Publication:

Clinical profile and outcome of poisoning in pediatric age group at a tertiary care teaching hospital, Mandya, Karnataka, India

Background Poisoning causes considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most of the poisoning in children is accidental and most cases are preventable. The profile and outcome of poisoned patients vary from place to place. Objective was to study the profile and outcome of poisoning in Pediatric age group.

Methods A 2 year retrospective study of Pediatric poisoning cases at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya from August 2013 to July 2015 was conducted; data was collected in predesigned proforma and analyzed.

Results Poisoning patients constituted 5.667% of all Pediatric admission, Male: Female ratio was 1.24: 1, 157 (62.06%) were from rural area, 139 (54.94%) of children were of the age 1- 4 years. Most of poisoning happened in home environment (n= 216, 85.38%), majority were accidental poisoning (n= 217, 85.77%), kerosene (n= 89, 35.18%) was the most common compound responsible for poisoning, followed by drugs (n= 38, 15.02%). 142 (56.13%) children were discharged within 24 hours of admission, overall survival rate noted in the study is 98.81% (n= 250).

Conclusions Incidence of poisoning in Pediatric age has remained same. Kerosene, drugs and pesticides continue to be leading causes of poisoning. Child under the age of <5 years are most vulnerable. Following measures may help in reduction of Pediatric poisoning: educating the parents, storage of poisonous substances at a safe place and their proper disposal, providing basic health education to children.