Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Poisoning: A 20-Year Retrospective Analysis with Literature Review
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Abstract
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the demographic characteristics, types of poisoning, exposure routes, clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes of pediatric patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department for poisoning.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 467 pediatric poisoning cases presenting to a tertiary hospital pediatric emergency department. Food poisoning cases were excluded. Data were collected from emergency department records.
Results: Of 467 cases, 240 (51.4%) were male and 227 (48.6%) were female, with a mean age of 5.4±4.6 years. The 1-5 age group had the highest incidence (58.2%). In the 0-1 age group, there were 26 cases (5.57%), 272 cases (58.24%) in the 1-5 age group, 96 cases (20.56%) in the 6-10 age group, and 73 cases (15.63%) in the >10 age group. Intentional poisoning occurred in 5.4%, predominantly in females aged >10 years (18/25, 72%). Common toxic agents were medications (37.5%), carbon monoxide (28.9%), and corrosives (23.6%). Most patients (255, 54.6%) presented within 2 hours of exposure. Gastric lavage was performed in 210 cases (45.0%), activated charcoal was administered to 218 cases (46.7%), and antidotes were given to 16 cases (3.4%). One fatality occurred (0.2% mortality rate) due to tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
Conclusions: Pediatric poisoning predominantly affects children aged 1-5 years, with medications being the leading cause. Early presentation resulted in low mortality (0.2%). While our historical data provides valuable baseline information, continuous surveillance and adaptive prevention strategies remain essential for addressing evolving poisoning patterns in pediatric populations.
