Accidental poisoning in children at Prince Rashid Ben Al-Hassan Military Hospital

Abstract EN

Objective : To investigate the pattern of accidental poisoning in children at one of the military hospitals of the Royal Medical Services.

Methods : During a 12-month period (January to December 1999), the medical records of the admitted children to the pediatric ward at Prince Rashid Ben Al-Hassan Military Hospital were reviewed.

Diagnosis was made principally on the basis of detailed history and physical examination.

Results : The total number of hospital admissions during the study period was 3070 children.

Ingestion of potentially toxic substances was seen in 141 children.

Hydrocarbons were the most frequent ingested substances (31 %).

There were no deaths.

Conclusion : Poisoning is an important cause of morbidity in children.

Prevention should involve a multidisciplinary approach since the phenomenon has multiple causes and possible solutions.