Patterns of acute poisoning among pediatric patients at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi between 2014 and 2017

Abstract

Occurrences of poisoning continue to be reported in Kenya as well as in different parts of the world. Poisoning often occurs due to accidental or deliberate intake of an overdose of chemicals, medical drugs as well as plant or animal toxins. We investigated the recent patterns and extent of acute poisoning, complications and outcomes among pediatric patients treated in Kenyatta National Hospital. A crosssectional retrospective study was conducted in the Pediatric Department. Data was collected from 142 files of pediatric patients aged 0-12 years old for the period 1^st January 2014 - 30^th June 2017. Data collected included age of the patient, gender, type of poison, circumstances of poisoning, clinical presentation, severity, management and outcomes. Results obtained indicated that the age group most affected was 0-5 years old and that males were more affected than females. Poisoning was mostly attributed to accidental intake. Kerosene, organophosphates and herbal drugs were the leading causative agents. It was found that 32.4% of the patients died from various complications arising from poisoning.

Keywords: Poisoning, pediatric patients, Kenyatta National Hospital, kerosene, organophosphates, herbal drugs