The pattern and outcome of poisoning among children admitted to Sohag University Hospitals

Abstract

Introduction: poisoning is a major health problem among children that are affected by many factors. Each year a large number of children presented to hospitals with poisoning by different agents such as household products, over-the-counter medications, and others. This study aims to outline the pattern and outcome of poisoning cases among patients less than 18 years admitted to Sohag University Hospitals to find statistical relationships between children's toxicity and different factors and to start using a database for toxic cases in Sohag University Hospitals. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 91 acutely poisoned patients by different agents aged from 0 to 18 years old, who were admitted to Sohag University Hospitals in the period from October 2013 to September 20214. Data including sociodemographic data, causative agents, mode and route of poisoning, the delay time of presentation, and outcome. Results: among 91 children who presented with toxicity, toddlers and adolescents were the most affected (38.46 & 37.36 %). Females were more than males(61.54%). Accidental poisoning and oral route were the commonest mode and routes of poisoning respectively (71.43, 92.31 %). Pesticides were the commonest agent and most cases presented within 6 hours after poisoning. 52% of cases were discharged after 6 hours without complications and the mortality rate was 2.2%. Delay time and duration of hospitalization were factors that affected the outcome. Conclusion: childhood poisoning is a common problem that is affected by many factors so aware of them and their parents and preventive measures should be taken to decrease its occurrence.