ABSTRACT

Epidemiologically, causes of poisoning may vary with socio-economic and cultural features, geographical areas, gender, age and seasons. The aim of this study was to investigate epidemiological features, courses and changes in causes of poisoning cases.

This is a retrospective review of 339 cases of poisoning aged 18 years or younger and presenting to the Emergency Department of Çukurova University hospital between 13 December 2010 and 30 January 2013. Age, gender and causes and results of poisoning were recorded. Cases of food poisoning and insect, snake and bites were excluded. Data were analyzed with SPSS 17.

The study consist of 13.12.2010-30.01.2013, admitted to our pediatric emergency department between 0-18 ages, 29.940 patients 339(1.1%) of the cause of poisoning. Considering all age groups, the most common poisoning agents were drugs (%63.1) and multidrug intake (%22.9) was in the first place followed by amitriptyline (%13.5) and paracetamol (%12.6). The most frequent reason for intoxication was paracetamol was taken by accident while suicide was the most common reason for multiple drug intake. The mortality rate was 0.58%.

With toxicological advances, epidemiological evaluations of poisonings and determination of changes in their causes have become important in prevention and treatment. An appropriate clinical approach alone cannot be sufficient to prevent unfavorable results of poisoning. Therefore, appropriate education programs and a safe environment are necessary to prevent deliberate and incidental poisonings.

Keywords: Pediatric emergency, poisoning, epidemiology