, and the ratio of males to females was 1.8:1. Of the poisoning agents, 66% (n: 210) were pharmacologic and 34% (n: 108) were non-pharmacologic agents. The highest rate of poisoning was in the 25 months-5 years of age group (75.2%), and the most common poisoning agents were drugs. When evaluated by seasons, 40.3% of the patients referred to the hospital in the summer, 25.2% in the spring, 18.2% in the winter and 16.4% in the autumn. It was determined that 66.2% of the poisoning cases occurred at home and 33.8% occurred outside home. Of the poisoning cases, 7.9% were due to suicide, %11.3 were due to ignorance, %69.2 were accidental, %0.6 were iatrogenic, %0.6  were due to addiction, %0.3 were due to exposure, %1.6 due to adverse effects and %6.3 were due to other reasons. It was determined that accidental intake of drugs was the most common poisoning agent in our region.

Conclusion: This study will contribute significantly in determining the poisoning profile of the region, raising awareness of healthcare personnel and the society and taking preventive measures.