Patterns of accidental poisoning in kerbala teaching hospital for children

Abstract EN

Accidental poisoning in children is a potential source of morbidity and mortality all over the world.

The patterns of poisoning are usually differ from country to country and from province to another within the same country.

The shortage of publications on this subject in Iraq necessitated this study, to determine the pattern of accidental poisoning in children in Karbala Teaching Hospital for Children, Karbala.

The medical records of children 12 years and below who were admitted to the hospital for the period from the 1st of January to the 31st of December 2005 were retrospectively reviewed for relevant data.

175 cases of accidental poisoning was admitted to the hospital during the study period, representing (1.1 %) of total hospital admissions.

137 (78.3 of the children were from Karbala city, and only 38 (21.7 %) children were from the surrounding regions.

The age group mostly affected was 1 to 3 years (70.9%).

poisoning with Kerosene was the commonest type (76%) followed by drugs (11.4%).

There were clear seasonal variations and most cases were admitted during the summer and autumn months (61.1%).

No deaths were reported.

The results were presented and compared with previous studies in other parts of the country and the world.

Continuous education of parents and caregivers of young children is recommended, as this would help to reduce the chances and complications of accidental poisoning.