Hydrocarbon poisoning in children in Hilla, Iraq

Abstract EN

Objective:Accidental hydrocarbon ingestion is the most common form of acute childhood poisoning in most developing countries.

There are few published studies from Iraq on this subject.

This study was conducted to document this problem among children in Hilla, Iraq. Methods: The study is a prospective hospital-based study of 1672 cases of hydrocarbon poisoning which were admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) of Babylon Maternity and Children's Hospital from October 2002 to October 2005. Results: Of the 1672 patients with hydrocarbon poisoning, 1583 (94.6%) were identified as cases of kerosene poisoning.

There was a male preponderance.

The age group mostly affected was one to three years (72%).

More patients were seen in autumn and early winter months.

Children from the lower socio-economic groups and overcrowded living conditions were affected more.

The majority of families had stored the hydrocarbon substances in household containers inside the home.

The death rate was low (< 0.5%). Conclusion: Hydrocarbon poisoning is a common problem in Iraq, and there is a need to provide health education for parents in order to increase their awareness of this danger and to reduce the risk of poisoning among children.