Evaluation of Poisoning Cases Presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department

Authors : İlknur KABA, Samet Can DEMİRBAŞ, Havva Nur Peltek KENDİRCİ

Pages : 513-7

Doi:10.37990/medr.1298737

View : 40 | Download : 49

Publication Date : 2023-09-18

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: Poisoning in the pediatric population often results in numerous visits to emergency services. The purpose of our study is to conduct a retrospective analysis of the demographic and epidemiological characteristics, clinical progression, laboratory findings, and prognosis of patients who presented to the pediatric emergency outpatient clinic due to poisoning. Material and Methods: The clinical and laboratory features of patients who presented to our hospital\`s emergency department due to poisoning between March 2019 and March 2020 were retrospectively examined. Statistical analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows 22.0 software. Results: The mean age of the 624 cases who presented to the pediatric emergency department due to poisoning over a one-year period was 7.9±6.2 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.0-18.0); years, with 49.8% of them being female insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=311);. It was found that the cause of poisoning in 14.6% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=91); of the cases was a suicide attempt. Drug intoxications accounted for 54.3% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=339); of all cases, of which 77% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=261); involved a single drug and 23% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=78); involved multiple drug consumption. 79.3% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=495); of the patients, who had an admission time to hospital of 1.3±0.6 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.0-4.0); hours, were asymptomatic upon arrival, and 71.5% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=446); were admitted for hospitalization. 28.5% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=178); were treated on an outpatient basis. 35.3% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=157); of the hospitalized patients required monitoring in the intensive care unit. The mean hospital stay was determined to be 2.4±1.1 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.0-11.0); days. Conclusion: Drugs, especially analgesics, are the most frequent cause of poisoning in childhood. The most appropriate strategy for poisoning will be to enact preventive measures, increase societal awareness, and ensure that diagnosis and treatment are swiftly and effectively implemented.
Keywords : poisoning, child, emergency room