Poornima Shankar1, Srividya G. S2
BACKGROUND
Accidents including poisoning are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in the west. Poisoning, while never accounting for a large number of accidental deaths, have acquired prominence now because they have not decreased at the same rate as the infectious diseases.
METHODS
An observational study was done in Department of Paediatrics KIMS Bangalore to know the incidence and pattern of childhood poisoning, to know the morbidity and mortality resulting from childhood poisoning. 86 children aged between 0-18 years were admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit with history of poisoning during the 2-year period of the study (Nov 13-Nov 15) were included. Diagnosis of poisoning was made on the basis of history and examination findings, Relevant investigations were done and Profile of patients with poisoning, their symptoms, type of poisoning and outcome were analysed.
RESULTS
The average duration of stay in the hospital was 2.7 days. Poisoning was accidental in 80 (93%) patients whereas suicidal intent was present in only 6 (7%) patients. Total 5 (5.8%) patients died of which 4 were due to insecticide and pesticide poisoning and one was due to kerosene poisoning.
CONCLUSION
In the present study the probable reason for higher incidence of poisoning by insecticides & pesticides could be the involvement of higher age group and more involvement of adolescent children.
