Abstract:

Introduction: Childhood poisoning has an important place among childhood health problems. Poisoning cases globally make up about 7% of accidents in children under 5 years and are the cause of 2% of child deaths in developed countries and of more than 5% in developing countries.   Material and methods: The data of 607 children presenting at the Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Child Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007 with poisoning were evaluated in this descriptive study.   Results: The study included 328 (54%) males and 279 (46%) females. The mean age was 4.13±1.53 years. Poisoning was most commonly seen in the 2-3 years age group (n=144, 23.7%). The cases most frequently presented in May. The poisoning was accidental in 580 (95.6%) and for a suicide attempt in 27 (4.4%). The poisoning agent was agricultural-industrial products in 338 (55.7%), drugs in 193 (31.2%), food products in 48 (7.9%), carbon monoxide in 23 (3.8%), animal bites in 2 (0.32%) and unknown in 3 (0.5%). Drugs affecting the central nervous system made up the largest group among the medications causing poisoning (29.5%). Treatment was with hospitalization in 60% of the patients. One case followed-up for drug intoxication died.   Conclusion: Most poisoning cases are in the smaller age groups and in males and usually due to accidental ingestion. The best approach would therefore be to increase protective measures. Poisoning due to cleaning agents and drugs is common, requiring these substances to be produced in containers with childproof caps and kept in safe places. The families should also be educated about avoiding keeping cleaning agents in food containers. Psychological support should be provided for adolescents with risky behavior.

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