Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Poisoning has been an important role in avoidable morbidity and mortality of childhood emergency diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics in childhood poisoning cases.

METHODS

Poisoning cases (n: 216) aged between 1 month- 17 years (mean: 69,33±60,34 months) who applied to pediatric emergency unit of Dr. Behçet Uz Children Hospital between January 2012- December 2012 were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were 216 intoxication cases (8%) consisted of 2641 cases who applied to emergency unit for observation during one year period. 59.3% of cases were girls, 40.7% were boys. The highest proportion poisoning was in the 2-5 years of age group (52.8%) and pharmaceutical agents were the most commonly ingested agents in this age group. Of the poisoning cases, 21% were suicidal and 79% were accidental. When evaluated according to the season, 31.1% of the patients presented in atumn, 26.7% in the summer, 22.2% in the winter, 20% in the spring. There was no report of mortality in these 216 cases.

CONCLUSION

It is important to determine the poisoning characteristics of our region to undertake preventive measures.