Pattern of acute poisoning in children

Abstract EN

This is a retrospective study of cases of childhood poisoning attending the paediatric emergency unit in Basrah province from January 2010 to January 2011.

One hundred and fifty one cases of children aged 12 years and below, cases due to acute poisoning were analysed, the majority of cases were aged between 1-5 years 71.5 %, the male to female ratio was 1.3 : 1, the most common toxicities occurred by ingestion of kerosene 47.01 %, medications 35.09 %, organophosphrus 9.95 %, House items 5.97 %, Co poisoning 1.98 %.

There were seasonal variations of poisoning events with a high frequency in spring 30.46 %, and in summer 29.80 %.

on admission 85 % of patients were complaining from mild to moderate symptoms, and 15 % had severe symptoms.

No fatalities occur during the study period.