Acute Drug Poisoning among Children Attending a Pediatric Emergency Department in Tishreen University Hospital

International Journal of Medical Science

© 2024 by SSRG - IJMS Journal

Volume 11 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2024

Authors : Layal Issa, Souad Sakkour

10.14445/23939117/IJMS-V11I2P101

How to Cite?

Layal Issa, Souad Sakkour, "Acute Drug Poisoning among Children Attending a Pediatric Emergency Department in Tishreen University Hospital," SSRG International Journal of Medical Science, vol. 11,  no. 2, pp. 1-5, 2024. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939117/IJMS-V11I2P101

Abstract:

Background: Poisoning poses a significant challenge to public health, ranking among the foremost contributors to worldwide mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Objective: This study aims to assess the incidence of pharmacological poisoning in pediatric patients, along with the eventual outcomes observed. Materials and Methods: A one-year crosssectional descriptive-analytical investigation was carried out from January 2022 to December 2022 at Tishreen University Hospital located in Lattakia, Syria. The study included all children attending emergency departments that care for children with a history of acute poisoning by drugs. Results: 228 children were analyzed, with 105 (46.1%) diagnosed with acute drug poisoning. The mean age was 3.24±2.1 years, and the most common age group was 1-4 years (81.9%). Males accounted for 49.5% of the sample, and females 50.5%. Respiratory drugs were the most frequently involved (21%), followed by psychotropic drugs (17.1%) and cardiovascular drugs (10.5%). Most cases (93.3%) were unintentional, with 39% occurring in the morning. Gastrointestinal ingestion was common (95.2%), with half during the winter and minimal parental intervention (90.5%). Circulatory and neurological symptoms were prevalent on admission (13.3% and 11.4%, respectively). Conclusion: There is an important prevalence of unintentional poisoning in the targeted health center, so taking prevention strategies for poisoning is considered crucial to improving the final outcome.

Keywords:

Children, Pharmacological, Poisoning, Prevalence, Syria.

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