Evaluation of poisoning cases admitted to pediatric emergency department

BACKGROUND: Every year, more than one million children lose their lives due to preventable accidents. Poisoning is the most common among these accidents. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of poisoning cases referred to the pediatric emergency department. METHODS: The cases (0-18 years old) related to complaints of intoxication in the pediatric emergency department between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017, were examined retrospectively. RESULTS: The study included 453 patients, with 202 (46.4%) female and 233 (53.6%) male patients. The mean age of the patients was 51.12 months. The most frequent poisoning agents were 211 (46.6%) household cleaning products and 172 (38%) drugs. When the mechanism of poisoning was examined, it was determined that 377 (83.2%) cases were accidental and 47 (10.4%) cases were suicide attempts. It was observed that 286 (45.8%) items were not in original packaging and 95% of those in original packaging were not locked. CONCLUSION: To avoid childhood poisoning that may have widespread and serious consequences, the poisonous products should be sold with locked covers and kept in places where children cannot reach them.